Autocar - First for car news and reviews

What is it?

Subaru’s new diesel-powered Legacy has finally touched down in the UK, adding the prospect of 45mpg to Subaru’s traditional values of permanent four-wheel drive and extreme utility.

The new engine has already won rave reviews thanks to its combination of 148bhp and near class-leading fuel economy: the claimed 49.6mpg is exceptional for a vehicle fitted with permanent four-wheel drive.

What’s it like?

In a word: brilliant. The new engine is a gem...Read the full article

Seriously considering one of these, as at first glance it appears to be what I want and good value. But there don't seem likely to be any deals, and residuals for the petrol ones are poor, meaning that overall costs may be high.
 
What do people reckon the depreciation on these will be like?  

I have bought the Outback version for the better ground clearance required for my forestry work. This is my 8th Subaru and as always it does at least what it says on the tin. First week I drove 1,200 miles to Wales and back including over 100 miles on forestry roads mostly in 2nd gear. Average fuel consumption 44.5mpg.

The second tank of fuel is now showing 49.8 mpg including some off road work. My latest run from Callender to Edinburgh and back including twice round the city street shows 52.5 mpg. This is quite fabulous and fully justifies the sales pitch. The engine is so quiet at cruising speeds turning only 2,000 rpm at 70mph.

At £10k less than an Allroad this has to be a bargain. I've driven over 750,000 miles in Subarus and not yet had a failure, I do not expect that to change either. Brillliant. 

Glad you are enjoying it.  The consumption is somewhat better than my Spec B's 22-24!

I think the residuals of the diesel will be quite a bit better than the petrol ones but it really depends on how long you plan to keep it.

I keep my cars for so long that it doesn't really matter.