Subaru Legacy (fifth generation)

The fifth-generation Subaru Legacy was originally unveiled as a concept car at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the model, and the production version was introduced at the 2009 New York International Auto Show. Production of the fifth generation started on 29 May 2009.

Summary
A number of design traditions have ended with the fifth generation. The side windows are no longer frameless, ending a Subaru tradition started with the first generation Leone in the early 1970s. On wagons, the "D" pillar is no longer covered in glass. The parking light switch traditionally installed on top of the steering wheel column has also been removed. An engine coolant temperature gauge is no longer offered, replaced by a fuel economy gauge instead that gives estimates in either miles per gallon or liters per 100 kilometers based on regional requirements where the vehicle is sold. When the engine temperature is below normal, an indicator light shines blue and when the engine is overheating, the light turns red. Using the key to unlock the drivers' door after locking the vehicle with the remote will set off the security system; the vehicle must be unlocked with the remote, a tradition going back to the second generation when remote keyless access was introduced.

The manual parking brake handle located between the front passenger seats has been replaced with an electric parking brake switch installed on the dashboard next to the driver's door. The term "Hill Holder" has returned but is now integrated with the electric parking brake. VDC is now standard on all models currently offered internationally. The vehicle has also added safety technologies such as Electronic Stability Control, Brake Assist, and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution to the list of standard features. The external "Limited" badge, introduced in 1998, has been retired on North American vehicles, and if the vehicle has the 3.6 L six cylinder engine, the rear of the vehicle has a "3.6R" badge applied on the bottom right side. If the vehicle has the diesel engine, a badge that says "Boxer Diesel" is installed on the middle right rear side of the vehicle. Gasoline turbocharged vehicles can be visually identified with a front hood (bonnet) installed air scoop and symmetrical dual exhaust pipes below the rear bumper.

Subaru introduced improvements to the chassis, that they call Dynamic Chassis Control Concept, which uses high-tensile steel in critical areas to achieve high strength with lighter weight. The front-end structure introduces Cradle Mount that isolates the suspension and engine from the passenger compartment for a smoother and quieter ride using rubber mounts. New for this generation is a double wishbone rear suspension, with all suspension links and the rear differential isolated from the rear subframe with large rubber mounts to minimize noise and vibration intruding into the passenger compartment.

North American models


The interior is available in 2 colors (Warm Ivory or Off-Black) with leather offered on Limited trim packages. Standard on Limited models, and optional on Premium models, is a 440 W, 9-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system using Dolby Pro Logic II technology and DTS Digital Sound is standard, with Bluetooth and iPod capability, and an optional 8- voice activated GPS touch screen navigation system. A Harman/Kardon sourced stereo with a single disc in-dash CD player and SRS Circle Surround sound is the standard sound system offered with four speakers on all other models. A separate Bluetooth wireless package with voice recognition, called Blueconnect, is available optionally on all trim packages without the GPS/stereo package, installed in the center of the dashboard below the standard sound system, and is not offered internationally. Black housing for headlights is not offered on North American models. The front hood (bonnet) and front bumper covers are unique to the North American market due to slight changes in the sheet metal in comparison to those items used internationally. This is due to the North American Outback grille sharing a more prominent appearance also used on the third generation Forester and facelifted Tribeca and the hood and front bumper are shared on North American Legacies and Outbacks.



A dual zone climate control system is standard and available only on Limited trim designations with a 6-speed fan; the standard air conditioning/heating system has a 4-speed fan. Lower trim levels have silver metallic trim on the interior door panels and dashboard, with woodgrain on Limited vehicles. An optional LED accessory lighting package in blue can be installed for the front passenger footwells and a matching illuminated sill panel for the front doors. Oddly, the North American version has exposed cupholders without a retractable cover, whereas international versions have a retractable cover for the console installed cupholders. For the 2011 model year, the 2.5GT received some interior changes, replacing the woodgrain inserts on the doors and dashboard with faux carbon fiber inserts already offered on Legacy models internationally, along with contrasting stitching on the black leather interior, similar to the Japanese version and aluminum cross drilled pedals. XM Satellite Radio is also offered on Premium and Limited trim packages.



All models include painted exterior door handles, with black exterior side mirrors on the base level 2.5i sedan. Turn signal repeaters are no longer integrated into the side exterior mirrors, unlike the previous generation, however, for the 2011 model year, the exterior mirrors can be manually folded in. The 2.5i model is still certified as PZEV and is available for sale in all 50 states, with a badge installed on the right rear side of the vehicle. Other models have been certified LEV2 or ULEV. Premium unleaded fuel is required for vehicles identified as GT, where the engines are equipped with a turbocharger. The 2.5 L flat-4 engine without a turbo is available with a six speed manual transmission, a characteristic shared with Australia only.

