THE new Subaru Legacy was voted Car of the Year 2004 in its native Japan.
This is quite a feather in its cap, considering the competitiveness of the Japanese market where new cars are the most innovative in the world.
It is also ironic that the Legacy is aimed at the European sporting executive sector, having beaten contenders from Jaguar, BMW and Audi.
But the accolade comes as no surprise to me.
I've just completed a week behind the wheel of the up-market executive motor and was highly impressed with its comfort, smoothness, performance and handling.
It's a great car which, despite its understated looks, can give its rivals in the sector a run for their money.
And talking of money, the Legacy starts at a high competitive £15,985 for the entry level 2.0i.
But, Subaru didn't want to give me that. They delivered the second top-of-the-range 3.0R Automatic, which comes in at £24,500.
It's a lot of cash, but you do get a lot of car for your money.
For a start it has permanent all-wheel-drive, a trade mark of Subaru vehicles, which adds to stability and pin-sharp handling.
Bags of power comes from the three litre six-cylinder boxer power plant and through the five speed auto gearbox with sequential shift.
Most people with automatic transmission cars engage Drive and leave it there. But the smoothness and simplicity of using the sequential change gives added fun to driving enthusiasts.
It is a very smooth piece of machinery and changes are seamless.
The engine in the 3.0R offers up 245 bhp which gives the Legacy a top speed of 147 mph and a 0-62 mph sprint time of 7.9 seconds.
Driven carefully you should be able to get 30 mpg on a combined run. That's not bad for a three litre motor.
The power pack is also very smooth and quiet, and despite being all-wheel-drive the Legacy offers the same fuel economy and emissions of two-wheel-drive cars.
The engine's low centre of gravity also enhances the handling.
One of the most significant changes is a totally new twin exhaust system which enhances low to mid-speed pulling power and reduces noise levels.
The latest Legacy has a wider track than the previous models and also has better dampers and shock absorbers.
Combined with bigger wheels and tyres it is difficult to unsettle the Subaru when driving fast on twisty roads.
Cabin comfort is first class.
Sports front seats are supportive and a good driving position and view are possible with adjustable wheel and seating positions.
Luggage space is good and there are plenty of storage spaces inside the well thought out cabin.
I said the Legacy wasn't cheap, but you do get a remarkable amount of kit with it. For example: alarm immobiliser, front and side airbags, active front head restraints, power steering, 17in alloys, front and rear electric windows, keyless entry central locking, stereo radio and 6-stacker CD player, air conditioning, cruise control, fogs, electrically powered front seats, electric door mirrors and leather seats.
The Legacy range of two, 2.5 and three litre Boxer-engined saloons and Sports Tourers cost from £15,985 for the 2.0i saloon.
In the past the Legacy has failed to make much impression on the executive market in the UK.
Its build quality has always been top class and reliability has never been in question.
This time round I think the car has a more European feel and look and it should take its rightful place on the shopping list of the user-chooser executive.
FAST FACTS
Subaru Legacy 3.0R
Price: £24,500
Mechanical: 245 bhp, 3,000 cc 6 cyl petrol engine driving all four wheels via 5-spd auto/sequential gearbox
Max speed: 147mph
0-62mph: 7.9secs
Combined mpg: 30
Insurance group: 15E
CO2 emissions: 229g/km
BiK rating: 29%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 12yrs anti-rust