LAUNCHED in November 2003 to universal acclaim, the completely new Legacy saloon and Sports Tourer are now available in high-performance 3.0R spec.B variants. These driver-focused range-toppers are aimed at premium European marques, with some customers also expected to trade up from the iconic Impreza WRX and STi.

But while the Legacy spec.B's performance and driving dynamics are tailored for enthusiasts, its ride, refinement and luxury have undergone painstaking attention by Subarea's engineers. The Legacy spec.B - which complements the five-speed automatic 3.0R - will be priced at £26,500 on-the-road for the saloon and £27,500 as a Sports Tourer - only £500 more than the Legacy 3.0R and substantially lower than its prestige rivals.

The Legacy range itself currently holds the Car of the Year Japan 2003-4 title despite fierce competition from cars such as the BMW 5 Series and Jaguar XJ. Key to the new Legacy 3.0R spec.B's involving driving experience is a new six-speed close-ratio manual gearbox. Based on that fitted to the Impreza WRX STi, more than 50 per cent of the parts - such as the casing and gear teeth - are new in order to suit the character of the car.

For sharp steering response and reassuring stability, larger, 8JJ x 18 ins wheels are fitted, together with 215/45R 18 tyres. Because the boxer engine is in-line with the gearbox which is, in turn, in-line with the propshaft and rear differential, frictional losses are kept to a minimum. In addition, the drive shafts are of equal length for a pure division of power.

The result is a top speed of 151 mph for the saloon and a 0-60mph time of 6.5 seconds with the Sports Tourer not far behind, recording 145 mph and 6.6 seconds for the 0-60 dash. Like all new Subarus officially imported by Subaru (UK) Limited, the new Legacy spec.B offers the reassurance of a three year/60,000 mile warranty plus three years' paintwork and 12 years anti-corrosion cover (with inspections).