Subaru is giving their flagship models a much needed boost in luxury and comfort with the launch of the all-new 2015 Legacy and Outback. Previewed at the Regional Launch in Thailand last year, the all-new Legacy and Outback now offers refinement in design and performance without sacrificing any aspect of the brand’s core technologies.

“I am very pleased to introduce the all-new Legacy and Outback in the Philippines,” said Mr. Glenn Tan, Executive Director, Tan Chong International Ltd. “As Subaru’s flagship models, the all-new Legacy and Outback have been improved to cater to the growing demands of our customers by combining refinements to the design, performance, comfort and safety with innovative Subaru core technologies. These improvements provide for a safer, more comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.”

Both models convey Subaru’s ambitious goal of further improving their design and craftsmanship in a move that will bring the brand upmarket. Celebrating its launch, both models come with ‘Subaru Care’ that gives would-be owners free preventive service (PMS) up to one-year or 10,000 kilometers.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the all-new Legacy is now available in two trim levels, but both sporting the sedan body style. They represent Subaru’s aim of re-positioning the Legacy as more of a mainstream executive sedan, better equipped to battle the 4- and 6-cylinder competition without compromising on the model’s performance-oriented attitude.

Larger in every dimension, the all-new Legacy’s design is best described as confidence-inspiring with its upright nose and strong stance. Subaru designers wanted to give the impression that it’s been chiseled out of a single piece of metal. Underneath, it carries two powerful, yet fuel-efficient engines: the 2.5-liter FB25 boxer 4-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower and 235 Nm of torque; and the 3.6-liter EZ36 boxer 6-cylinder engine with 260 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to a new Lineartronic CVT transmission with paddle shifters. Adding more highway mileage are clever aerodynamic aids such as Active Grille Shutters.

Inside, the all-new Legacy features a solidly put-together interior with leather and high-quality plastics. Both models sport an all-black interior scheme highlighted with metal and piano black accents. The 2.5i-S has a powered driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, rear parking camera, a push button engine start/stop, and a new touchscreen infotainment interface with voice recognition. Meanwhile, the 3.6R-S ups that with powered seats for both front occupants (with memory for the driver), a moon roof, and a Harman Kardon sound system.

Not wanting to sacrifice driving fun, the Legacy comes with the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system with a default torque split of 60/40, a new STABLEX-Ride rear suspension that gives it better damping response at any speed, and Active Torque Vectoring.

The all-new Legacy is priced at P 1,808,000 for the 2.5i-S and P 2,098,000 for the 3.6R-S. The 2.5i-S is now available at all Subaru leaderships nationwide with the 3.6R-S to follow in a few months.


Beside the Legacy is the all-new Outback, the vehicle that popularized the crossover craze. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the 2015 Outback carries on the nameplate’s reputation for being a capable crossover with more than enough luxury and convenience features to delight the most discerning individual.

For 2015, engineers gifted the Outback a heavily revamped suspension system that adds more solidity and better handling. In addition, the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is now complimented by the addition of X-MODE which automatically regulates vehicle parameters in poor road conditions such as sand, mud, or snow.

In terms of looks, it combines premiumness and capability with its strong front-end and upright stance. The new design also improved exterior visibility while improving aerodynamics by as much as 11 percent. The Outback also comes with Active Grille Shutters as well. And for the first time ever, it has the same wheel size as the Legacy: 18 inches.

The Outback continues with a single power unit for 2015: the EZ36 developing the same numbers as the Legacy. And like the Legacy’s engine, it has a repositioned tumbler generation valve (TGV) and a re-designed intake port for improved power delivery and fuel efficiency.

Inside, the single 3.6R-S model has an all-black interior with leather seats featuring contrasting color stitching. Piano black and metallic accents give it a sporty and sophisticated touch as well. And like the Legacy, the all-new Outback has the largest interior room ever for the model. It also has a wealth of luxury features including powered front seats (with memory for the driver), a large moon roof, push-button engine start/stop, SI-Drive, a Harman Kardon sound system, power tailgate, and many more.

And despite all the new luxury features, the all-new Outback comes at a more affordable retail price: P 2,288,000 (thank JPEPA for that). It’s now available at all Subaru dealerships nationwide.


Although not really highlighted, Subaru also showed off 2015 model year improvements for its Forester and BRZ line-up at the Manila International Auto Show.

The Forester 2.0i-Premium and XT models now have a revamped touchscreen audio system (similar to the Legacy and Outback) and a shark’s fin antenna for 2015. The BRZ also gains the shark’s fin antenna, a slightly revised interior (silver accents replaced by carbon fiber), and a revamped suspension that reduces the ‘crashiness’ of the ride.

All three models mentioned keep their prices despite the upgrades.