Legacy Wins Aa Autocar Car Of The Year Award

Legacy Wins Aa Autocar Car Of The Year Award

The Legacy 2.5i has won the 2004 AA AutoCar Car of the Year Award.

Launched in October last year, the Legacy was driven back to back with other COTY contenders in the Taupo area over several days by a panel of judges which included staff from the Automobile Association, AutoCar magazine and independent observers.

The New Zealand Award follows the car's victory in the Japan COTY in 2003. The Legacy also won the Sunday Star Times large car class award.

The win has thrilled Subaru of New Zealand's General Manager, Wallis Dumper.

"It's fantastic to win such a prestigious award," said Mr Dumper. "The AA AutoCar Car of the Year Award is like winning the Ranfurly Shield in New Zealand motoring terms."

Mr Dumper said the new Legacy has won numerous awards internationally since its launch. "To have the kudos of the AA reinforces how good this car, which Fuji Heavy Industries have evolved through four generations since 1989, really is."

The independent judges of the AA AutoCar Car of the Year Award were unstinting in their praise of the Legacy 2.5i, which also won the medium car class of the Awards.

"Its supple long travel suspension absorbs all Tutukau Rd can chuck at it, anchored as it is to a miraculous new body that is somehow stiffer and larger, yet significantly lighter," said the judges, who were impressed by the attention to first principles of engineering and design.

"Unlike the Accord and 350Z, the Legacy has no traction or stability control…nor does it need any. It’s a complete package just as it comes, an all-wheel-driving machine that eschews gizmos simply because it has the most physical grip of any new car released in 2003."

The judges said the Legacy has never looked better, with charismatic styling that leaves you in no doubt that the added power (up 10 per cent) and lower weight (average reduction of 60kg, despite a 10 per cent lift in body rigidity) carried lower create a more sporting package.

"What ultimately sets the Legacy apart from Accord Euro is its sublime mix of assured predictable handling and roadholding, supple and refined ride quality and communicative steering. Consider also the high level of active safety with all-wheel-drive across the range."

The Legacy also scored strongly for its steering, brake bite, and its roomy, inviting and quiet interior. Judges commented favourably on improved cabin aesthetics, seat comfort, well considered ergonomics, all-round visibility and generous occupant and luggage space.

"That the Legacy is surefooted in both dry and slippery conditions gives it a distinct active safety advantage in our typically changeable New Zealand weather conditions. Topping the package off, Legacy costs the same in wagon and sedan formats," said the judges.

Apart from the Award winning Legacy 2.5i, it is also available in two litre turbocharged GT and naturally aspirated models to provide buyers with a wide range of model choices from $37,990 to $62,990.

The COTY winning Legacy 2.5i is available from $44,990.

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