Overview:
This week my ride is the 2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium. The first thing that strikes me in this car is that “yes we can” have a car that is spacious, has power enough and yet gets an average of 30 mpg. Yep, the top end highway mpg is 36. Now that’s what I’m talking about.
Opinion:
The Yes We Can is not in reference to Obama’s charge to election, this is the REAL world where “WE DID THAT” as a result of American Ingenuity at work to build things without the interference of a government who has the audacity to imply Government Did That. American Entrepreneurs built the economies of the free world and don’t you forget it. Apparently those in government did forget it.
General Information:
It is assembled in // n/a. Classification is Midsize. Cars from Subaru: BRZ, Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Outback, Tribeca, WRX, XV Crosstrek.
Handling & Performance:
No complaints on this Legacy as to performance. You won’t do 0-60 in 5 seconds but you will have all you need for normal driving. You will be tempted to have a heavier foot on the throttle because you won’t be draining the tank as quickly as in other competitors.
Styling:
Someone was commenting to me that all cars look the same these days. I recall my grandmother’s visit from the Old Italian area of Massachusetts to California where we had moved in search of a different life. She took the train as most did in those days, and she was overwhelmed by the hustle bustle of our new home. Then she saw a Studebaker of the day and was convinced that Californian’s were strange people. Look at the cars they drove that were designed so you couldn’t tell whether they were coming or going. I guess Studebaker hadn’t reached Massachusetts yet.
The point of my little story is that cars were designed by people back then in contrast to designs today that are put through the ‘clone’ machine of CAD (computer aided design) software that uses efficiency designing so they are aerodynamic to improve fuel economy for example. Ever see an airplane design that wasn’t aerodynamic? Some cars however are box-like, but they are the exception and more a departure for ‘shock effect’. But the overwhelming designs DO in fact make them all look alike because the majority of folks want those designs and more importantly they are demanding better fuel economy. When gas prices go to $10 a gallon there won’t be a boxy car on the road.
Fit and Finish:
Very good.
Cost:
Not bad considering what you are getting for the money. The features include a lot of futuristic assists that are leading to cars that drive you rather than the other way around.
Conveniences and comfort:
Subaru boasts ‘extensive quietening revisions to include acoustic windshield and liquid filled engine mounts.
Acoustic windshield seeks to cut interior noise while reducing weight. The liquid filled engine mounts are used to absorb vibration primarily while the engine is at idle when the engine doesn’t run as smoothly. Things like this are employed to make your ride more comfortable, quieter and more efficient to operate.
Features that ring my bell include adaptive cruise control with pre-collision braking and I also look for “blind spot” sensing (available as an option on this Subaru) which is extremely useful. I also find lane departure warning interesting and is another crutch to keep you attentive to ‘driving’ and not all the other distractions we’re inclined to. With adaptive cruise you can literally take your foot off the accelerator and watch the car come to a complete stop in traffic and start up when cars in front begin to move. All such technology makes your drive more comfortable and less stressful. There is a comfort and calmness to the driving experience that is provided by a smart car that has your back, so to speak. If you get distracted and the traffic stops suddenly pre-collision braking will save your butt.
Consumer Recommendation:
I have tested all the competition (except Ford and Toyota) and Subaru has over the years been a consistent performer. I like the AWD standard on all Subaru’s and the silence is deafening when it comes to the horror stories of maintenance typical of some cars. My experience of owning an automotive repair facility for many years gives me a good feeling about Subaru products due mostly to the fact they were absent from our shop. Look around and they are on the road and not in the shop. We did see a lot of BMW’s, Mercedes, Audi, Jaguar and the like but I can’t remember Subaru. To me that is a very good thing. Today there are new kids on the block so consider Hyundai and Kia in your search. But the entire list below deserves your consideration as well.
Recognized Competition:
Subaru Legacy $23,000, Audi A3 $30,000, Buick LaCrosse $33,000, Chevrolet Cruze $24,000, Chrusler 300 $31,000, Dodge Charger $27,000, Honda Accord Sedan $28,000, Hyundai Sonata $21,000, Kia Optima $22,000, Mazda 6 $25,000, Mitsubishi Lancer $20,000, Nissan Altima $28,000, Volkswagen Jetta $26,000.
Good News:
Nice ride, powerful, spacious, nice features and great fuel economy.
Bad News:
If I think of something I will tell you.
Standard Equipment:
2.5 liter 175 horsepower (Boxer) H-4 cylinder engine, symetrical all wheel drive CVT 6-speed automatic tranmission, 8 airbags, 17” alloy wheels, 10-way power driver seat, dual zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, windshield wiper deicer, leather wrapped steering wheel, fog lights, 7” touch screen display with multi-touch control swipe, scrolling gesture control, voice activated controls, serius XM, SMS text messaging, iTunes tagging and dual USB ports, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, vehicle lane departure warning, new infotainment includes standard touch screen display with high resolution backup camera.
Options: you can add moonroof, navigation, blindspot detection and rear cross traffic alert for $2,890.
Gas Stats:
$3.77/ Gal avg. August 12, 2014
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.
26 City and 36 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $23,495