- Quieter cabin, higher level of comfort, refinement.
- New EyeSight driver-assistance system with improved camera performance.
- New available safety technology including rear radar with Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
- New standard Active Torque Vectoring for greater agility.
- Revised Lineartronic CVT.
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Feb. 7, 2014 /CNW/ - Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) is pleased to announce the introduction of the all-new 2015 Legacy, delivering a more compelling blend of standout design, interior refinement and safety technology along with the largest interior passenger volume in the midsize sedan segment. Still the only car in its class with All-Wheel Drive as standard, the 2015 Legacy continues the brand's safety leadership by introducing an improved EyeSight system and available rear radar system that supports new driver-assistance technologies. The Japanese-engineered Subaru Legacy rewards drivers with engaging performance, a high level of driving comfort and outstanding safety performance.
Offering a choice of 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engines, the 2015 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission or optional Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) and Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive. The new 2015 Legacy arrives in Subaru dealerships this summer. The 2015 Subaru Legacy is available in a choice of trim levels including a 4-cylinder 2.5i model with optional PZEV technology, as well as a Touring and Limited Package with optional Technology Package. The powerful 6-cylinder Legacy sedan is offered in a choice of two trim levels: the Legacy 3.6R Touring and Limited with available Technology Package.
The 2015 Subaru Legacy offers its highest level of refinement yet, with all trim lines adding new standard amenities. The Limited trim line models offer an unsurpassed level of luxury ever in a Subaru, including standard perforated leather upholstery; 2-position memory for the 10-way power driver's seat; a 4-way power front passenger seat; 3-mode heated front seats and dual-mode heated rear seats; rear-seat air conditioning vents and a high-end surround sound audio system with 12 harman/kardon speakers.
New Design Language
The 2015 Legacy echoes design themes introduced by the Legacy Concept at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show. The production model combines sporty form and efficient function. Key to the sleeker, coupe-like profile is a "nose-cone" front section that combines the grille and bumper into one smooth piece. An aluminum hood reduces weight over the front wheels, enhancing steering response.
The 2015 Legacy maintains a dimensional footprint similar to the model it replaces, but improves visibility and fuel economy. The windshield is more raked, pulled forward 70 millimetres at the base. The new windshield angle, higher seating hip points, new front partition windows and door-mounted side view mirrors help improve visibility. All 2015 Legacy 2.5i trim levels debut a standard Active Grille Shutter system, which helps to improve fuel economy by reducing wind resistance when closed.
In the Legacy 3.6R Limited, new standard HID low-beam headlights give the car a more distinctive nighttime signature. The U-shape tail and brake lights on all models use LED bulbs for lower power consumption and a luxurious appearance. Touring and Limited models feature exterior mirrors with LED-integrated turn signals.
Higher Levels of Safety and Security
The 2015 Legacy comes standard with a rear-view camera, now located closer to the centre of the car for more natural imaging. A new rollover sensor can deploy the side curtain airbags if an imminent rollover is detected. For added nighttime security, the 2015 Legacy features new standard welcome lighting that automatically turns on cabin illumination and exterior lights as the driver approaches or departs the car. The Legacy 2.5i, Touring and Limited Package, as well as the Legacy 3.6R Limited also gain keyless access capability with push-button start when adding the optional Technology Package.
The 2015 Subaru Legacy introduces a new type of airbag restraint and a new available rear radar system. The new front seat-cushion airbags help to keep occupants in place in a frontal collision.
A new, available rear radar system presents the brand's next step toward full-perimeter preventive safety. The rear radar system offers three functions: Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Blind Spot Detection identifies vehicles behind the C-pillars and in other blind spots, while Lane Change Assist detects approaching vehicles when changing lanes. Using an indicator in the rear-view camera display, Rear Cross Traffic Alert distinguishes close vehicles while reversing, such as out of a parking space or driveway, while LED indicators on the side mirrors alert the driver that a vehicle is approaching. Newly available steering-responsive fog lights help illuminate curves for better visibility.
The EyeSight driver-assistance system - now available on Touring and Limited Package models - integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and a Vehicle Lane Departure Warning. EyeSight, which uses Subaru-developed stereo camera technology, is the highest-rated front crash prevention system by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the 2015 Legacy is projected to achieve the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award.
Choice of SUBARU BOXER Engine
The 2015 Legacy 2.5i is powered by a double-overhead camshaft (DOHC) 2.5-litre SUBARU BOXER engine that first debuted in 2013, but now receives numerous enhancements for lighter weight, improved efficiency and quieter operation. Power has increased slightly to 175 horsepower and peak torque remains at 174 pound-feet but is spread over a broader engine speed range for more responsive performance.
