LA Motor Show: Subaru previews fifth-generation Legacy

SUBARU has showcased its new Legacy concept, which strongly hints at the future styling of the brand’s marquee model.

At the Los Angeles Auto Show Subaru took the wraps off the preview model ahead of the fifth generation Legacy’s expected launch in 2014, when it will celebrate its 25th anniversary.

The company trademarks of a Boxer horizontally-opposed engine and mechanical permanent all-wheel drive will remain, giving the Legacy a degree of sure-footedness that few, if any, rivals can beat.

The big changes come on the inside, where Subaru has taken huge steps to bring the Legacy into line with the class leaders in terms of technology and advanced safety systems.

A centre console design inspired by smartphones is part of a driver-focused cabin, although Subaru says that four adults will fit into the car comfortably.

Subaru has coined the name ‘EyeSight’ for its active monitoring systems, which read the road ahead and attempt to detect any hazardous situations. Although this is not the first application of the name, this version’s capabilities are said to go well beyond previous cars.

However, Subaru’s UK sales performance is under serious and constant review, and as yet there is no confirmation of whether the 2014 Legacy will come to the country.

By Press Association reporter