December 23, 2004
Legacy 3.0R wins Executive COTY
"Limpet like levels of grip," and "a leather lined cabin with plenty of attention to ergonomic detail," has earned the
Subaru Legacy 3.0R, the NZ Autocar magazine's Executive Car of the Year award.
In an award that has been consistently dominated by European brands in the past, the Legacy provided better chassis
dynamics and a more luxurious cabin than the other contenders according to NZ Autocar.
Judging of the award took place over 1000 kms of driving from Auckland into the central North Island and return to the
City of Sails. Much of it was on a variety of back roads away from state and provincial highways.
"It's great Subaru All Wheel Drive has dethroned the traditional winners of this category," said Wallis Dumper, the
General Manager of Subaru of New Zealand.
"From the time we first drove this Legacy and the increasing feedback we have received, from any body else that has
driven the 3.0R, we know it is more than comparable with the European prestige and luxury cars."
The Legacy 3.0R, with its three litre, six cylinder "Boxer" engine has received plenty of praise for its chassis
dynamics and balance, even without electronic chassis aids. The 180 kWs motor, was the best petrol powered engine of the
six finalists said NZ Autocar and the 13 speaker McIntosh audio system also got the thumbs up!
"The award is also testimony to Subaru Japan's engineers for doing a great job and further endorses the great value for
money equation it offers the discerning Kiwi driver." said Mr. Dumper.
The Legacy nearly won the magazine's main award for a second year, as the 2.5 litre four cylinder model took the overall
title 12 months ago.
This year the Legacy 3.0R finished runner-up to the BMW 120d in NZ Autocar's COTY awards. The other four finalists were.
- Ford Fiesta, Ford Territory, Holden Commodore VZ SV6 and Peugeot 407.
ENDS