AS AN estate, the Subaru Legacy has always hit the mark as a heavy duty load carrier.
Permanent four wheel drive and the availability of low ratio gears have made this car a favourite in rural areas.Little surprise then, that until the latest generation of Legacys, they were a bit basic in terms of creature comforts.
That all changed a couple of years ago and now they can be had with smart trim, CD players, air conditioning and even heated front seats.
But even with all that onboard, the Legacy still cannot escape its rough and ready roots. Perhaps that is no bad thing, because as a driver's car it is a rare gem among estates.
The advantages of four wheel drive coupled to a 2.5 litre boxer engine with its low centre of gravity result in some great handling. It is no slouch either with a sub-nine second 0 to 60mph acceleration time and a reported top speed of 126mph.
A Momo leather steering wheel and similarly clad gear lever give a hint of sportiness and link the Legacy to Subaru's other great offering - the Impreza turbo.
This Legacy was also fitted with rally-style front seats, but the contours of these with pronounced back and thigh supports made them a touch uncomfortable. However, this particular mid-range GX Limited model did feature part electronic seat adjustment as well as electric windows all round.
But there are a few tacky features, such as the quality of the retractable cup holders front and rear, which look particularly flimsy when they pop out of their housings.
That apart, the Legacy is very well equipped. Double electric sun roofs, cruise control, advanced braking systems and a full set of airbags are all standard fit.
Where the Legacy scores - and always will - is with its practicality.
It has a minimum of 17 cubic feet of cargo space and that can be converted into a maximum of 57cu ft which puts this car almost into the king size league. A luggage blind to stop prying eyes is also a standard piece of equipment.
Fuel consumption at almost 30 to the gallon is another plus point - especially when you consider that this is a permanent four wheel drive car - but its exhaust emissions show its age. At 220g/km it is fairly high up the scale in terms of car tax charges.
Outside, the Legacy has always looked rugged and capable, and the latest models, with enhancements such as body coloured bumpers and roof rails, are even smarter.
The Legacy is one of those cars that has already demonstrated it is capable of running almost forever no matter what is asked of it - a feature to which many a country landowner will testify.
It is a good, solid all-rounder, and with a new Legacy due to hit the market in the next few months there should be a few bargains to be had as stocks of the current model run out.
FAST FACTS
Subaru Legacy GX Limited Estate
Price: £21,245
Mechanical: 154bhp, 2,457cc four cylinder petrol engine driving all four wheels via 5-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 126mph
0-60mph: 8.9secs
Combined mpg: 30.7
Insurance group: 15
CO2 emissions: 220g/km
BiK rating: 28%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 6yrs anti-rust