SUBARU is probably best known in the UK for its ultra-sporty Impreza WRX saloon which, with its mind-blowing performance and mean looks, is a boy racer's dream car.
The Japanese company's other saloon, the roomy Legacy, may not have the same street cred, but it certainly is no slouch and stacks up well against the opposition.
With a relatively new four-cylinder boxer engine pushing out 165bhp the Legacy can give every other car in its sector a run for their money.
With permanent four-wheel-drive - a feature of all Subarus - the Legacy is a surefooted saloon and has a top speed of 133mph while returning a creditable 32.5mpg on a combined run.
Its understated looks hide the fact that this is a high quality motor with stirring performance, a good range of useful standard equipment and comes at a very reasonable price.
£16,995 will get you the 2.0R manual or pay £18,995 for the 2.0RE which I tested.
Build quality is excellent and reliability should be no problem. Subaru consistently comes near the top in worldwide quality league tables.
A facelift in the middle of last year has given the Legacy a cleaner and sleeker look with a sporty grille opening up front, new headlamps and 17in alloys as standard.
The roomy four-door offers good accommodation for driver and passengers with excellent head and legroom, even in the back.
Boot space is also excellent with a maximum load capacity of 433 litres and a nice flat load space with no intrusion by the wheel arches.
Although the boxer flat-four engine is just 2.0 it has remarkable pulling power which makes overtaking easy and safe. Acceleration from rest to 62mph is just over 9 seconds.
A combined fuel consumption of 32.5mpg is very acceptable for this size of saloon and an insurance group of 13 is reasonable for a car in this class.
I found the Legacy a pleasure to drive with good all-round visibility, supportive seating, a slick five-speed gearshift and simple and easily reached controls.
Brakes are excellent with good stopping power and the suspension irons out most rough surfaces with very little road noise.
Steering is a bit on the light side for my taste with not too much information coming through the steering wheel.
The spacious cabin has a light and airy feel and Subaru appears to have upped the quality of the materials used.
There's a comprehensive list of equipment on the 2.0RE including cruise control, electric sunroof, deadlocks, Thatcham category one immobiliser, twin exhausts, keyless entry central locking, power steering, four-channel ABS, driver, side and curtain airbags, CD, climate control air conditioning, leather seat and door trim, rear ski hatch, speed sensitive wipers, powered driver's seat, etc.
The Legacy offers excellent value for money with many standard features which are extras on others in this sector. This fact and the performance and comfort it offers make it well worth considering.
FAST FACTS
Subaru Legacy 2.0RE Saloon
Price: £18,995
Mechanical: 165bhp, 1,994cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving all four wheels via 5spd manual gearbox.
Max speed: 133mph
0-62mph: 9.2 secs
Combined mpg: 32.5
Insurance group: 13
CO2 emissions: 207g/km
BiK rating: 28%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust