Picture Gallery: 2007 Subaru Legacy spec.B
Day 1:
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Many CanadianDriver.com readers have already had their say on this vehicle, which Haney Louka reviewed at the end of November. The general consensus from the comments on Haney’s review was that the Spec B was way overpriced.
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The first thing you may notice that is different in the Spec B from the standard Legacy 2.5GT are the blue inserts on the seats. The inserts are of a suede-type material and really grip the body in corners. I’ve only spent about an hour in the driver’s seat, but they seem to be more comfortable than the standard Legacy seats as well.
This is a short week but I will update my blog after my longer trip in the spec.B. I will be driving from Ottawa to Windsor and back this weekend as I head to Detroit to cover the North American International Auto Show for CanadianDriver and CarTalkCanada.
This blog will concentrate on the fuel consumption of the spec.B and its comfort quotient. As I said, so far I am enjoying the seats: we’ll see if that still holds true after 16 hours of driving. The fuel consumption according to the computer readout is slightly better than the Legacy GT wagon I had a few weeks back. It certainly will be interesting to see if the spec.B can deliver on performance while not completely maxing out my credit card at the pumps.
2007 Subaru spec.B
MSRP as tested: $45,495
For more information on Subaru and the Legacy 2.5GT spec.B visit Subaru Canada
Updated January 3rd 2007
Day 2:
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Other additions to the spec.B over the standard Legacy 2.5GT include Bilstein® sport-tuned struts, aluminum alloy front and rear control arms, 18-inch wheels with summer performance tires — which I wish were omitted for this winter test drive — Vehicle Dynamics Controls System (VDC), GPS based navigation standard and of course a TORSEN® limited-slip differential.
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If you go over the list there are a few other things like chrome trim, the Momo steering wheel, which is far too large to be even listed as a “feature.” On the surface, then, one would say the spec.B really isn’t much more than a dress up package. I would have said that … before driving it.
Although there is no boost in power from the wagon version of 2.5GT I drove a few weeks back, the six speed manual transmission gives the impression that there is a boost in power. The SI-drive, when set to “Intelligent” mode, also has a shift up indicator, or what I like to call a “dummy” light. This light blinks when it is time to shift for optimum fuel economy.
I actually tested out the VDC (stability control system) this morning. Leaving my driveway, the vehicle went a little sideways. At first I was rather surprised, it certainly didn’t seem like VDC did anything. I tried again to get the vehicle sideways in an icy parking lot, but at higher speeds the system worked really well. A fluke, perhaps, in the morning? I do not know the definitive answer but I have a hunch the system is a little more lenient at slower speeds. Of course my tester also has summer performance tires and I was on pure ice at the time.
Updated January 4th 2007
Day 3:
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I feel I have driven the spec.B enough now to come to some conclusions on its driving feel and differences between it and the Legacy GT Wagon I had a few weeks prior.
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The steering feels heavier in the spec.B as well, especially during low speed parking lot maneuvers. I find it requires a lot of effort at slow speeds, although it must be noted the spec.B carries larger wheels and tires and a different rubber compound as well.
The six-speed manual, unfortunately, is not much of a joy to use. It feels rubbery during changes, although a distinct gate can be felt, until it is fully engaged it is hard to tell what is going on. This is really noticeable when trying to perform quick shifts as I find the car tends to jerk around. The shifter kind of feels like a stick with a rubber bouncy ball attached to it and as you change gates the ball clunks into the proper gear but mutes the true mechanical feel.
If you drive in bumper-to-bumper traffic, you may want to ensure you have done your exercises. The clutch is rather firm - nothing like a Ford Mustang GT - but firm enough to notice and certainly firmer than my Mazda 3.
Updated January 10th 2007
Day 4:
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On the way to Windsor, I averaged around 9.4L/100km, with periods of higher consumption due to gusting head winds and other sections where consumption was considerably lower. On the return trip, the average fuel mileage was 8.8L/100km, which is fairly decent.
