Most of us who write about Subaru say the same thing: why aren't its cars better known? The least-known of Japan's marques has actually more to offer than its bigger volume, more prestigious competitors, because all Subarus come with all-wheel-drive as standard. AWD is the mark of every Subaru, just as rear-wheel-drive stamps a BMW.
It isn't the only car maker to bring AWD to its car line, as opposed to SUVs. Jaguar does it with the S-Type and, of course, Audi has been developing a reputation with the Quattro system in its higher echelons. But they don't amount to a whole lot - in Audi's case Quattro represents only 10 per cent of total car production. Subaru uniquely puts four-wheel-drive into every vehicle built.
We've been driving one of Subaru's latest arrivals, the 135 bhp 2-litre GL Legacy saloon retailing here at €31,295. There are also 2.5- and 3-litre engines with automatic and estate options: the top-of-the-range model comes in at €49,595.
Legacy has always been a bit special for Subaru. Something of an icon in Japan, it was the steed of rally supremo Colin McRae in the World Rally Championship long before the Subaru Impreza made its mark. Yet, like Subaru itself, the Legacy has never gained widespread acclaim in spite of praise for an entertaining chassis and practicality.
This latest Legacy stays faithful to the template. It's now 35 mm wider than its predecessor, with an improved drag co-efficient of 0.30. Weight is down by about 55 kg, thanks to widespread use of high-tensile steel in the bonnet, tailgate, suspension arms and steering support beams.
Subaru's Achilles' heel has been styling and their cars for too long have suffered from a bland Japanese anonymity. The new Legacy does seek to remedy that with a design that will not turn heads but at least exudes a confident and well-executed look. We liked some enhancing touches like the fat tailpipes and smart lamps.
Compared with our previous Legacy encounter, the biggest change - and surprise - was vocal. Subaru's trademark boxer engine has been given a major workover, so much so that about 80 per cent of it is new. Gone, then, is the deep somewhat raucous rumble that used to greet you on ignition switch-on. It's only slightly detectable now and the overall engine sound is much more refined.
The basic suspension set-up has been retained and, according to Subaru, the permanent AWD system has been improved to reduce internal friction.
As with other cars we have tested, the official performance figures don't seem that startling. Its 0-62 mph time is given as 10.9 seconds, with 12.7 seconds in automatic form. Top speed is 122 mph, and 119 mph with automatic.
The 2-litre is slightly weak in low down acceleration, betrayed by the 4,400 rpm torque peak.
Uninhibited on the open road, the Legacy moves along with effortless efficiency. There's very acceptable smoothness at higher revs.
Steering initially can seem light but with more driving it breeds confidence.
The trump card, almost predictably, is its traction. It allows the driver to approach a tight corner and drive through on full throttle. Long exposure to cars such as the Legacy could spoil us, especially when we step back into two-wheel-drive cars that are still the norm. Of course, Subaru's AWD is more than a stimulant to going through the corners smartly. It shows its prowess in adverse conditions, not so much ice and snow which we rarely experience, but when roads are muddy and wet. That makes the Legacy reassuringly safe, the reassuring bit being that the sliding and slipping are controlled without any driver involvement.
Ride comfort was acceptable on some poorly surfaced back roads, although once or twice it felt fidgety.
After that new engine sound, the biggest other change from the old Legacy is the interior, especially the facia. The plastics and moulded dash are impressive with details which really stand out. Controls are logical and well finished.
The chairs are comfortable and grip well - and the door trims and dials have a quality look.
Backseat passengers have good head- and leg-room, better than Germans such as the BMW 3-series. In fact most of the Legacy's competition offers less for more money, against the Legacy's 2-litre €31,295 price tag. The entry-level BMW 316i saloon is €36,000, while the entry-level Audi A4 is €34,200 - and we're not making direct engine comparisons (The 2-litre A4 with 130 bhp is €39,200, although Volvo's new 1.8 S40 developing 125 bhp undercuts Legacy at €28,500).
Our test drive showed the Legacy to be reasonably economical. Two checks after long, open road journeys indicated 34 and 32 mpg. Official EU figures are urban 26.9 mpg, extra urban 47.1 mpg, and combined 37.2 mpg.
With the new Legacy, Subaru has built a credible alternative to established prestige brands and its AWD format does give it a superior skill that really should be viewed as a safety asset. Yes, Subaru really deserves to be better known, especially with cars such as the Legacy.