Legacy & Outback 06 models launched

Legacy 2.0R Debuts

Subaru is introducing a new two litre Legacy model for the 2006 model year, the Legacy 2.0R.

Powered by a new double overhead camshaft engine, the Legacy 2.0R also has a higher specification than the 2.0i model it replaces, taking it into the premium area of the market.

Available in both sedan and wagon versions, with a choice of five speed manual or four speed sportshift automatic gearbox, the Legacy 2.0R will sell from $39,990.

"This car is more evidence of our move into the prestige area of the market," said Wallis Dumper, the General Manager and Director of Subaru of New Zealand.

"In recent years we have endeavored to distance ourselves from the volume brands with our unique Symmetrical All Wheel Drive transmissions, the use of high quality materials, dynamic chassis, comprehensive equipment levels and handsome styling."

Mr. Dumper said the Legacy 2.0R was a further step in that direction with a 20 percent increase in power and its stylish good looks enhanced by the new 17 inch alloy wheels.

Until now the Legacy 2.0 has been powered by a single overhead camshaft engine producing 101 kWs. The new double overhead camshaft engine has 121 kWs and the peak torque of 187 Nm is now produced at 3200 rpm instead of 4400 rpm in the old engine, providing better driveability across a wider rev range.

The new power plant incorporates active valve control, a new dual exhaust system and electronic throttle control.

Other changes include the move to 17 inch alloy wheels (were 16 inch) with 215/45 series profile tyres.

Six airbags, including front, side and curtain airbags are now standard and the front seat head restraints now have an active capability to prevent whip lash injuries.

The new 2006 Legacy 2.0R can also be distinguished from the 2005 model with the addition of projector front fog lamps; lumbar adjustment of the driver's seat and climate control air conditioning has been added.

Other standard features include four channel ABS with electronic brake force distribution, door anti-intrusion beams, height adjustable seat belt anchorages for the front and rear seats.

The door mirrors incorporate indicator lights and there are nine stage variable intermittent wipers. The remote control central locking also incorporates an engine immobiliser.

Standard specification also includes electric windows, cruise control, map lights, vanity mirrors with lights, a boot through rear centre arm rest in the sedan and 60:40 split folding rear seats in the wagon.

The new Legacy 2.0R is available through the Subaru Authroised Dealer network. It comes with a three year unlimited kilometres warranty and the DataDot security system.

Legacy 2.0R MY06 Pricing (both wagon and sedan)

Legacy 2.0R 5 spd manual $39,990

Legacy 2.0R 4 spd automatic $41,990

Legacy 3.0R spec.B Goes Auto

Subaru has added a SPORTSHIFTƒx five speed automatic version to its six cylinder Legacy 3.0R spec. B model for the 2006 model year.

Building on the significant success of the 3.0 litre Legacy variants introduced last year, the new five-speed Sportshift automatic has the same 18-inch wheels and Bilstein sports suspension as its six speed manual gearbox spec. B stable mate.

"When we introduced the three litre Legacy last year, we had the spec.B manual and a 3.0R model with the automatic transmission," said Wallis Dumper, the General Manager and Director of Subaru of New Zealand.

The changes have rationalised the Legacy 3.0R model range. Now all versions - sedan and wagon - come in the spec.B. guise irrespective of the type of gearbox. The 3.0R automatic has been discontinued from the range.

The Legacy 3.0R spec.B' s responsive automatic gearbox is among the lightest of its type.

The close-ratio direct control-type transmission was developed to achieve high quality, smooth speed changes.

Among the highlights, Legacy 3.0R spec.B automatic offers 180 Kilowatts of power at 6,600 rpm and 297 Newtonmetres of torque at 4,200 rpm with an impressive braked towing capacity of 1800 kg.

Bilstein sports suspension is standard providing enhanced lateral rigidity and suspension performance to match the car¡¦s weight distribution.

Other standard features include 18-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, electronically adjustable driver and front passenger seats, double pretensioners on driver¡¦s seatbelt ¡V shared by the entire MY06 Legacy range, speed sensitive intermittent windscreen wipers ¡V shared by the entire MY06 Legacy range, aluminium pedals and aluminium-style console highlights.

Interior specification for the 3.0R spec.B models includes adjustable steering column; climate control air conditioning; cruise control; eight-way adjustable power driver¡¦s and front passenger seat; electric sunroof ; immobiliser security system; Momo leather steering wheel with audio controls; multi-function trip computer; power steering, mirrors and windows; remote central locking; sports seats; aluminium-type dashboard and door highlights; 13-speaker premium McIntosh audio system with six-stack in-dash CD; 60/40 split/fold rear seat ¡V wagon only

Exterior features include 18-inch alloy wheels ¡V full size alloy spare; chrome-surround grille; chrome sill strip; colour-coded mirrors and door handles; headlights auto off; rear roof spoiler ¡V wagon only; unique front bumper profile; auto sedan boot release on key; unlock tailgate on wagon; DataDot security; electronic throttle control; three-year unlimited kilometre warranty; dual exhaust system and front fog lamps.

Legacy 3.0R spec.B shares the premium McIntosh audio system that has established itself as a must-have feature of all Legacy 3.0R and turbocharged GT variants.

The sound system is integrated in the centre console. The advanced McIntosh was incorporated in the car¡¦s design from the start, with 13 speakers including new midrange speakers, which deliver clarity and quality of sound equal to most home audio systems.

In other changes for 2006, the Outback 2.5 now has a single monotone body colour, rather than the grey lower panels of previous years.

All three litre Outback and Legacy models have dropped the option of ivory coloured leather upholstery, with the more practical black leather now being the only choice.

The 2.5 Legacy models have been upgraded with a standard sunroof and full length curtain airbags for 2006.

Subaru's unique Symmetrical All Wheel Drive transmission is standard on all models.

Two new colours are also available across the Legacy range ¡V urban grey metallic and violet grey metallic.

Standard safety features on all Legacy models include ABS anti-lock brakes with four-wheel discs and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Automatic transmission lock-out - need foot on brake, key in ¡§ignition on¡¨ position, to release lever; full length curtain airbags; dual front airbags; dual front side airbags; front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters and side anti-intrusion bars.

All Legacy models have an ANCAP five-star crashworthiness rating, underlining the car¡¦s leadership in its class for safety.

All Legacy¡¦s are equipped with the latest advanced engine immobilisers and DataDot theft protection. For added security, all models have only one barrel lock, located in the driver¡¦s door.

The new 2006 Legacy and Outback range with a three year unlimited kilometre warranty are now on sale at Subaru Authorised Dealers nationwide.

Legacy MY06 Pricing (both wagon and sedan)

Legacy 2.0R 5 spd manual $39,990

Legacy 2.0R 4 spd automatic $41,990

Legacy 2.5i 5 spd manual $43,990

Legacy 2.5i 4 spd automatic $45,990

Legacy 3.0R spec.B 6 spd manual $57,990

Legacy 3.0R spec.B 5 spd automatic $57,990

Legacy GT 5 spd manual $58,990

Legacy GT 5 spd automatic $60,990

Outback MY06 Pricing

Outback 2.5i 5 spd manual $44,990

Outback 2.5i 4 spd automatic $46,990

Outback 3.0R 5 spd automatic $54,990

Outback 3.0R Limited 5 spd automatic $59,990

ENDS

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