Subaru has thoroughly upgraded its Legacy Tourer for 2012, so this £26,865 offers better value than ever.

The Tourer can be had with either a 2.0 liter boxer diesel engine, or a 2.5 liter petrol. The diesel unit is fitted with a more efficient turbocharger, new exhaust-camshaft timing and lighter connecting rods, and is mated with new oxidation catalytic converters and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).

So the C02 level is dropped to under 160g/km which results in a remarkable tax saving.

Unfortunately, the performance suffers a bit, with 147 ps at 3,600 rpm and 350 Nm between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm, which means zero to 62 mph takes 9.6 seconds and the top speed is only 120mph.

Visually the 2012 model comes with new, aerodynamically smoother door mirrors, a higher-resolution rear view camera (SE NavPlus only) and the availability of a fresh new colour – Ice Silver Metallic. Inside it benefits from a single-CD unit featuring a large LCD display screen together with USB and iPod connectivity and steering wheel-mounted controls.

As for the specifications, even the base model is generously equipped with cruise control, a glass ‘tilt-n-slide’ sunroof, dual-zone fully automatic air-conditioning, a premium audio system with six speakers (including two tweeters), automatic lights and wipers and a powered driver’s seat.  A Bluetooth® hands-free system with voice activation is fitted as standard, while all but the S model are trimmed in black leather.  Models with Lineartronic transmission feature steering wheel mounted paddle-shifters as standard.

SE and SE NavPlus models now feature a ‘Sports Package’ which comprises a sports front bumper and front grille, dark tinted headlamps, larger 18-inch alloy wheels and special Bilstein dampers.  SE NavPlus models also feature a new DVD navigation system as standard, with a high-resolution eight-inch display for optimum clarity.

Price List:

*with Lineartronic transmission as standard