Marketing
In 2010, Subaru introduced an advertising campaign to market their 2011 Legacy (Mediocrity (advertising campaign). The campaign, which was a parody, included a series of television advertisements and a microsite. The 2011 "Mediocrity" was a basic, beige four-door mid-size sedan that featured an exterior design to a 2001-2006 Hyundai Sonata or Kia Optima with modified styling. On the website for the 2011 Mediocrity, a link to the 2011 Subaru Legacy was provided, noting that website visitors should click the link if they are looking for a more exciting vehicle.

Japanese models


SI-Drive, or Subaru Intelligent-Drive, (SI-Drive) is standard equipment on all trim versions. It is a feature that enables three distinctly different modes of vehicle performance characteristics (identified as "Sport", "Sport Sharp", and "Intelligent") by regulating the engine control unit (ECU), the automatic transmission control unit (TCU, if equipped), and by fine-tuning the electronically controlled throttle. The SI-Drive control knob is installed on the center console between the heated front seat control switches. The "Intelligent" mode makes throttle response more gradual, and decreases maximum engine power by 10 percent. The "Sport" mode allows the engine to run at higher speeds and increases fuel efficiency by 5 percent in comparison to Subaru engines without the feature. The "Sport # (Sharp)" mode makes throttle response more abrupt and enables the automatic transmission to maintain higher RPM's within a given gear's range, and minimizes steering wheel effort. When the engine is started, the default setting is the "Sport" selection. SI-Cruise is an autonomous cruise control system that can reduce or resume a preset speed, or bring the vehicle to a complete stop if the system detects a slower vehicle is being followed, without driver intervention.

Japanese buyers can choose two different premium level entertainment systems; they can select the previously described Harman/Kardon GPS-stereo with six speakers, or a McIntosh sourced GPS/stereo with Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, a separate powered amplifier and 10 speakers. Both units are Gracenote, G-BOOK and VICS enabled, with both systems available with an internal 600 MHz 40GB HDD coupled with a digital TV tuner that can be watched when the transmission is in park and the parking brake applied. Both stereos are compatible with CD, CD-R/RW, DVD and DVD R/RW as well as MP3 and WMA music formats. A Harman/Kardon sourced stereo with a 6-disc in-dash CD changer and SRS Circle Surround sound is the entry level sound system offered with six speakers and is standard equipment. The center dashboard trim is color matched based on the stereo installed; if it has the Harman/Kardon units, the trim color is silver brushed aluminum, and if the McIntosh is installed the trim color is black brushed aluminum. The climate controls are also colored either silver or black as well.

Both GPS navigation systems can be displayed in a split screen format that shows both two- and three dimensions with graphic landmarks. Trim panels on the doors and the dashboard can be exchanged for an optional second woodgrain appearance or carbon fiber. The front and rear bumper covers can also be exchanged for Subaru designed aero-effects, allowing the buyer to install two types of mesh grilles, a choice of two front fog light selections, and a choice of oval or trapezoidal dual rear exhaust ports in chrome. A rear wiper is still available optionally on the back of the sedan, a tradition established with the first generation Legacy. The Warm Ivory interior color is only available on vehicles with the "L" package and SI-Cruise models; all other trim levels are available with black interior with black cloth upholstery, with leather offered optionally on the "L" package and SI-Cruise model. The dual-zone climate control system is standard on all trim levels.

A smart key is available as an option coupled with two position memory seat that memorizes driver's seat positions and adjustments, exterior mirror adjustments, and climate control settings. The settings can be customized based on the smart key module being used to unlock and start the car. Turn signal repeaters are still integrated into the side exterior mirrors on all Japanese-spec models. The black leather interior installed on vehicles with the "S" package can be fitted with optional black corduroy inserts with white contrasting French stitching on all visible seams and aluminum cross drilled brake, clutch and accelerator pedals. The Legacy wagon can be fitted with twin white LED lights installed on the interior hatch vertically surrounding the rear window with a separate light switch for additional illumination when the rear hatch is open. An optional LED accessory lighting package in either white or blue can be installed for the front and rear passenger footwells and a matching illuminated sill panel for the front and rear doors, and the standard overhead dome light can be exchanged for white LED as well.

