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Comments
Bob
-juice
The changes shown in the photos do look very mild. Like many other mid-model Subaru changes, the changes are mainly focused on the front end. For example, the wagon rear looks pretty much the same as it does now with the exception of the 3rd brake light position. I also see a new tailight pattern and what looks like some strip that runs through the Subaru logo.
The sedan has new reflectors in the bumper -- not sure if I like that.
Is it me or does it seem like multi-spoke wheels (7+) are on many vehicles these days?
Ken
The person who posted these images said that at glance the changes look very minor—but there are a lot of them. Meaning that the vehicle was throughly massaged, even though it looks very similar to the current models.
Bob
Bob
-Brian
I like this upgrade a lot. I especially like the subtle changes to the rear of the wagon, which I always thought looked a bit dated, even when new.
It should also put to rest fears among those who don't like the Impreza/B9 grille. Although I do admit to concerns about FHI changing horses midstream regarding their design direction. I don't know how they will tie together future Subaru models as a "brand" from the front, which I think is important. The funny thing is the new Impreza, with the airplane front, the sales are way up over past models. So the "look" clearly did not hurt that model. I hope they stay with that design direction for future Imprezas, as it works very well, at least for that model.
Bob
The same could be said of the earlier Legacy grille, but I think it becomes more obvious in this latest rendition. It's just stronger and more prominent with this go-round.
One other thing I like about this new rendition is that it becomes a bit less like the stereotypical generic "Asian" grille. I've long complained that too many other Asian cars like the Toyota Matrix, various Kias and Hyundais all have models with grilles very much like the existing Legacy. By adding the "V" to this grille shape element, that becomes a bit less of an issue. Still, it isn't nearly as distinctive as the grille found on the Impreza or Tribeca. As many of you know I was hoping they would put a version of the Impreza grille on the new Legacy, thereby strengthening the "family" look and making it consistent across the entire model range, but I guess this is a pretty good alternative.
Bob
2.5L engine in WRX models might have boosted the sales. IMO airplane front is certainly better than generic front end on 2004/2005 MY. However, I think airplane front didn't fuel or deter sales.
Bob
I agree that it does make me question how Subaru plans on keeping a uniform corporate look with this design. While I have not have been a fan of the new airplane look, backing away now leaves their portfolio looking quite scattered with various models at different levels of adoption (ie. Tribeca>Impreza>Forester>Legacy). I wonder if they are planning a bigger redesign with the next new Leggy chassis or if they are simply going to back down.
However, I do like the new lower bumper and the more aggressive lines. It works well with the sharper headlight design. I'm not so sure if the "V" shaped chrome communicates airplanes so much to me, but more ties in the lines formed from the new headlight shapes. In some ways, it looks a bit Mazda 6-like and isn't too original.
While I do like most of the changes, I'm not sure if I like the addition of a chrome strip on the wagon liftgate. I think the trend towards using chrome accents have come and gone and it makes it look as if Subaru just got lazy with how to spruce up the rear. The strip emphasizes yet another horizontal line in the rear which seems a little heavy when compared to the simple, and unmodified side of the vehicle. It just doesn't flow for me.
To me, it seems like they always spend too much time time on the front for their refreshes, making it look like they just grafted a new front end on the outgoing model.
In any event, I am glad that they decided to stick with the overall Legacy design. While it's conservative at it's heart, this tweak shows how it the design is flexible enough to keep things interesting.
Ken
I do like the way the silver-colored strip on the wagon's rear gate continues visually into the new taillights. It also follows the new look of the Forester, which has the same chrome strip across its gate.
The possiblities of seeing a 3.0 H6 Legacy are exciting, too.
Yep, the 3-piece Tribeca/Impreza grille would make the brand stand out much more than this approach in terms of brand identity—which is one of the points I've been making from the moment that grille direction was presented a few years ago.
Bob
• Oval gearshift surround on the center console
• Paddle shifters(!) above the steering wheel
• Other buttons below the steering wheel. One appears to be a phone volume button.
Bob
Phone button? Bluetooth! If they got it into this Legacy, I'm surprised they weren't able to get it into Tribeca in time for the 2007s, since their release dates are so close. At least it looks like Tribeca may get Bluetooth in 2008.
Bob
Ken
Interesting and unique are the slightly curving stripes within the front turn signals. They seem to make the "eye" of the headlight look more focused, and at the same time nicely guide the viewer's eye up to the shoulder crease. Wonder if they blink in a progression, like the old Mercury Cougars used to? Wouldn't that be something a bit gimmicky but fun?!
None of the pics seem to show an integrated turn signal in the side mirrors. I wonder if those have been discontinued.
Owen
I wonder if the backup lights on the wagon are LEDs. Note the little dots.
I like the paddle shifters, give those to the Forester please!
I bet the gated shifter goes bye-bye with that new oval gear surround.
Overall looks good. Already did, but this is an improvement.
-juice
Bob
-juice
http://www.subaru.co.jp/r2/refilimited/
We should learn to "read" the concepts better.
I don't expect the Impreza to look like the B5-TPH, for instance, but I bet we see a 3 door model and some other cues from it.
-juice
Bob
Ken
-juice
-juice
Bob
I like shaved bumpers and a streamlined look, but you still want something that is repair-friendly.
-juice
Bob
The headlights seem more angled inward, too, more cats-eye looking.
-juice
Bob
Bob
Bob
As I said, IMHO it looks taller.
I wonder when my focus group non-disclosure expires??
John
Bob