Subaru wants prospective buyers to know that it's not out of the midsize-sedan game. With that in mind, the Japanese automaker launched its redesigned 2010 Legacy at the 2009 New York Auto Show.

2010 Subaru Legacy 

The 2010 Legacy is a clean-sheet redesign, with the car riding on a brand new platform that's 3.2 inches longer in wheelbase than the 2009 model. That translates into about a 4-inch increase in rear legroom, addressing a sore spot of the previous version. Per Subaru tradition, all versions have standard all-wheel drive and a horizontally opposed "boxer" engine.

Several trim level and powertrain options are offered. Standard versions come in 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, and 2.5i Limited with a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that teams with a 6-speed manual transmission. A new continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) replaces the previous Legacy 2.5i's 4-speed automatic.

The sporty 2.5GT Premium and 2.5GT Limited use a 265-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. The only transmission for these models is a 6-speed manual. The turbocharger in this application is mounted below the engine, which Subaru claims improves emissions and acceleration response. It also lowers the car's center of gravity.

Top-line Legacy models include the 3.6R, 3.6R Premium, and 3.6R Limited. All use a 256-horsepower 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission. This is the same powertrain used in Subaru's Tribeca crossover.

Steering-wheel audio and cruise controls and 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks are standard on all 2010 Legacy models. Premiums include a power driver seat and are available with a sunroof, uplevel audio system, and heated front seats. Limiteds have leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and are available with a navigation system.

Pricing should be announced closer to the 2010 Legacy's on-sale date, which is slated for the second half of 2009.

CG Says...
Will the 2010 Legacy be able to spark the interest of buyers who would otherwise be shopping Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, or Chevy Malibu? In our humble opinion, probably not. Or at least not in great enough quantity to where these bellwether brands would be quaking in their collective boots. Though with Subaru being one of the only brands to post consistent sales in 2008, Legacy could prove to be something of a sleeper hit.

For more information on hundreds of new cars of today and tomorrow, check out:

• New York Auto Show Home Page
• Consumer Guide's 2009 Auto Show coverage
  
• Consumer Guide New Car Reviews and Prices: Road test results, photos, specifications, and prices for hundreds of new cars, trucks, minivans, and SUVs from the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide.
• Consumer Guide's 2009 Best Buys and Recommendeds: Our Best Buy and Recommended picks focus on overall vehicle value and take into account performance, economy, reliability, ease of use, comfort, and price.
• Future Cars: Check out what's just on the horizon.