This feed contains the latest All feed items for the SUBARU LEGACY model. http://www.motortorque.com/ Copyright 2013 MotorTorque All Rights Reserved. Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss Automotive Website Framework Engine (2.9.1208.1803) The Subaru BRZ will go head-to-head with its Toyota GT86 sibling, after Subaru announced that the BRZ would sell from just under £25,000. The new BRZ coupe will go on sale in the summer with a starting price of £24,995 and will be available from launch with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine. Many expected the Subaru to go on sale at a slightly steeper asking price, reflecting Subaru's heritage in motorsport and established following among sports car owners. The BRZ's 2.0-litre powertrain produces 197bhp and is available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shift operation. An automatic gearbox costs an additional £1,500. There are two trim levels available: SE and SE Lux. Both models feature 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry with push-button engine start and a torque-sensing limited slip differential, which adapts the slip differential depending on how much torque is present, giving it more responsive handling. Both models also feature automatic air conditioning; leather trimmed steering wheel, cruise control and a six speaker audio system with iPod compatibility. The SE Lux trim offers heated leather seats, which is its only unique feature. The SE Lux trim starts from £26,495. Optional extras include satellite navigation for £1,000 and special paint finishes for £500. Each Subaru BRZ model is available with Subaru's ETCo aftercare, which includes first MOT cover, minor dent and scratch repair, annual wheel alignment check and winter tyre storage. The Subaru BRZ uses the same engine and transmission as the Toyota coupe - the two models where built side by side at Subaru's Gunma plant in Japan. Almost everything is identically the same with the BRZ and the GT86, even the price. However, their front ends are slightly different as the GT86's front bumper leans into the car slightly, giving its front end a sense of depth. Although the Subaru BRZ is set for release in summer this year, there are rumours that a more basic S model of the BRZ is set for a 2013 release. Subaru BRZ prices range from £24,995 to £27,995. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/subaru-pitches-brz-at-toyota-gt86-18394.aspx Richard Bush Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT The new model is expected to be slightly akin to the exterior styling of the STI concept car that was originally unveiled at the Los Angeles Motor Show last year. In an interview with Auto Express, Atoshi Atake, Subaru's global marketing manager, said that the STI model will use a more powerful version of the 2.0-litre flat-four cylinder powertrain featured on the standard BRZ model, increasing its power output from 197bhp to around 250bhp. Atake said that there is definitely room for improvement in terms of rev count, which is expected to be increased to around 7,500rpm from 7,000 rpm. However, the powertrain will not be turbocharged due to lack of space near the front engine for an intercooler and because Subaru wants to keep turbocharging unique to models like the WRX STI. Subaru has also said that turbocharging is being kept separate from the BRZ STI as it would make it too heavy, overshadowing the fact that attention has been paid to potentially making it lighter with a carbon fibre roof and bonnet. In terms 'performance driving' the BRZ STI could succumb to stiffened and lowered suspension, a new sport body kit, 18" alloy wheels and brake upgrades. The Subaru BRZ is on sale in the UK in June. UK pricing has not yet been announced, but it is expected to cost less than £25,000. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/subaru-brz-sti-rumoured-17949.aspx Richard Bush Thu, 29 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT 163bhp 2.0-litre model has low-down torque and power, while the 3-litre V6 has 242bhp and is smooth, responsive and fast. Auto box dents performance, as is the case with the saloon variant, too. http://www.motortorque.com/research/a-to-z/2012-03/subaru-legacy-saloon-8383.aspx Robin Brown Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:35:21 GMT Emissions and fuel economy figures are poor on the Legacy with the 135bhp 2.0-litre petrol unit returning a range high 37mpg and emitting 182g/km. It’s too high for what’s an average saloon. http://www.motortorque.com/research/a-to-z/2012-03/subaru-legacy-saloon-8382.aspx Robin Brown Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:35:21 GMT The 2.0-litre diesel is by far the best in this category, with a recorded fuel economy of 50mph and CO2 emission at just 148g/km. The petrol engines however are thirsty and unclean, particularly the 3.0-litre unit with manual transmission which has a fuel economy of just 23mpg and emits a whopping 286g/km. http://www.motortorque.com/research/a-to-z/2012-03/subaru-legacy-saloon-8381.aspx Robin