Subaru Legacy BH, 3 generation, restyling 05.2001 - 04.2003

The Legacy Touring Wagon is a middle class station wagon. With the arrival of the third generation Legacy, the station wagon version was released six months earlier than the sedan, which received its own B4 brand and, thanks to the best modifications, was firmly entrenched in the sports class. In turn, the Legacy Wagon continued the direction of first-class station wagons, not forgetting, of course, about the sporty driving characteristics that attracted the attention of almost the whole world. For three generations of the Legacy, Subaru kept the concept of this car. The result is a car with its own character. Noteworthy is the fact that with the general Japanese tendency to increase the external dimensions of the Legacy Wagon retained the same body dimensions. The third generation of this model was produced exclusively in an all-wheel drive version and was equipped with engines with a volume of 2 liters and above. Dropping the 1.8-liter trim levels, the new-generation Legacy Wagon prioritizes high power, performance, safety and driving pleasure, demonstrating the best performance of all-wheel drive station wagons. Of course, inexpensive modifications offered only the most necessary minimum (air conditioning, hydraulic booster, power accessories, fog lights, "molding"), but everything changed with an increase in the level of equipment - the car received climate control, an electric sunroof, roof rails, leather braiding of the steering wheel, interior trim " wood grain ”, leather interior, electric front seats, CD-player. One of the best trims of the generation - 3.0 Blitzen 6, the result of cooperation with Porsche Design, who developed unique details (wheels, body kit, interior) and body colors. And the GT-B version deserves attention as an extended sports variant with Bilstein struts, large brake discs and aero kit that reduces wind noise and improves aerodynamic performance. The third generation Legacy Wagon uses new, improved engines and chassis. The most powerful motors are 260 and 280 hp. are installed on very popular GT modifications. Somewhat later, modifications were added, complete with 2.5- and 3-liter naturally aspirated engines with a capacity of 170 and 220 hp. with., while the 3-liter configuration uses a well-proven boxer engine with a horizontal six cylinders. Also noteworthy are the unpretentious two-liter aspirated engines - SOHC with a capacity of 137 hp. and DOHC with 155 hp. with a variable valve timing system. Virtually all Legacy Wagon models offer manual and automatic transmission options, with the exception of the 250T, which uses automatic transmission only.

To provide the Legacy Touring Wagon with the best ride quality, the rear suspension is multi-link, providing ample travel, the required rigidity and at the same time the compact size, which is important for the required cargo space. The front suspension is the usual shock absorber struts. The GT-B and 250T-B versions use, as noted, Bilstein sport struts, which provide a high degree of balance and increased handling. In addition, the suspension of the sporty modifications is lightened by forged aluminum levers to reduce unsprung masses. And, of course, do not forget about the modifications with air suspension (250T), which allows you to adjust the size of the ground clearance.

The standard for all trim levels is the presence of front airbags, ABS, front belts with pretensioners and load limiters, as well as optional side airbags. In more expensive trim levels, there are child seat mountings, xenon headlights, VDC system, vehicle dynamics control, which, in combination with AWD and ABS systems, made it possible to further improve safety. The body structure has better rigidity and is surrounded by an annular frame with a larger cross-section to reduce cab deformation in a collision. A newly designed wiper with improved performance is installed to improve visibility in rain.

Among the Legacy right-hand drive station wagons offered on the market, 2-liter modifications prevail, mainly with atmospheric engines, but those who are focused on "turbo" have a choice. In general, the Legacy Touring Wagon is an excellent example of a family station wagon, characterized by high comfort and spaciousness, and even with all-wheel drive. Basic versions with low-power engines show good economy thanks to their horizontally opposed motors. Powerful versions - excellent dynamics thanks to all the same horizontally opposed engines that have become an integral part of Subaru cars.