Subaru must have a tough time trying to pitch its cars at an ever-changing market - before all that stuff about rallying it was known for providing the sort of car that a farmer would find useful for getting about the place. They were good off-road but looked more sophisticated than the usual 4x4 fare that was on offer at the time.
Of course, things have changed - SUVs are much sleeker affairs these days, rivalling many standard hatchbacks for driving ability whilst often providing the modicum of off-road ability that someone who lives in the countryside might need for getting to the shops once a week.
The Subaru Legacy, then, has had to up its game. It was only late in the previous-generation model's life that a controversial diesel engine was added to the line-up, but that has clearly served to broaden the car's appeal. The current Legacy has moved tangibly upmarket, retaining the go anywhere appeal of the previous car but providing the sort of quality and levels of equipment that buyers of BMWs and Audis might appreciate.
That's not to say it's an entirely premium car - the dashboard controls do lack the inherent usability of the Germans. The materials, whilst classy, are still geared at withstanding abuse in the countryside rather than providing the sort of caressable, tactile affair you'd get in an Audi.
The Legacy is tremendously comfortable car, however, with its comfortable ride and pillowy seats. You wouldn't have any problem undertaking a long journey in this car. Rear legroom isn't compromised by the large boot, either - the Legacy will carry four people and their luggage with ease.
That comfort does come at a price if you're a keen driver, however. The Legacy is biased towards a pleasant ride at the expense of involving handling - there is no particular excitement to be had at the wheel and there is a certain amount of body roll too. It is by no means an unpleasant car, but Subaru certainly isn't trading on its rallying experience here.
There is a reasonable amount of equipment that you get as standard with the Legacy, and the engines are entirely capable, although the diesel is the better choice (and quicker than the petrol too). The £25,000 starting price isn't aimed to be a bargain, but the Legacy fills a certain need for certain people - its appeal beyond that is sadly restricted.