On the return trip, there were three of us in the vehicle plus all of our baggage and loot from the auto show. So an average of 8.8L/100km with the extra weight was a surprise. The trunk space, however, wasn’t adequate and we ended up using the backseat for some of our luggage.
As anticipated, the seats were extremely comfortable during the trip. Eight hours in a vehicle can take a toll on your back and your behind, but I felt just as fresh when I returned home as I did when I left.
*Rating out of 5:
| 2007 Subaru Legacy Spec B | |
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2007 Subaru spec.B
MSRP as tested: $45,495
For more information on Subaru and the Legacy 2.5GT spec.B visit Subaru Canada
to our site.
January 11, 2007, 11:25:22 am The great majority of Subarus sold in BC are also are wagons. IMO, the sedans are OK, the wagons very good. Another case of the US dog wagging the Canada tail??
January 11, 2007, 11:42:06 am Dropping the wagon wouldn't be a good idea IMO. THe majority of Legacies down here are wagons too, with only a handful being sedans.
January 11, 2007, 04:07:56 pm GT wagons not selling well in Dubya-land despite that I see LGT wagons here more than LGT sedans. I feel that SOA and SCI are holding back the potential of the Legacy line for reasons I do not know. In other parts of the world, the Legacy/Liberty line is very well decked out. In fact in Australia and possibly New Zealand, one can buy an Legacy STi-fied.
Once again the North America bound 08 Legacy disappoints compared to the RoW model when it comes to front end aesthetics.
I'd never buy the Spec. B even if I can afford it. The GT ltd makes more sense. Money saved can be put towards the same upgrades. Although I do like that new blue/black interior.
And as for MSP6.... it is a joke. There's a reason why Mazda is offering 0% APR on it and the resale on that thing Rocks! As in dropping like one!
January 11, 2007, 06:58:10 pm
I agree but "There have been rumors that Subaru may discontinue the slow selling Legacy wagon (note: I said "rumors," as nothing has been confirmed on that as of this date) in the US market." http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/2109
Some say just the US market some say North America so I guess we'll have to see.
January 11, 2007, 09:18:31 pm Dropping the Legacy Wagon eliminates for me as well the possibility of getting a Legacy one day. I really hope they do not do that here even if they do that in the US.
January 13, 2007, 04:53:26 pm I have driven both the specB and the Mazda speed 6. The Speed 6 was a disappointment. I was actually a fan of the car. Looks good on paper. Looks good from the outside. Get inside and the interior was same as any other mazda. The engine is loud. With so much horsepower it sure dont feel like it. The clutch behavior is funny, feels cheap. The stick dosen't feel good. Main difference is the all-wheel drive. Part time systems are only good at low speeds for extra traction. It really isn't all wheel drive because most of the time its front wheel drive. So it feels like a front wheel drive car. Subaru allwheel drive is has power going to all four tires so it really grabs the road and works at all speeds. The Spec B is by far a much better car overall. Sure its cost more but its worth it. If you could take out the navigation price would be much closer. So other than that I would buy a Legacy Spec B. I could go into much more detail but i am not going to. Go test drive both and see for yourself.
January 14, 2007, 02:14:14 am
Sure the AWD system of Subaru is better. Worth almost 10K more better? No. Plus at that price you have choices like an infiniti G35X and it doesn't look like a $45 000 Honda Accord.
January 14, 2007, 03:13:19 pm Well said coldcase.
"No bias" I have driven both - the initial review posted here had enough to recommend that I thought it worth checking out. Suffice it to say that I could not disagree with you more. Straight up, price independent, I prefer the Speed 6:
1) The Sube looks and feels bigger. I like a sports sedan that casts a smaller shadow and takes up less acreage.
2) The Speed 6 gives you a unique, top performing motor to distinguish it from the more pedestrian versions of the car. The Spec B gives you the same engine and more or less the same performance as lesser Legacies. There is less to distiguish it from its less costly bretheren.
3) Contrary to your suggestion, the Speed 6 is available with unique interior appointments not available on the regular 6 - a two-tone black and white leather package that is quite striking.