Brown Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:35:20 GMT Subaru’s Legacy Tourer estate model has been given a number of updates ahead of its 2012 re-launch. There are five new engines available with the new Legacy, including three 2.0-litre diesels and two 2.5-litre petrol units. All diesel models in the new Legacy line-up have sub 160g/km emissions; with the most economical diesel being the next-generation Boxer 2.0-litre on the entry level trim, emitting 149g/km. The petrol variants however peak with CO2 emissions of 196g/km.The 2.0-litre diesel also delivers a power output of 145bhp and returns a combined fuel economy of 49.6mpg, a seven per cent improvement in fuel economy over the previous model.The sub 150g/km diesel emissions mean that the Legacy drops a VED tax band, saving customers £35 per year.Each diesel engine is fitted with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, whereas both petrol variants come with a Lineartronic semi-automatic transmission as standard.There are three trim levels available with the face-lifted Legacy: S, SE and SE Nav Plus. Other than a new ‘Ice Silver Metallic’ paint job, which is added to the already available five colours, the exterior of the entry level S Legacy pretty much stays the same.But with the SE and SE Nav Plus trim levels the Legacy gains a Sport Package which includes a sportier front bumper and front grille, 18-inch alloy wheels and dark tinted headlights.Inside standard entry level features include cruise control, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, a six speaker audio system, voice activation Bluetooth compatibility and a glass sunroof.At the top of the range the SE Nav Plus models benefit from black leather upholstery and a DVD navigation system with a high-resolution eight-inch display.The Legacy also offers Subaru’s acclaimed Everything Taken Care of (ETCo) programme. This is unique to the UK and includes 11 different benefits, including alloy wheel repairs, winter tyre storage, scratch repairs and first MOT cover, including repair payments.The package offers potential benefits of over £7,000. Prices for the Subaru Legacy Tourer start from £26,865 and peak at £31,375 for range-topping versions. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/subaru-legacy-tourer-updated-for-2012-16474.aspx Richard Bush Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:11:53 GMT Subaru has confirmed UK specification details for its BRZ sports-coupe; a stunning 2+2 seat model from the Japanese manufacturer.A concept version of the BRZ was first displayed at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show in November with a view for it to reach UK dealerships in 2012. With its latest announcement, Subaru has confirmed that the BRZ is on track and customers can expect first deliveries of their new coupe by the end of the year, with orders already stacking up.It’s a front-engined, rear-wheel drive model which has been designed alongside Toyota and its GT 86 sports-coupe. Like its Japanese counterpart it comes with a 200PS 2.0-litre Boxer engine which sits low in the bonnet of the BRZ.That gives the Subaru a low centre of gravity with half of the car’s weight sitting below the driver’s knees. That means lots of grip and traction around corners and minimal bodyroll; it’s one part of the reason that Subaru is marketing the BRZ as a ‘driver’s car’.That becomes clear in terms of the equipment and specification details that have just been confirmed by the manufacturer with a sports and performance theme running throughout the single trim level available at launch.On the outside there are 17-inch alloy wheels as well as a torque-sensing limited slip differential system as standard. Six finishes will be available, including San Remo Red, Crystal black silica and WR Blue Mica.Inside there’s a Vehicle Dynamic Control system which allows the BRZ to come fitted with either a six-speed short-shift manual transmission or steering wheel-mounted gear shift paddles, for slick gear changes.Two more trim levels will be launched at a later date with a lower-spec version slipping in beneath the current specification and a ‘stripped out’ version for track-day racing.The new BRZ will also come with Subaru’s three-year warranty and aftercare package that covers your first MOT and any additional repairs, and offers a monthly wash and vacuum clean and an annual full valet. Pricing has yet to be revealed for the new Subaru BRZ however its Toyota equivalent, the GT 86 will cost less than £25,000 when it goes on sale this summer. