Subaru Legacy 2.5GT

MANILA, Philippines - Here is a car that’ll make the word “compromise” a thing of the past. For what you get, the Subaru Legacy is not exactly pricey. Neither does it sacrifice in the space and comfort departments. Those 265 horses, its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, a sophisticated center differential that constantly apportions torque between the front and rear wheels and its all independent suspension that also features 18-inch, 45-series Bridgestone Potenzas make it quite the on-road performer as well. Last but not the least, its got looks that are quite head-turning. Truth be told, there is little not to like about the newest iteration of this Subaru. That’s why this month, the Subaru Legacy 2.5GT is the Wheels Monthly Pick of the Month…

Though I haven’t personally driven it, I have nothing but praise for the Subaru Legacy GT. It combines performance, luxury, comfort and safety into one stylish and competitively-priced package. From a single glance alone, you know there’s something special about it; yet it’s more than just about good looks. It’s cool and cozy inside with a truly premium feel. With 265 horsepower from its turbocharged flat-4 engine, I’m sure it’s highly capable for that successful executive. Not only is the Legacy one of the best Japanese executive sedans out there, it’s truly one of the world’s best. – Ulysses Ang

The Subaru Impreza STi was once my favorite bang-for-the-buck pocket rocket. But I must be getting older, as I now rank the Subaru Legacy higher in my personal wishlist. It may be a tad slower than an STi on a racetrack, but how often do we drive our cars on a racetrack? For everyday driving on real roads, it’s vastly more comfortable and more spacious – and almost as wickedly quick, both in a straight line and in corners, thanks to all-wheel-drive. Plus, it’s got virtually all the creature comforts and cabin space of a Camry or Accord. And it looks good, too! It even comes as a real haulin’ station wagon. What’s not to like? – Manny N. De Los Reyes

Put it this way, during the June issue of C! Magazine, each editor was given a virtual budget of ten million pesos to spend on any car on sale here in the country. One of my choices was the Legacy GT. Even with money to burn, the Legacy puts forward one of the best arguments yet in the Japanese versus European war. It has a fantastic power to weight ratio, all-wheel drive confidence and an interior that is as well glued together as a signature handbag. Yet as much as I rave about the car, it’s the ownership experience that MotorImage Pilipinas has created that really stitches up the package. They have created an owners’ program that allows you to be as connected to the brand as the car is to the ground. – James Deakin

The Subaru Legacy is a superb handling sports sedan that comes ever closer to the Teutonic ideal – the kind that’ll let you take the family along for a wild ride. – Andy Leuterio

The Subaru Legacy 2.5GT addressed its predecessor’s one weakness (the engine) with a ridiculous upgrade, throwing in several bits of technical goodies in the bag and giving it a bigger, more passenger-friendly body. This new Legacy is every bit the improvement on an already awesome car. – Dong Magsajo