4) The clutch in the 6 is a bit touchy, but I WAY prefered its shift feel to that of the Sube. You get used to the clutch you drive, but sloppy, rubbery shift feel is with you for good.
5) Seat of the pants, both cars felt equally fast. And their test numbers bear that out.
6) Seat of the pants, I give a slight handling edge to the 6. But again, it's pretty close.
7) Purely subjective, but I find the Subaru pretty boring in appearance. The long-in-the-tooth design of the Mazda still looks a bit more crisp to me.
8 I found both 4wd systems largely transparent behind the wheel. Suburu may indeed have the better design, but it's not a design benefit that I could see or feel.
9) I flat out forgot to ask whether the Sube came with HIDs, because I flat out cannot believe that a $46k car wouldn't.
Again - I can't for the life of me see where the HUGE price differential between the Sube and the Speed6 is remotely justified.
And if you actually think the Sube is worth its money, I invite you to take an extended drive in a similarly priced Infiniti G35 X and tell me - honestly - how the Sube can possibly compare to THAT vehicle for the money. Unless, of course, you are simply going to fall bak on that mantra of the Subaru faithful: "Subaru has the best AWD system in the world."
Jaeger
January 14, 2007, 10:55:32 pm I don't know why everyone is so hang up on the price of the Spec B.
To me, it's a great value over the GT Ltd for the $3,000 price difference.
If you want to complain, the $4,000 price difference between the base GT and Ltd is over priced. That's a more valid argument.
I went to Infiniti Canada to spec out a G35X with similar Spec B features (Premium pkg - $3,300. Navigation - $2,950). Total $51,270 before tax!
Sure, the G35X has more power and a few more minor features that the Subaru doesn't have. But it's also $thousands more expensive.
I think people have problems with Subaru having a >$40,000 car. Not necessary the content of the car.
The 2008 model has even more toys if that's what people are concerned with.
I've never been impressed by how many tricks or toys a car has. I didn't even turn on the navigation and the radio on the TL when I test drove it. I just didn't care.
By the way, I have driven the G35 (not the G35x).
January 15, 2007, 03:19:27 am
To me, it's a great value over the GT Ltd for the $3,000 price difference.
If you want to complain, the $4,000 price difference between the base GT and Ltd is over priced. That's a more valid argument.
I went to Infiniti Canada to spec out a G35X with similar Spec B features (Premium pkg - $3,300. Navigation - $2,950). Total $51,270 before tax!
Sure, the G35X has more power and a few more minor features that the Subaru doesn't have. But it's also $thousands more expensive.
I think people have problems with Subaru having a >$40,000 car. Not necessary the content of the car.
The 2008 model has even more toys if that's what people are concerned with.
I've never been impressed by how many tricks or toys a car has. I didn't even turn on the navigation and the radio on the TL when I test drove it. I just didn't care.
By the way, I have driven the G35 (not the G35x).
I kind of agree with you. In general I find lower trim legacys and Outback pretty good values. It's when you want an actual engine and not a pig that things go wrong value wise. The legacy GT is too expensive and that's why the specB follows the same trend. MY2008 goodies. Let's say they again trimmed down the list from the Euro model. All we are getting is:
A new range topping model that features a 3.0-liter 245-hp six-cylinder boxer engine, paddle-shift automatic transmission, SI-Drive performance-control, Bilstein sport suspension and 18-wheels. VDC Stability System Availability Expanded. The entire Legacy line gets new front and rear fascias with reduced bumper overhangs, redesigned instrument panel and new interior fabrics.
If the specB was tough to sell at $44 000 wait until they ask 45000 for the H6 legacy 3.0R. Oh yeah, still no HID on the legacy and Outback models.
Don't get me wrong, I love these cars....I hate the price so when it's time to buy it will be in the US where you get a Legacy GT when negotiated and imported here for a great $33000-34000 CAD. You basically save 8000$. Now at that price, it's a great car for the money.
