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The Legacy has consistently earned top scores in government and insurance industry crash tests

2012 Subaru Legacy: Powerful, Roomy, Refined


By Guest Column ——--October 13, 2011

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TORONTO, - With a slightly revised model lineup, the award-winning Subaru Legacy enters the 2012 model year with a choice of models designed to provide drivers and families with the features they want in a package that combines nimble handling and industry-leading safety with exceptional value.
Named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Best Midsize Car in the Automotive Lease Guide Canadian Residual Value Awards, Legacy offers a choice of models that includes the 2.5i, 2.5i Convenience Package (with PZEV option), 2.5i Touring Package, 2.5i Limited Package with Multimedia, turbocharged 2.5GT, and the 6-cylinder Legacy 3.6R Limited Package with Multimedia. New equipment for 2012 includes:
  • In the new Touring Package (replacing last year's Sport Package): new dual-zone automatic climate control, six speakers for the audio system, and integrated steering-wheel controls for the Bluetooth® voice-activated hands-free cell connectivity and fog lights.
  • In the 2.5i Limited Package with Multimedia: new Pioneer® AVIC in-dash touchscreen navigation, smartphone integration, AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA/DVD/DivX® Bluetooth streaming audio, Bluetooth hands-free system with steering wheel-integrated controls, and a Pioneer premium 6-speaker system.

In the Legacy 3.6R Limited Package with Multimedia (which replaces the 3.6R and 3.6R Limited): Pioneer AVIC in-dash touchscreen navigation, smartphone integration, AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA/DVD/DivX, Bluetooth streaming audio, Bluetooth hands-free system with steering wheel-integrated controls, Pioneer premium 6-speaker system. The 170-horsepower Legacy 2.5i and 2.5i Touring Package can be fitted with either a 6-speed manual transmission (6MT) or a CVT; the 2.5i Convenience Package uses Subaru's advanced Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with paddle shift controls. The Legacy 2.5GT features a turbocharged 265-horsepower powerplant with 6-speed manual transmission. And the 256-horsepower 6-cylinder 3.6R Limited Package with Multimedia gets a 5-speed Electronic Direct Control Automatic Transmission with Manual Mode (5EAT), blipping control and paddle shift controls. Like all Subaru models, every Legacy is equipped with symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive, an invaluable performance- and safety-enhancing system that sets Legacy apart among midsize sedans. All-wheel drive is rare in the midsize segment, and only Subaru makes it standard on every model in the 2012 lineup.

Besting Midsize Benchmarks

The long wheelbase and wide track put Legacy squarely in the midsize segment while retaining a taut, highly maneuverable package. Legacy offers more total passenger room (2.92 cubic metres or 103 cu. ft. for the 2.5i models and 2.83 cubic metres for the GT and 3.6 models) with more hip, shoulder, and head room than many competitors as well as a large trunk (.415 cubic metres or 14.7 cu. ft.). By itself, achieving a large trunk is significant, since the Legacy's AWD layout requires packaging a rear differential and drive axles.

Confident, Agile Handling and Safety for any Road … or any Weather

All Legacy models are equipped with Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), which combines stability and traction control. Every Legacy is also equipped with standard 4-wheel disc brakes with Subaru's 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.

Comfort and Convenience in All Models

Standard comfort and available amenities for the Legacy 2.5i include steering wheel audio control buttons, electronic parking brake, automatic headlights, and an overhead console with a holder for sunglasses. The driver-selectable Hill Holder System holds the vehicle in place on grades greater than 5 percent until the driver applies the throttle to pull away from a stop. The turbocharged 2.5GT offers performance enhancements such as twin steel-tipped exhaust pipes, Bridgestone Potenza Summer Performance tires on 18-inch 15-spoke alloy wheels as well as amenities such as a power sunroof, leather seating surfaces, 4-way power front passenger seat, premium harman/kardon® audio system, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector.

Three Levels of Engine Performance

Legacy offers three levels of performance. The Legacy 2.5i is powered by a 170-horsepower 2.5-litre 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine with a standard 6-speed manual transmission. The Lineartronic® CVT (continuously variable transmission) with Manual Mode is optional on the 2.5i and the Touring models and standard on the Convenience and Limited Packages. Both transmissions help to improve acceleration, response, and fuel economy. Legacy 2.5i models equipped with the CVT transmission offer an outstanding 9.1 L/100 km city, 6.4 L/100 km highway fuel economy rating. PZEV (Partial Zero Emission Vehicle) technology is available on the 2.5i Convenience Package with Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission. The Legacy 2.5GT is powered by a 265-horsepower turbocharged/intercooled SUBARU BOXER engine. This high-performance turbocharged engine is mated with a 6-speed manual transmission. Designed for the discerning enthusiast, the Legacy 2.5GT is equipped to challenge some of the best names in the sport sedan field. The Legacy 3.6R Limited Package with Multimedia offers a sophisticated blend of performance and comfort, powered by a 256-horsepower 3.6-litre 6-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine that uses regular fuel. It's matched to a 5-speed electronic automatic transmission with Manual Mode and blipping control for smooth downshifts.

Subaru's Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Subaru has adopted a chain-type CVT, the world's first longitudinally mounted CVT system for AWD production vehicles. Unlike a conventional automatic transmission, which uses fixed gear ratios, a CVT provides infinite variability between the lowest and highest available ratios with no discernable steps or shifts. The CVT continuously and smoothly adapts to performance demand, helping to keep the engine in its most efficient operating range for improved fuel economy and performance. Because a CVT does not shift gears, the driver enjoys smoother performance in all driving situations. The selectable Manual Mode of the Lineartronic CVT uses six pre-selected ratios to allow the driver to "shift" manually using steering wheel paddle controls.

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive - The Subaru Advantage

Subaru offers three different symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive systems in the 2012 Legacy lineup - Continuous, Active Torque Split, and Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) - each tailored to the engine and type of transmission. In all Legacy models equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission, the Continuous AWD system uses a viscous-coupling limited slip centre differential to distribute power 50/50 front to rear. Legacy 2.5i models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT use the Active Torque Split version of Subaru symmetrical full-time AWD. An electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch actively controls power distribution in response to driving conditions. Slippage at either set of wheels will send more power to the opposite set. The Legacy 3.6R Limited Package with Multimedia exclusively features advanced Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) All-Wheel Drive with a 5-speed automatic transmission. A planetary centre differential works with an electronically controlled continuously variable hydraulic transfer clutch to manage power distribution. The VTD system normally sends more power to the rear wheels to enhance handling agility, and it continuously adjusts power distribution in response to driving and road conditions.

The Subaru Safety Story

The Legacy, like all Subaru models, has consistently earned top scores in government and insurance industry crash tests. Subaru's advanced ring-shaped frame reinforcement safety structure, proven over a decade in all Subaru models, forms the foundation for crash protection and occupant safety. Legacy's standard equipment includes front seat-mounted side impact air bags and side curtain air bags that offer head protection for front and rear occupants. Legacy models are also equipped with the Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbag System. This intelligent air bag system employs dual-stage-deployment driver and front passenger air bags. The passenger side front seat incorporates an occupant detection module that classifies the seat as empty or the occupant as an adult or infant/child to control the force of air bag deployment.

About Subaru Canada, Inc.

Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of over 85 authorized dealers across Canada. For more information on all Subaru models, including complete specifications, please go to Link.

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