Subaru all-new 2008 Subaru Legacy Diesel




Since 1999 we have been waiting for Subaru to produce a boxer diesel engine. Well the wait was over in 2008 when Subaru unveiled the Subaru Legacy Boxer Diesel. Was it worth the wait?

Subaru’s first-ever diesel was a long time coming, the Subaru Legacy being the world's first ever diesel burning boxer engine and, aside from a sizeable bonnet scoop and a bootlid badge, there’s little to distinguish the diesel estate (available in the Sports Tourer and Outback) from standard Legacys. With the flush-fit glass, blacked out pillars and frameless doors giving it an uncluttered look it is offered in R and RE trim, with the latter getting electric leather heated seats, multi cd changer, cruise control,headlamp washers, and xenon headlamps.

The luggage compartment has 459 litres of space with the rear bench up, minimal wheelarch intrusion, and it's easy to load. Officially the Subaru Legacy Boxer Diesel averages 49.6mpg – but, during tests, it returned a disappointing 33.6mpg although reports from owners are stating with careful driving they are achieving 45mpg. Servicing costs should be reasonable with 12,000-mile service intervals.

Niggles: The five-speed gearbox disappoints as a result of ratios that are spaced too widely, the rear doors are small and interior quality and trim is cluttered and uninspiring.