THROUGH four generations of its popular Legacy model, Subaru has continued to find the right recipe to suit most aficionados of the marque.

With the emergence last year of the Mark V the Japanese car maker has set further high values for the brand as it pursues new directions to maintain the proud heritage that a successive line of Legacy models have established.

Since 1989 Subaru's Legacy production has spread across the planet with well over 3.6 million having been sold worldwide to date.

Aiming for heightened road presence Subaru's design team followed the key theme "Presence," using the all new platform to evolve further Legacy characteristics with stand-out frontal features such as the new grille and headlight set-up.

The significantly increased length, longer wheelbase and wider track enabled the design team to sculpt a striking new Legacy Tourer, which is featured here, bringing a much bolder stance and greatly heightened on-road presence.

Incorporating the new wing motif shared Subaru family feature, the new front grille is flanked by larger headlamp units and while the wheel arches are prominently striking  the lower body also lays the emphasis on strength and stability.

The design team's key to the cabin design equation was an "active and quality feeling," making the best use of enhanced cabin space within the new bodyshell while paying particular attention to detail to ensure easy-to-use functionality for driver and passengers.

While all new larger front seats are comfortably supportive courtesy of softer cushions and backrests, the driver's seat comes with 10-way power adjustment while the front passenger gets four-way manual adjust.

There is much premium ambience and refinement to enjoy in the thoughtfully put together cabin while the new Legacy Tourer is comprehensively kitted out to ensure maximum comfort in all parts.

Included in the standard manifest are the likes of dual zone fully automatic air con, a premium audio system with radio/CD player, six speakers and steering wheel mounted remote controls.

Within a cabin which is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor, Subaru has increased seat size for each occupant.

With all seats taken, cargo capacity is increased by 67 litres to a family size 526 litres which extends to a massive 1,726 litres via easy-fold seat backs. With a much more user friendly luggage bay on board and an electro magnetic tailgate switch for light touch opening this new Legacy has been well thought out.

And it doesn't stop there for, with generously sized storage space, including a larger glove box as repository for CDs cup and bottle holders have not been left out of the equation.

The right driving position is easily arrived at and, with good overall visibility, a thoughtfully designed dashboard and switchgear, including an easy to use electronic handbrake within easy reach, Subaru appears to have thought of almost everything.

The model tested here was powered by the 2.5-litre petrol engined Boxer. Generously torquey, this 16-valver houses some 165bhp and, paired with the slick Lineartronic automatic transmission, here is truly a smooth operator.

The 0-60mph signpost comes around in a little over 10 seconds, top speed is 120mph and, while the official fuel economy is 33.6mpg over the combined cycle, everything is achieved in a refined manner.

Whatever situations prevailed at tyre level, the Legacy handled well and, courtesy of the permanent four-wheel-drive system, grip and traction proved more than equal to the task particularly when taking on some not very pleasant ice and heavy snow storm conditions prevailing at the time.