SUBARU'S latest estate is a top-notch player in what is a very competitive sector of the market - which is more than could be said about its older brother.
The outgoing Subaru Legacy didn't cut the mustard, a large reason being its poor standard of interior. But this problem has certainly been addressed with the new Legacy.
The Japanese car company itself admits it took more than a pinch of inspiration from interiors of premium European models.
So it was a case of East meets West for the new model, or Far East meets West Bromwich to be precise as the Black Country town is where Subaru has its UK home.
The model I tested was the Legacy Sports Tourer 2.5i SE - and it was great.
As soon as I opened the driver's door it was clear the interior was a confident offering by Subaru. It not only looked good, but it also had a quality smell about it, thanks to the luxurious leather trim. And the cabin materials were also soft to the touch, a sure sign of a car from the premium sector.
The driving position - found with the electrically operated seat - was excellent, offering a good view of the road and easy access to a host of features supplied with the model.
Passenger seats were also very comfortable and the Legacy carried a driver and four adults with ease. There was also a huge amount of storage space behind the rear seats.
The exterior of the Legacy is equally good looking. It has a squat muscular stance, created by increased body width over the outgoing model, and fleshed out wheel arches. It also boasts larger wheels and tyres.
Performance is also impressive. Subaru says the bodyshell is lighter and stronger and it does feel very stable, yet flexible to drive.
Pulling power from start was slightly disappointing but once the Legacy got going, it motored along at a very respectable pace.
A very good all-round package.
FAST FACTS
Subaru Legacy Sports Tourer 2.5i SE
Price: £21,000
Mechanical: 165bhp, 2,457cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving all four wheels via 5-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 128mph
0-62mph: 9.2 secs
Combined mpg: 34
Insurance group: 13
CO2 emissions: 198g/km
BiK rating: 25%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust