Subaru South Africa have just introduced for 2018, a new updated version of the Subaru Legacy 3.6R-S ES with higher safety specification levels and with the inclusion of EyeSight® Driver Assistance.

The new model is recognized by its sportier and more aggressive front view. The headlight edges have a sharper stare, replete with the signature 'Konoji-design' C-shaped daytime LED running lights. The lower grille opening is lower and wider, with the traditional Subaru hexagonal features having less chrome detailing, with two black fins sitting below one chrome line on which the Subaru six-star badge is situated, and the fog lamp surrounds and cladding have been tweaked for a more elegant look. The rear end features a newly designed bumper with a two-tone layout, the lower end of which has a diffuser-like design incorporating more integrated exhaust outlets. The side view gets new side mirrors with integrated LED turn signal indicators, a side view camera and the Legacy rides on new turbine-designed 18-inch, lightweight alloy wheels. Subaru has also added two new exterior colours to the Legacy range: Magnetite Gray Metallic and Crimson Red Pearl.

The Subaru Legacy has always boasted a comfortable up-market interior, but now moves a little more up-market thanks to the use of more premium interior cabin materials in the door and dashboard paneling and sporting new high-gloss black trim contrasted by silver surrounds on some control panels. From the driver's seat, a new multi-function leather covered steering wheel has been adopted, behind which is a newly updated on-board computer display with revised graphics and dial surrounds. The focus of the center stack is the all-new Infotainment system, the most significant technological upgrade on the Subaru Legacy's entertainment and connectivity agenda. The 7-inch screen is larger than before and now features the new Subaru touchscreen system, like those used on other all-new Subaru vehicles. It's a faster, more intuitive system with an enhanced display and more functionality. In addition to new apps and TomTom-based SATNAV as standard, the system is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enabled.

Other changes are that the dual-zone climate control temperature indicators have been moved to within the control dials, on either side of which the settings are housed in a revised layout with newer graphics and a larger digital clock. Further, the electric steering of the updated Legacy has been improved to be more direct and for better communication to the driver. The dampers have been re-tuned for better absorption of bumps in the road, as well as more stability in corners, and the brake pedal feel has also been improved.

According to Subaru, only one model derivative of the Legacy is available in South Africa and that is the flagship, Subaru Legacy 3.6R-S ES. It is powered by a DOHC, six-cylinder 3.6 litre Boxer® engine that produces 191kW at 6,000 RPM and 350 NM of torque at 4,400 RPM and is coupled to a smoother and more fluid Lineartronic CVT gearbox. Throttle response has also been improved as has the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and the Active Torque Vectoring technology.

In terms of safety, the 2018 Subaru Legacy has been vastly improved with the introduction of EyeSight® Driver Assist technology fitted to the South African Legacy for the first time. EyeSight® is Subaru's award-winning system that makes use of stereo cameras that scan the road ahead and then act in a number of ways to mitigate or reduce the damage of collisions. Features include; Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, and Vehicle Lane Departure and Sway Warning.

Other safety features include; Steering Responsive Headlights, Blind Spot Detection while the Rear Cross Traffic Alert indicator lamps are larger and have been moved to the side of the newly designed side mirrors. The Legacy also sports a Front View Camera and Side View Camera in addition to the Rear-View Camera. All standard is the Vehicle Dynamics Control; 7 Airbags; ISOFIX child-seat anchors and the use of high-tensile steel in strategic areas.

The recommended retail price for the new Subaru Legacy 3.6R-S ES is R619 000 which includes a 3 year / 75 000 km Full Maintenance Plan as well as a 5 year / 150 000 km warranty. The Maintenance plan is extendable up to 5 years / 150 000 km at the time of purchase.