2014 Subaru Legacy: Engineered for those who appreciate the finer details

Mid-size sedan with Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive delivers fuel efficiency comparable to two-wheel-drive cars. Subaru's preventative safety technology, EyeSight, is now offered on select 2.5i and 3.6R Legacy models.

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Aug. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) is pleased to announce the release of the 2014 Subaru Legacy. With standard Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive, the 2014 Legacy remains the most fuel-efficient mid-size all-wheel-drive sedan in North America. At the same time, the Japanese-engineered Subaru Legacy rewards drivers with engaging performance, a high level of driving comfort and outstanding safety performance.

The Most Fuel-Efficient All-Wheel Drive Mid-size Sedan

Under the hood, the 2014 Legacy is powered by the choice of a double-overhead camshaft (DOHC) 3.6-litre H6 or a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine for performance and fuel efficiency.

The Legacy 2.5i offers a choice between a standard 6-speed manual transmission and the second-generation Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission). Models equipped with the CVT also feature a 6-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters, which allow the driver to control the transmission via six pre-set ratios.

Models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT will see fuel efficiency of 6.1 L / 100 km on the highway and 8.4 L / 100 km in the city. Models equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission will see fuel efficiency of 6.9 L / 100 km on the highway and 9.9 L / 100 km in the city.

The 2014 Legacy 3.6R Limited is offered with a 5-speed Electronic Direct Control Automatic Transmission with Manual Mode (5EAT). A downshift blipping feature enhances its sporty feel when using the Legacy 3.6R steering wheel paddle shifters.

Four Trim Levels The 2014 Subaru Legacy 2.5i is available in four trim levels - entry, Convenience, Touring and Limited Packages. Legacy 2.5i models with the Convenience Package offer an available PZEV option for greater eco-friendliness; Limited Package models now offer EyeSight preventative safety technology as an option, while the Legacy 3.6R Limited features this driver assistance system as standard equipment. The entry 2.5i includes a long roster of standard features, among them power-adjustable, foldable, heated body-colour door mirrors, heated front seats, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with voice activation and streaming audio, a USB charging port, steering wheel cruise control and audio switches, a 60/40-split flat-folding rear seat, electronic parking brake with Hill Holder system and an automatic headlight function. The electronic Hill Holder system, which holds the vehicle in place until the driver applies the throttle to pull away from a stop, now includes a memory function for added convenience.

Legacy models with the Convenience Package add additional amenities: a 10-way power driver's seat including power lumbar support adjustment, new 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, multi-reflector halogen fog lights and a low-profile rear spoiler with integrated brake light.

Additionally, Legacy models with the Touring Package include a power tilting and sliding glass sunroof, windshield wiper de-icer, a 6-speaker audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control with synchronize button, driver's automatic up/down power windows as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

Models with the Limited Package come equipped with perforated leather upholstery, a Harman Kardon 9-speaker audio system including subwoofer and amplifier, and a voice-activated in-dash GPS navigation system with 7-inch high-resolution touchscreen, AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA/DivX/WMV/MP4, SMS text messaging capability, XM Satellite Radio and NAVTraffic, 3.5mm auxiliary jack, USB and rear-view camera. The Legacy 2.5i Limited Package is also available with the EyeSight option.

EyeSight Driver-Assist System Combining safety and convenience features, Subaru's preventative safety technology - the EyeSight driver assistance system - acts as a second pair of eyes monitoring the road ahead. EyeSight can detect obstacles in front of the car, send a warning to alert the driver, and adjust vehicle speed to mitigate or avoid a collision altogether. This stereo camera-based design developed by Subaru provides a detection angle wider than that of radar-based systems to detect obstacles in front of the car and limit potential damage in an impact. Features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, a Lane Departure and Sway Warning and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.

Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle Technology PZEV is a designation awarded to vehicles that meet strict emissions standards set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Subaru PZEV vehicles in Canada comply with the CARB Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle tailpipe standard (SULEV) and virtually eliminate fuel-system evaporative emissions. Compared to an average new vehicle, Subaru PZEV vehicles have significantly cleaner exhaust emissions. In certain cases, vehicles meeting PZEV emission standards are even cleaner than hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles.

