THERE’S something strangely reassuring about seeing a Subaru on the road these days. Not a super-quick Impreza turbo rally weapon mind, but a regular Legacy.

The Impreza is still considered by many to be a performance icon, whereas people have sometimes left the Legacy in the shadows, unfamiliar with Japanese company’s exploits away from the rally special stage.

It’s fair to say that the Legacy is something of an informed choice. It would be cruel to make direct comparisons with the likes of Ford’s Mondeo or Vauxhall’s Insignia. Although fine cars in their own right, they lack the all-weather appeal of the Legacy thanks to the Subaru’s all-wheel drive.

Enough of the sales pitch - this latest generation Legacy still has to earn its keep. In true Subaru style the updates are subtle when viewed from the outside, although the changes are obvious. The car might be new but the familiar design cues from generations past are all present: the upright stance, prominent headlamps and a cabin boasting a generous amount of glass.

Two things you won’t see this time around are frameless windows and a saloon version. Call it a pragmatic decision on both counts; conventional doors and windows are no doubt more cost effective, while the estate variant was also the more popular and practical.

So, Legacy estate it is then. Or, as Subaru calls it, the Legacy Tourer. And what a good choice it is. Everything has grown slightly over the previous generation car, which means occupants benefit from a little more cabin space and the load bay is as generous as ever.

Frankly, the latter observation is key to the car’s past and, hopefully, continued success. Quite a few people view the Legacy as much as a workhorse as a refined and well built passenger car. In this “work’ guise, the Legacy is as rugged as they come.

It’s also a refined experience - witness the revamped cabin and fascia. It strikes a sensible balance between compact executive level pricing and the need to be durable.

No such compromises, no matter how well executed, are present in the engine department. One thing no other mainstream car maker can boast of is a line-up of “boxer’ engines. The horizontally opposed piston layout is a particular Subaru selling point. Yes, Porsche also does a fine line in boxer engines, but we’re not talking high performance coupes here.

With the added benefits of more torque and a lower centre of gravity than your average transverse mounted engine, this boxer concept is more than just hype. In practical terms, it contributes towards the Legacy’s surefooted handling and the power delivery is smooth, consistent and comes with the unique boxer exhaust note.

Along with the 2.5-litre, 167 horsepower petrol motor there’s a diesel option. This is still quite a new addition to Subaru’s tool kit, but one that’s been warmly welcomed by the faithful. Aside from being unique in the market, the four-cylinder unit boasts 150 horsepower and 258lb/ft of torque - more than enough for everyday tasks and battling the elements in the middle of nowhere.

For something hooked up to a four-wheel drive system it’s also pretty economical. Boasting 161g/km CO2 and 46.3mpg, this is one all-wheel drive that won’t break the bank.

Another new addition to the range is a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for the petrol variant. Although an unusual choice it works well.

In fact, you could apply that observation to the Legacy as a whole. Subaru has never sought to be just another mainstream car maker. The fact that it will sell you a Mondeo-size estate car complete with four-wheel drive remains part of its unique appeal.

Add the boxer engines - especially the diesel unit - plus the clever blend of durability and refinement, and you’ve got yourself a car that can be bought with both the head and the heart.

FACTS AT A GLANCE
Model: Subaru Legacy Tourer, 2.0D SE, from £25,295 on the road.
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo diesel unit developing 150bhp.
Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission as standard, driving all four wheels.
Performance: Maximum speed 120mph, 0-62mph 9.6 seconds.
Economy: 46.3mpg.
CO2 Rating: 161g/km.