Subaru has added a package of Vision Assist features to premium variants of its newly launched Model Year 2016 Legacy All-Wheel Drive range - now available in New Zealand’s Subaru Authorised dealerships.
The extra layer of safety technology is in addition to the award-winning EyeSight® driver assist system, already available on every current model Legacy.
The Vision Assist elements available on Legacy 3.6RS are:
• Blind Spot Detection
• Lane Change Assist
• Auto dimming rear view mirror
• High Beam Assist
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (detects passing vehicles when reversing from parking spaces)
Another safety development in every Legacy is the addition of an Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), which detects an emergency brake situation and flashes the hazard light automatically, to warn following vehicles.
Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) is further reduced in Legacy through fine-tuning of the shock absorbers, with less impact harshness on sharp bumps.
While Legacy retains its excellent smooth tarmac stability, handling is enhanced on coarse, rough surfaces and floor vibrations are reduced.
This is reflected in improved roll, pitch, dive and float control – Legacy feels flatter through corners, with the suspension settling and resolving more quickly.
Entry-level Legacy 2.5i Sport adds electric folding wing mirrors.
Legacy 3.6RS which is fitted with factory fitted satellite navigation is also subject to the new Subaru Map Update Program. This includes the Latest Map Guarantee, ensuring the latest map version is installed before vehicle delivery. Also included is the Three Year Map Update Guarantee – a complimentary yearly map update during the program period, subject to the vehicle having its scheduled services performed through an authorised Subaru Service Centre.
A new colour in the range is Dark Blue Pearl.
Subaru of New Zealand Managing Director Wallis Dumper said: “Subaru has long been known for pioneering safety technologies from ABS to airbags and EyeSight, and Vision Assist features are the latest step in our safety-first journey.”
“We introduced some of these features in premium WRX and WRX STi variants last year and, as we’ve demonstrated so many times over decades, we follow a deliberate path of offering new safety technologies to a wider audience over time.”
New generation Legacy is proving a major winner for Subaru, with a sales increase of 40% in 2015, making it the third best-seller in the large under $70,000 car segment in New Zealand.
Mr Dumper added: “Legacy scooped a whole range of awards last year and has proven itself a rare exception in the large car category, with fantastic growth. Achieving third position so quickly is reassuring to both us and potential customers who look for an alternative with the added bonus of Symmetrical All Wheel Drive.”
“Legacy was listed, along with Subaru Outback, among the top ten finalists in the 2015 New Zealand Car of the Year awards. Fairfax Media named Legacy the Top Medium Car, NZ Company Vehicle magazine awarded it the Large Business Car of the Year and Driven named Legacy as their Medium/Large Car of the year.
“We put Legacy’s success down to the combination of comprehensive specification and pricing that have reinvigorated its appeal. It is the first mainstream range of any brand to offer technology like EyeSight in every variant, and that has produced tremendous consumer confidence, which will no doubt be reflected in insurance premiums.
“We believe that the Subaru Legacy is on track to become one of the highest-selling sedans in the NZ market. The large Aussie cars that have dominated Legacy’s segment for a long time are soon destined to exit the market, so we can see there are a lot of companies and drivers in New Zealand who will be considering Subaru Legacy as a stylish, sporty but still prestige replacement option for their Commodore or Falcon.”
Legacy is a popular company car and feedback from the business clients is that EyeSight is helping them save money due to reduced vehicle – and employee time – off road due to minor accidents.
“Because the system has been around a few years, the statistics are showing some very interesting positive trends that can only underline the benefits of EyeSight,” Mr Dumper said.
As with the entire Subaru new vehicle range, every Legacy has a high five-star rating for occupant safety from the independent Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).
For further information, please contact Subaru of New Zealand Public Relations -
Catherine Pattison (027) 4455 389 or email catherine.pattison@subaru.co.nz