Advantages: Original, refined, handling and ride, reliability, dealers Disadvantages: Highish CO2 rating
as tough as old boots, a proper car.
Now, finally, with apologies to those amongst you bored with the preamble, to the subject of this review: the latest SUBARULEGACY2.5 SE TOURER.
It shares very much the same ingredients with the original "moors" car and the one driven several years ago, but GM (owners of this slightly eccentric Japanese marque) have applied the top gloss in terms of fit and finish and perceived quality. Indeed the old grey "tweed" upholstery has been replaced by superb half leather / alcantara, the dashboard is now attractive to look at - if a little "Eurobland" with its aluminium strips and flaps over the stereo.
The car that we drove also had a huge panoramic sun roof which split in the middle. Personally I would have done without this particular option as all it served to do was create extra wind noise ...
I bought my SubaruOutback in March 1998. All good things must come to an end and this is my retrospective of those three years of ownership. I have to admit that I am a dedicated Subaru owner (but I guess you either are or you aren?t). I had two Legacy estates and two GX estates prior to this ? some 20 years with the same marque overall.
The Outback was introduced into the UK a year or so before it arrived in the US. This is the Japanese built right hand drive model and is imported on a very strict quota system. Consequently the Outback has always been in limited supply and is something of a curiosity on the road. I chose the automatic transmission option.
So, why did I buy it? I have loved both previous Legacy Estates. The Outback just added a certain ?something?. The styling is bold, manly and distinctive with its upright ...
Advantages: Ride quality, AWD, road clearance/height, visibility, station wagon 5 door Disadvantages: Cockpit convenience design eg cup holder positions, lack of cubbyholes
I have had this car for a year now, I live in the country on the Canadian Prairies and have therefore had the opportunity to put it through it's paces. I am also a past off-roader with experience with SUVs and old Land Rovers, as well as many other kinds of vehicle.
The very best part of this vehicle is the "ride"; the best single word I have for it's performance on many difference surfaces such as gravel, snow, ice, sand as well as "blacktop" is GRACEFUL. Eg. on gravel it takes a lot to pull it around on the road compared to ordinary vehicles or part time 4*4s.
The higher ground clearnce as compared to the Legacy and other standard cars gives the opportunity to explore a bit down tracks and trails you would otherwise not do even with AWD. It is also useful when the roads have not been cleared after a snowfall. Being ...