HID headlights are standard equipment on all trim levels except the base 2.5i coupled with headlight washers. Rain sensing automatic wipers are also available. A choice between two backup cameras can be installed, along with front parking assist sensors. Bilstein struts continue to be available for performance handling. Air vents are installed for rear passengers at the back of the center front armrest compartment. According to the JDM STi Accessories brochure for the fifth generation Legacy sold in Japan, buyers can choose from several options to include stiffer springs for the suspension, short throw gear shift and specially designed 18 inch alloy wheels from BBS and ENKEI.

On the one-year anniversary of the introduction of the fifth generation, "EyeSight" was once again offered on the Touring Wagon only. EyeSight consists of 2 cameras with one on each side of the interior rear view mirror, that use human like stereoscopic vision to judge distances and generally keep tabs on the driver. The system can help maintain a safe distance on the highway, a lane departure warning system, a wake up call when traffic lights change, and even keeps an eye out for pedestrians. SI-Cruise has been integrated into the EyeSight feature as a driver safety aid.

Legacy 2.5GT tS
In June 2010, the Legacy 2.5GT tS or tuned by STI (Subaru Tecnica International) was released for the Japanese Domestic Market. Built only as 600 units limited edition, the 2.5GT tS is available as B4 Sedan and Touring Wagon.

The modifications were focused on sharper handling and ride improvements. STI flexible tower bar, Bilstein inverted struts with stiffer springs, front flexible low stiffeners, and rear pillow-ball, and reinforced front crossmember means the 2.5GT tS has more rigidity and better steering feedback.

With front lip spoiler, 18 inch alloys, sport exhaust system, "tS" grille emblem, lip trunk spoiler (B4 Sedan), or roof spoiler (Touring Wagon), the Legacy 2.5GT tS has a sportier appearance than the regular 2.5GT.

Inside, the 2.5GT tS has black leather and Alcantara sports seats with red seams and STI label, titanium-finished instrument panels, and STI logo on the speedometer, steering wheel, shift lever, engine start/stop button, and floor mats.

Legacy 2.0GT DIT
Starting May 8, 2012, Subaru has replaced the EJ engine series with the new FA and FB engine series, co-developed with Toyota, and uses the FB25 on all trim packages, with the FA20 installed with a turbocharger called the Legacy GT DIT (direct injection turbo).

United Kingdom models
Currently only the wagon, called Legacy Tourer, is available to United Kingdom buyers with a choice of the Subaru EE turbodiesel with a six-speed manual transmission only or the 2.5 L with the continuously variable transmission only. The 3.6 L flat-6 engine and the turbocharged gasoline engine are not offered. The interior is available in black only, with cloth interior available on the 2.0D S base model and leather on all other trim levels. The interior trim strips on the doors and dashboard are silver on the base model and carbon fiber on all other models. The front bumper and bonnet use the Japanese configuration, to include self-levelling HID headlights and headlight washers. The SE model has sporty front bumper. The UK and Europe are offered an exterior paint selection, called Camellia Red Pearl that is not available in Japan or North America. Bilstein struts are standard on all trim levels except the 2.0D S. The dual-zone climate-control system is standard on all trim levels. All engines offered in the Legacy are Euro5 compliant. For vehicle security, a Thatcham Category 1 perimeter alarm and immobilizer, along with a rolling code ECU engine immobiliser are standard equipment.

The smart key is available on NavPlus models only using the Harman/Kardon GPS-stereo unit, and the two-position memory seat is available on all models except the 2.0D S trim level. 16-inch alloy wheels are standard on the 2.0D S model and 18-inch alloy wheels are standard on all other models. Rain sensing automatic wipers are standard on all models, as well as heated exterior mirrors, glass moonroof, heated front seats, fog lights, and tilt and telescoping steering wheel. The Harman/Kardon GPS/stereo with six speakers and the rear-view backup camera is installed only on vehicles with the voice recognition NavPlus system. The standard stereo system uses the Harman/Kardon sourced in-dash six-disc CD auto-changer.