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/subaru-brz-uk-details-announced-16468.aspx David Hort Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:33:07 GMT Subaru has published the first images of its BRZ Concept sports coupe, launching at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month.The concept model is a pre-cursor to a production version which will go on sale next year in the UK.Images of the BRZ concept show it has a very sporty appearance with a wide mouthed air-vent at the front and a large rear wing at the back for more downforce.While performance figures remain unknown, Subaru has confirmed that the BRZ will use a front engine and rear wheel drive powertrain, along with a new 2.0-litre Boxer petrol engine made specifically to suit this new model. This engine will come with a six-speed manual transmission as standard plus the option of a six-speed automatic gearbox.The closest indication given regarding how much power the BRZ has is that it’s “less than 300bhp”.Subaru also say that the engine also sits low and rearward within the car to ensure the lowest possible centre of gravity and maximise the car’s handling ability.The BRZ is a product of an on-going joint project between Subaru and Toyota. This has seen the development of the upcoming Toyota FT-86, another two-door sports coupe which will use the same engine and transmission as the Subaru, although comparatively it is believed to have a reduced a power output of just around 200bhp.The Subaru BRZ will start production in spring 2012 at a local Japanese plant in Gunma. The coupe is expected to hit UK dealerships next summer. Pricing and specifications are currently unconfirmed, but various reports estimate that the new Subaru will cost around £25,000 from launch. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/subaru-uncovers-brz-concept-coupe-16372.aspx Stephen Goldasz Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:53:15 GMT Subaru has announced plans to launch a new crossover amid rapidly falling UK sales, where just 73 new cars were sold in July.An ageing line up featuring the performance-oriented WRX STi and a collection of estates and larger SUVs has failed to spark the imagination of UK buyers in recent months as Subaru’s dipped by 34 per cent in 2011.This has led the car maker to introduce the Subaru XV, a take on the increasingly popular crossover sector where the likes of the Nissan Qashqai have enjoyed huge sales success.Based on the Subaru Impreza, the XV will be heavily influenced by the XV Concept first announced at the Shanghai Motor Show in April.The production version has not yet been unveiled and an unrevealing sketch of a wheel and front headlamp do little to improve the picture.However, Subaru has said the model will feature all-wheel drive and the typical raised SUV profile common with crossover vehicles.The Subaru XV will first be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show on13 September before it goes on sale in the UK early next year.When it does, Subaru will expect the more mainstream model to boost flagging sales which have seen the car maker fall behind niche manufacturers such as Aston Martin and Smart in the UK market.This will be done, says Subaru, by ‘bringing a new type of customer to the Brand’ – and with talk of it being a ‘lifestyle statement’, Subaru is expected to market the XV towards a more city-based buyer than a typical SUV-maker would usually target. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/subaru-to-arrest-sales-decline-with-new-crossover-14010.aspx Stephen Hurrell Wed, 10 Aug 2011 10:32:04 GMT Subaru plans to sell one million cares every year by 2022 after announcing it is investigating its first ever hybrid model.The niche Japanese manufacturer, known mostly for its SUVs and the performance-oriented Impreza WRX, has revealed discussions have begun about the introduction of a hybrid car.However, details are not confirmed and it could be as many as five years before a model is brought to market, it has revealed.The hybrid model will help Subaru reach a targeted 30 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions across its range.In the meantime, Subaru plans to launch six new models in the next five years as it looks to increase sales by 40 per cent from a modest 600,000 a year.A new crossover car, named the XV, will be the first to arrive early in 2012, followed by a new five-door Impreza and as yet unnamed coupe in Spring 2012.This will be followed by three new models including a possible hybrid over the next five years.The car maker says it will target the US and Chinese markets to reach the million vehicle mark by 2022, but plans to boost European sales to around 60,000 – 10,000 more than it sells today.As part of a five year plan announced this week, Subaru has hired a new UK managing director to halt falling sales.Darren James, former director of parts and service at Subaru, has been tasked with reinvigorating flagging sales, which have slumped to just 91 cars in June 2011, over 300 less than the same period last year.James said: “We have some immediate challenges to face but we have some great opportunities ahead of us too with a number of new vehicles to launch, a fantastic dealer network and terrific brand loyalty among our customers.”James will take up the role on 1 August, replacing Paul Tunnicliffe, who has been moved upstairs to the position of UK Operations Director. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/suburu-plans-hybrid-in-five-year-overhaul-13367.aspx Stephen Hurrell Wed, 13 Jul 2011 09:34:42 GMT