Symmetrical Full-time All-Wheel Drive: Three Different Types Subaru offers three different symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive systems in the 2014 Legacy lineup, each tailored to the engine and type of transmission. In all Legacy models equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, the AWD system uses a viscous-coupling limited-slip centre differential to distribute power 50/50 front to rear.

Legacy 2.5i models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT use Subaru's electronically controlled MPT (Multi-plate Transfer Clutch), which adjusts torque distribution to the front and rear wheels in real time to suit driving conditions. The Multi-plate Transfer Clutch AWD maintains a 60/40 torque split front-to-rear for more predictable handling, and then automatically adjusts to a 50/50 split under strong acceleration or when road conditions warrant.

The Legacy 3.6R Limited Package exclusively features advanced Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) All-Wheel Drive with a 5-speed automatic transmission. A planetary centre differential works with an electronically controlled continuously variable hydraulic transfer clutch to manage power distribution. A 45/55 front/rear torque distribution is continuously variable using a multiple-disc clutch limited-slip differential. Torque distribution is controlled automatically up to an equal 50/50 front and rear to suit road surface conditions for superb stability.

Independent Suspension for Flatter Cornering All Subaru models feature a strut-type front suspension with a wide track and long wheel travel. The double-wishbone rear suspension, also on all models, handles rough roads and sharp corners with both poise and precision - ensuring maximum tire contact, minimum vibration and significantly improved ride quality. Together, these characteristics deliver flatter cornering as well as a quieter, more comfortable ride over a variety of road surfaces.

Vehicle Dynamics Control Standard on every Subaru, the Vehicle Dynamics Control system monitors and analyzes if the vehicle is following the driver's intended course via an array of smart sensors. If the vehicle approaches the limits of stability, the AWD torque distribution, engine output and brakes at each wheel adjust automatically to assist in keeping the vehicle on course. A Vehicle Dynamics Control 'off' switch is useful for driving out of slushy roads, deep snow or very loose gravel. The 'off' position deactivates the system's torque-reduction control, while the ABS and traction control remain active.

Subaru's Safety Leadership At Subaru, confidence is inspired through peace of mind on the road. When the unthinkable happens, Legacy vehicles are engineered to provide an inside-out approach to protecting its occupants with celebrated Subaru safety. Subaru's dedication to comprehensive all-around protection has helped the Legacy achieve a 2013 IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) TOP SAFETY PICK (TSP). In fact, Subaru is the only manufacturer to achieve IIHS TOP SAFETY PICKS for four consecutive years. The Subaru Legacy has also achieved the IIHS' TSP+ distinction (models built after August 2012). The newly created TOP SAFETY PICK+ award requires the Institute's highest rating of "Good" for occupant protection in at least four of five IIHS evaluations, including the new Small Overlap test, with no less than "Acceptable" in any test.

The extensive roster of dynamic safety technology in the 2014 Legacy includes standard 4-wheel disc brakes with Subaru's four-wheel, four-channel, four-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) electronic stability system, as well as symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive and Brake Assist. In emergency braking, drivers usually apply less pedal force than needed even if they react quickly. Brake Assist detects how quickly the driver has pressed the pedal, and if pedal velocity exceeds a certain level, Brake Assist immediately applies system hydraulic pressure up to the ABS limit to help increase braking effectiveness.

Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) is also standard. The EBD system automatically adjusts front/rear brake proportioning based on vehicle load and is more effective than conventional brake proportioning valves.

In all Subaru models, the foundation for outstanding occupant protection is the advanced ring-shaped reinforcement frame unibody structure, with a front-end configuration that disperses collision energy in three directions. This design forms a series of rings around the passenger compartment, providing protection in a variety of collision types. High-tension steel side-impact door beams and impact-absorbing foam materials enhance side-impact safety performance.

Standard passive safety technology includes the Subaru advanced frontal air bag system (SRS), driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact air bags, and standard side curtain air bags.

Whiplash-reducing front seats help reduce potential whiplash injury in a rear collision, while a collapsible brake pedal and impact-absorbing driver's footrest help reduce lower leg injury in a frontal collision.