After North America and China, it is time for Subaru to present the lightly facelifted Legacy sedan, Touring Wagon and Outback models in its home market of Japan.
While the cosmetic and chassis updates are common throughout all markets, the JDM model also gets a new 2.0GT DIT variant and an improved 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine.
The big news, of course, is the new 2.0-liter direct injection turbo (DIT) flat-four producing 296hp (300PS) at 5,600 rpm and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) from 2,000 to 4,800 rpm, or 15hp and 50Nm (37 lb-ft) more than the 2.5-liter single-scroll turbo flat four it replaces.
Furthermore, thanks to the adoption of Impreza’s auto start stop system, the 2.0GT DIT is 20 percent more fuel efficient than the 281hp 2.5-liter unit with a similar reduction in CO2 emissions.
According to Japanese media, the 2.0GT DIT is based on the FA20 engine found on the BRZ, Toyota 86 and Scion FR-S coupes, though instead of the Toyota sourced D4S dual port- and direct-injection technology, it uses Subaru’s own direct-injection system and of course, a turbocharger.
For the new model year, Subaru also tweaked the Legacy’s 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine, which is rated at 170hp (173PS) and 235Nm (173 lb-ft).
All Legacy models gain Impreza’s start/stop system, a new Lineartronic transmission (CVT), a retuned suspension and steering system, plus some minor styling tweaks such as the new front grille and bumper on the outside and seat fabric and equipment upgrades inside.
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