THE 2.0 is the baby engine of the Legacy range, wedding economy with the fine driving attributes of Subaru's sports saloon.
Yes, even with the unit's recent power boost, you lose the zip associated with Subaru's larger engines - especially if you opt for the automatic gearbox - but it's still an immensely-likeable - and dishy to look at and be in - motor car.
Standstill to 62mph takes nigh on eleven seconds, but once up and running the car is a delightfully smooth cruiser and the boxer engine burble does create an aura of performance.
More authentically, you enjoy what is officially just over 37mpg on average, and, unusually, I pipped that over a week's driving.
Attractive purchase costs, £16,985 for a sizeable four-wheel drive sports saloon, and moderate running expenses give the 2.0 Legacy considerable appeal.
Subaru restyled and re-engineered the car drastically last winter, unashamedly aping qualities from the renowned German marques in this sector as it went after the European market.
The Legacy is now wider and presents a sportier face, with greater flare to the arches and a bonnet of more character. In profile, there is a more graceful curve to the line and the car appears sleek and bullish at the same time.
The test car, in flaming Garnet Red, looked terrific. And so did the interior, dressed in new materials and highlighted by the silver console and other metal and metal-effects.
The new sports front seats were stylish and impressively comfortable, and there was good flexibility of driving position through the seat-height adjustment and reach-and-rake variation of the steering wheel.
Perhaps some of the console switches could have been set higher, but generally the lay-out proved sensible and clear.
An armrest container and good-sized glove box contribute to fair storage facilities - there are also a couple of cupholders - while at the back there's generous space, apart from tightish foot room. An armrest and more cupholders are among the features.
There's no penalty for this roominess in the boot, either, which is excellent and there's also a 'ski hatch' for longer objects.
The spec at this S level is excellent, including climate control, front, side and curtain airbags, sunroof, active front head restraints, electric windows and door mirrors, deadlocks, alarm/immobiliser, six-speaker radio/CD player and 16in alloys.
And, of course, there's the four-wheel drive system, an integral part of the Legacy's impressive handling.
The recent upgrade also saw a stiffer chassis and improvements to the steering system, the introduction of drive-by-wire throttle control and a lowering of the engine and transmission to give a still-better centre of gravity. Braking is also improved.
Greater use of aluminium has lightened the car, contributing to the better economy, with other advances in noise suppression and emissions.
The Legacy has always had something of a low profile in the market, and in the Subaru line-up has had to live in the shadow of the iconic Impreza. It deserved better than that and the new version, even in this mild two-litre, has an even greater case for the attention of both private buyers and businesses.
FAST FACTS
Subaru Legacy 2.0i S Saloon
Price: £16,985
Mechanical: 135bhp, 1,994cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving all four wheels via 5-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 122mph
0-62mph: 10.9 secs
Combined mpg: 37.2
Insurance group: 11
CO2 emissions: 182g/km
BiK rating: 22%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 6yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint