Andrew Hamilton looks over new versions of the Legacy, the Forester and the Impreza.
Subaru wants to give us more sporty performance on all fours. Japan's dedicated all-wheel-drive maker has just launched faster versions of the 3-litre R Legacy saloon and Estate (oddly named Spec B) along with a 2.5-litre turbo charged Forester and an Impreza WRX STi with major chassis improvements.
Spec B with 241 bhp is different from other Legacy models because of its new six-speed close-ratio manual gearbox that's similar to that fitted on the Impreza WRX STi.
Subaru claims clutch and gear-change operations that are lighter along with reduced noise, vibration and harshness.
It takes on other features from this rally-bred Impreza, such as an uprated suspension offering even more grip and steering feel. Bilstein front and rear shock absorbers and larger 18-inch wheels are fitted.
It adds up to a blistering 151 mph top speed with the 0-60 mph sprint taking a mere 6.5 seconds for the saloon.
Key visual differences to the current Legacy 3.0R flagship include dark metallic headlamp surrounds and dark metallic seven-spoke alloys. Interior changes includes black leather seats while aluminium foot pedals emphasise its sporty exclusivity.
That said, the Spec B Legacy is a discreet package. "It offers understated styling and equipment upgrades for sporty owners who do not want to attract attention," according to Neville Matthews, managing director of Subaru Ireland who sees it as the ultimate car for many Subaru owners. "They have no reason to look at other marques, certainly from the point of view of performance".
A couple of hours driving in torrential rain on German roads showed what a lively, disciplined and entertaining car this latest Legacy is. The all-wheel-drive system inherently boosts driver confidence: other notable attributes are sharp steering response and reassuring stability.
At the press launch, few questioned the abilities of this Legacy but many wondered why on earth it was called Spec B. "We have assigned the letter B to sportier versions of the Legacy," explained Subaru's Japanese spokesman Ken Honda. "Everyone in Japan understands it."
Subaru's European executives, however, don't. One said: "We tried to change Japan's mind without success. We spoke to them about B movies and B roads, suggesting that B could maybe sound inferior. We would have preferred GTA or even GTB."
Spec B will be low volume, with production of about 100 cars a month compared with 18,000 a month for the Legacy. When it goes on Irish sales shortly we can expect a price of around €54,000.
Complementing the existing 2.0 Forester XT, the new 208bhp 2.5 XT gives a top speed of 140 mph with a 0-60 mph time of only six seconds. (The 2-litre is 125 mph and 7.9 seconds). Subaru claims it as "the most rapid and agile crossover SUV in its class". Enhanced mid-range torque has raised the braked towing limit to a full 2,000 kg.
Standard equipment on the 2.5 XT, which will be offered only as a manual, includes a black leather interior trim. It will be here in the autumn.
So too will the revised Impreza WRX STi. As well as major chassis improvements for more involved handling, this 261 bhp 2.0 litre is Subaru's wildest sibling, with a top speed of 151 mph and 0-60 mph in a whisker over five seconds.
A standard feature of the revised car is Driver Control Centre Differential (DCCD). It's operated via a switch mounted next to the handbrake allowing the driver to manually select the torque distribution front to rear, reverting to automatic mode every time the ignition is switched off. How about sharper cornering turn-in or more stable straight-line running? You, the driver, can choose.