European models
The European Legacy is available as either a sedan or wagon, and the engine choices are the flat-4 EE20 2.0 L turbodiesel, the EJ20 2.0 L, or the EJ25 2.5 L. Legacy GT with EJ25 turbocharged engine and 5-speed automatic transmission has been available in selected European countries. It has been phased out since (no official explanation has been presented). Even though its more rugged brother Outback is available with 3.6 L flat-6 engine, currently the most powerful engine choice for the Legacy sold on European market is naturally aspirated 170HP (130 kW) 2.5L coupled with Lineatronic gearbox. The interior colors of Warm Ivory or Off Black are offered, but the Warm Ivory is only available in leather. Carbon Fiber accents are only available on the Sport trim package with black leather interior. The dual-zone climate control system is standard on all trim levels. The turbodiesel is available with the Warm Ivory interior with the Harman/Kardon GPS sound system with six speakers and the satellite navigation, but the only transmission offered is the six speed manual transmission. All engines except turbocharged EJ25 are Euro5 compliant.

Cruise control, heated seats, automatic windshield wipers, HID headlights with headlight washers, heated exterior mirrors, glass moonroof and 17" wheels are standard equipment. 18" alloy wheels are standard on the lop level trim packages Comfort and Sport. The smart key is available only on the Sport or Comfort trim packages, coupled with the Harman/Kardon satellite navigation system and memory seats. The front hood (bonnet) and front bumper covers use the Japanese configuration, with turn signal repeaters on the exterior mirrors, and standard equipment front and rear foglights. Japan and Europe are offered an exterior paint selection, called Dark Amethyst Silica that is not available in the UK or North America.

South African models


The Legacy is offered as a sedan with black interior; specifications are similar to European "Comfort" trim package. The Legacy 2.0i Premium comes with the choice of a six-speed manual transmission or Lineartronic CVT, leather trim, power driver's front seat with memory function, dual zone climate control, electric sunroof and 16 inch alloy wheels. The Legacy 2.5i Sport Premium CVT adds dual front electric seats, carbon-fibre dash inserts, alloy pedals, sports front bumper and grille; Bilstein suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels and Xenon headlights with headlight washers to the Premium package. Satellite navigation is not offered along with the premium Harman/Kardon sound system.

Australian model


The Liberty sedan and wagon sold in Australia resembles the vehicle sold in Europe, with some features only available in Japan. The engines offered are the EJ25, EZ36 and the EJ25 with a turbo. Australians can choose either the Lineartronic CVT or a 6-speed manual transmission on the 2.5i, a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission on the 2.5GT, but transmission choices on the EZ36 are limited to the 5-speed automatic. The Off Black interior color is standard across the range, however the Warm Ivory is available on the 3.6R, with leather interior offered on vehicles identified as "Premium". Cloth is offered on the 2.5i in black only. SI-Drive is offered on the 3.6R or the 2.5GT. The front bumper and hood (bonnet) use the Japanese configuration. Bilstein struts are standard equipment on all vehicles identified as 2.5i Sports and the 2.5GT turbo. The 2.5i Sports models and the 2.5GT can be identified by black housing for the HID headlights.



The dual-zone climate control system is standard on all trim levels. Sound systems offered include the McIntosh GPS/stereo unit with 10 speakers, a separate powered amplifier and satellite navigation provided by "WhereIs", a service provided by Telstra Corporation Ltd, or the Harman/Kardon stereo with the satellite navigation and 6 speakers or the unit offered in North America and Europe with a 6-disc in-dash CD changer and 6 speakers. The McIntosh unit sold in Australia has function buttons written in English and is different from the Japanese unit, due to Japanese characters being used on some of the functions. The Australian McIntosh or Harman/Kardon GPS-stereo packages are not Gracenote, G-BOOK and VICS enabled, and do not have the internal 600 MHz 40GB HDD coupled with a digital TV tuner. The center dashboard trim is color matched based on the stereo installed; if it has either one of the Harman/Kardon units, the trim color is silver brushed aluminum, and if the McIntosh is installed the trim color is black brushed aluminum. The climate controls are also colored either silver or black as well. Silver trim is installed on the doors and dashboard on the 2.5i and 2.5i Premium, carbon fiber inserts on the 2.5i Sports models and the 2.5GT, with woodgrain available only on the 3.6R sedan. Cruise control, heated seats, automatic windshield wipers, HID headlights with headlight washers, heated exterior mirrors, with 17" wheels as standard equipment on the 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Premium SatNav and 18" wheels on the 2.5i Sports, Sports Premium, Sports Premium SatNav and the 2.5GT Premium SatNav. The smart key is available only on the 2.5GT or the 3.6R, and the glass moonroof is only offered on Premium trim packages.

Transmissions
Models with Lineartronic Continuously variable transmission include steering column mounted paddle shifters that allows the driver to select 6 "virtual gears" in manual mode.