Read this and enjoy: http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48692
January 15, 2007, 11:05:38 am If you import this car from the states you only pay $32000US (about $37500 CAD). Its the canadian pricing thats screwed up
January 15, 2007, 12:06:28 pm
January 24, 2007, 01:42:36 am
And we all thank you for those words of wisdom.
January 24, 2007, 02:05:02 am
January 24, 2007, 06:22:54 am Now if that pup comes back maybe he can try 'adult speak' and tell us what he really means. Geez kids nowdays.
January 24, 2007, 10:55:46 am I understood every word.................Malxeszt sinwqatyp..holowbvxz ralfallahj
February 10, 2007, 07:59:12 pm I have the opportunity to purchase a '06 Legacy GT Spec B with 135 miles on it never been off the dealership lot. The asking price is $31,000 USD. (U.S. dollars) I read somewhere that Subaru only made 500 of these in 2006 and was wondering if it would be a collector car in the future. I really know nothing about cars but have been reading up on this particular car. Not so crazy about the red interior or the 18" wheels, but if this car would keep it value a little longer I could accept them. Don't know if I should buy.
February 10, 2007, 08:33:39 pm The spec B is not much more than a badge and a stiffer suspension I would doubt very much if it gains any street "cred" to become collectible.
February 11, 2007, 08:26:47 am I wouldn't buy it because you think it would hold it's end value better. I would buy it because I like it.
When you sell you might have some advertising curiosity, but as Wing explained, once you provide the details of what it is, it really won't much matter to the next person. It's a used car with parts that might have to be replaced so there goes that advantage.
February 11, 2007, 03:04:46 pm
Yup, 500 2006 models was rare, until Subaru decided to make it a standard trim model for 2007.
February 15, 2007, 12:29:52 pm Rejoice, the Legacy Wagon will continue in Canada!!!
Some photos http://www.canadiandriver.com/galleries/2007autoshows/index.php?level=album&id=198
http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/07toronto/070215-4.htm
"Subaru Canada is delighted to continue to offer the Legacy Wagon to Canadian customers, in spite of the fact that it will no longer be offered in the U.S.,"
February 16, 2007, 12:56:13 am
Some photos http://www.canadiandriver.com/galleries/2007autoshows/index.php?level=album&id=198
http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/07toronto/070215-4.htm
"Subaru Canada is delighted to continue to offer the Legacy Wagon to Canadian customers, in spite of the fact that it will no longer be offered in the U.S.,"
Too bad they don't lower the price though. What good is offering a wagon here when they screw us on the price. 43 000$ for a LGT wagon....lots of other choices at that price.
February 16, 2007, 07:09:55 am
Some photos http://www.canadiandriver.com/galleries/2007autoshows/index.php?level=album&id=198
http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/07toronto/070215-4.htm
"Subaru Canada is delighted to continue to offer the Legacy Wagon to Canadian customers, in spite of the fact that it will no longer be offered in the U.S.,"
Too bad they don't lower the price though. What good is offering a wagon here when they screw us on the price. 43 000$ for a LGT wagon....lots of other choices at that price.
Where are they? Where can you find a 250 HP “real” AWD MT wagon for $42k?
February 16, 2007, 01:52:23 pm
WTF?!
Well, glad I got mine while it was still available. Subaru USA cut the manual transmission for the wagon for 2007. I can't believe they're getting rid of the wagon entirely for 2008. Though I guess I see why, considering that Outbacks tend to outnumber Legacy wagons about 10 to 1 in the States, from my own observations.
February 17, 2007, 12:31:07 am
WTF?!
Well, glad I got mine while it was still available. Subaru USA cut the manual transmission for the wagon for 2007. I can't believe they're getting rid of the wagon entirely for 2008. Though I guess I see why, considering that Outbacks tend to outnumber Legacy wagons about 10 to 1 in the States, from my own observations.
I was looking at the new 2008 Legacy and Legacy wagon at the Toronto Autoshow today. Love the new front end!