The 3.6-litre SUBARU BOXER engine found in the Legacy 3.6R Touring and Limited produces 256 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of peak torque. The new 2015 Legacy uses a new high-torque version of Subaru's Lineartronic CVT. Changes made to reduce friction in the CVT also improve fuel efficiency in the 2015 Legacy. All models are equipped with Hill Start Assist and the electronic Hill Holder System that holds the vehicle in place until the driver applies the throttle.
Enhanced Agility
New quick-ratio electric power-assisted steering delivers outstanding feel and also reduces fuel consumption. Revised spring and damper tuning, altered geometry and standard 17-inch wheels (and new 18-inch wheels on Limited Package models) endow the 2015 Legacy with greater handling agility. First introduced on Subaru's high-performance 2015 WRX and WRX STI models, Active Torque Vectoring - an enhancement of the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system - can apply brake pressure to the inside front wheel to facilitate more neutral cornering. The 4-cylinder Legacy now uses the same ventilated rear disc brakes as the 6-cylinder model, in place of solid discs used previously.
More Room, Greater Refinement
With nearly the same exterior footprint as the previous Legacy, the 2015 model offers a roomier passenger cabin with gains in rear-seat legroom measuring a generous 38.1 inches. The Legacy's trunk has been enlarged to 425 litres, up slightly from 416 litres for the 2014 model, a significant point considering that the standard symmetrical full-time AWD system requires packaging for the multilink rear suspension, a rear differential and drive axles. Standard 60/40 split folding rear seats expand cargo-carrying capacity even further.
The driver faces a decidedly sporty instrument panel in the 2015 Legacy, highlighted by two binocular-style gauge pods with centre LCD information display and measuring 3.5 inches on cars without the EyeSight driver-assistance system and 5 inches on EyeSight cars. On all models, an ECO gauge promotes fuel-efficient driving habits using coloured bars. Touring and Limited Package models feature electro-luminescent gauges with elegant blue-ring illumination.
The 2015 Legacy also offers new levels of interior refinement. A combination of new soft-touch materials, thicker cushioning for armrests and the centre console and new trim styles give the Legacy a more premium feel. The heater control panel integrates the digital clock and outside air temperature displays. For added convenience, the time is automatically corrected by GPS in navigation-equipped models. A new one-touch lane changer function for the turn signals has also been added. Legacy models also come equipped with standard auto up/down driver and front passenger windows offering pinch protection.
New Amenities
Subaru significantly upgraded almost all entertainment features in the 2015 Legacy. Legacy 2.5i model's system provides AM/FM stereo with SiriusXM satellite radio, Radio Data Broadcast System, in-dash CD player, 6.2-inch multi-function touchscreen display, Subaru STARLINK connectivity with Aha smartphone integration, rear-view camera, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, iPod control capability, USB port and an auxiliary input jack. The multi-touch display offers swipe and scrolling gestures, similar to smartphones and tablets.
The upgraded system in the Legacy 2.5i Limited Package adds a 12-speaker audio system with 7-inch touchscreen display, SMS text messaging, iTunes tagging capability and dual USB ports.
Standard for the 2015 Legacy Limited Package trim models, a new high-end audio system combines a 576-watt AM/FM radio unit with 12 harman/kardon speakers, including a front centre speaker and a rear subwoofer. The amplifier and speakers use harman/kardon Green Edge technology, which reduces system weight and power consumption.
The navigation system available for Limited Package models, in addition to the multi-function display, features an interactive voice command system that accepts natural language and phrases and also operates the dual-zone automatic climate control system.
A new covered storage bin at the front of the centre console incorporates a USB port, 3.5-millimetre AUX jack and a 12-volt power port. Models with high-grade audio or navigation feature two USB ports, making it possible to listen to music and charge two connected devices.
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Subaru Legacy models outfitted with a 6-speed manual transmission are connected to a viscous-coupling limited-slip centre differential that provides near neutral handling and maximum control for the driver. Legacy models equipped with Subaru's Lineartronic CVT gain a newly refined version of the Active Torque Split version of Symmetrical AWD. An electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch actively controls torque distribution in response to driving conditions and wheel slippage. The system can send additional torque to the rear wheels either proactively or in response to slippage at the front wheels. Taking input from acceleration, steering angle and yaw rate sensors, Active Torque Split AWD optimizes traction and steering response when accelerating through turns and curves, particularly when the road surface is slippery.
About Subaru Canada, Inc.
Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of over 85 authorized dealers across Canada. For more information, please visit www.subaru.ca or www.pr.subaru.ca or follow @Subaru_Canada on Twitter.
SOURCE: Subaru Canada Inc.
Joe Felstein
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Julie Lychak
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Amyot Bachand
Media Relations, Quebec Region
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