With no plans to bring the turbocharged Legacy STi to the UK, Subaru has based its new flagship on the existing 241bhp 3.0R. And instead of a power boost for the normally-aspirated flat six, there are suspension and transmission changes designed to give the Legacy a more sporting feel. A revised Impreza STi six-speed manual transmission delivers the power to all four wheels through a centre differential with a viscous coupling. There’s also a limited-slip rear diff and the STi’s more rigid inverted front strut suspension, and Bilstein dampers all round.
Subaru has made the Spec B more anonymous than hot Imprezas in an effort to target buyers of prestige European marques. Only the headlamp surrounds and stylish 18in alloy wheels are new, though the 3.0R’s deep bumpers and twin exhausts add some understated aggression. It remains to be seen if buyers used to the style of BMW, Jaguar and Audi will be convinced.