With more bells and whistles than the flight deck of the Starship Enterprise the 2011 Subaru Legacy Tourer is at first a daunting experience to a Subaru novice.

However, there's no doubting the refined, luxurious cabin, its practicality and storage.

However, on first being seated the driver is faced with an array of devices that take a while to get used to - and it's even a problem working out how to use the radio when the engine is off and the car is parked.

The new instrument cluster features four dials outlined in aluminium rings, and the new three-spoke steering wheel is leather-wrapped, with integrated audio and cruise controls, and a wider range of adjustment – 40mm for both reach and rake.

On Lineartronic models, steering column-mounted paddle shifters are fitted for sequential manual control of the gearbox.

Keyless, with no need even to click the remote to unlock the doors and with a push-button start-stop, technology is used to the max.

This keyless access means simply touching the sensor on the front door handle, and then using the push button engine Start/Stop without inserting a key.

The new ES Nav model also represents fantastic value for money with full colour touch screen SatNav (including Bluetooth hands-free) and standard equipment that includes a 150PS engine, alloy wheels, powered driver's seat, cruise control, front, side and curtain airbags and front fog lamps.

All very 'flight deck' and high tech, but it is the choice of high-power diesel and petrol Boxer units married to innovative 'Lineartronic' CVT offering sequential manual mode with a touch of a switch on the steering wheel to flick from automatic to manual literally at the touch of a lever that really stands out.

The driving position - enhanced by the multiple variations at a push of seat-side tabs and buttons - means that the really spacious cabin greatly enhances head, leg and shoulder room all backed by the reassurance of a 5-Star EuroNCAP crash safety test result in a seven-strong model range priced from £21,995.

The driving experience of Subaru's unique technologies in the Legacy - such as the Symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel-Drive) system paired with the horizontally opposed (Subaru Boxer) engine - have delivered a very special blend of driving performance, comfort, durability and safety while retaining the balanced performance and rewarding handling that Legacy drivers enjoy.

The significantly increased dimensions, including an 80 mm longer wheelbase, enabled designers to sculpt a Legacy Tourer with a much bolder stance and greatly heightened on-road presence on the outside too.

There are now seven versions of the Legacy Tourer, with a choice of diesel or petrol engines and four trim/equipment levels (ES Nav, S, SE and SE NavPlus) - depending on model.

Now, even the basic version includes 'bells and whistles' such as cruise control; the multi-function leather steering wheel; dual-zone, fully automatic air-conditioning; a premium audio system with six speakers; automatic lights and wipers and the complex powered, multi-position driver's seat.

All Wheel Drive

Meanwhile, Subaru's core technology - Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) - remains at the heart of this car with a firm ride and the safety of all four wheels drawing traction from a variety of road surfaces and conditions.

The detail is intriguing with the all-new, larger front seats offering excellent comfort and support, with 10-way power adjustment on the driver's seat (including lumbar support), and four-way manual adjustment on the passenger seat.

The front seats also feature 20% softer cushions and 10% softer backrests - although one wonders how that is measured?

SE and SE NavPlus models gained privacy glass for 2011 and feature a ‘Sports Package’ which comprises a sports front bumper and front grille, dark tinted head lamps, larger 18-inch alloy wheels and special Bilstein dampers.

Inside, there are aluminium foot pedals and carbon fibre-effect trim panels.

The range-topping SE NavPlus models also feature a new DVD navigation system as standard, with a high-resolution, wide VGA, eight-inch monitor, high-speed 600 MHz CPU and LED back-lit display for optimum clarity and practicality.

Amazing too, the model is also equipped with a sophisticated and impressive Rear View Camera that superimposes graduated guide lines on the camera image to show the width of the vehicle and distance to objects behind to greatly aid the driver during reversing and parking manoeuvres.

While the width and height of the luggage bay were increased, the depth of the lip between the rear bumper and cargo was reduced slightly to ensure it is easier for users to load and unload heavy items when lifting them into the interior.

The tailgate, which is 33mm wider and 45mm taller than before for easier access, features an electromagnetic switch for easy opening with a light touch, aided by twin supporting gas struts.

On the road, Legacy delivers class-competitive performance.

Subaru's famous horizontally opposed, four-cylinder Boxer engine is available in its 2.5i form.

This 2.5-litre unit, with 16-valves and a displacement of 2,457 cc, generates a maximum output of 167 PS and torque of 229Nm at 4,000rpm.

Performance figures for the Legacy Tourer 2.5i SE Lineartronic highlight its unique blend of driving fun and moderate ownership costs.

Top speed for this automatic transmission model is 120mph with a 0-60mph time of 10.3 seconds.

Fuel economy is 33.6mpg (combined cycle) and its CO2 emission figure is 196g/km.

Fitted with the six-speed manual gearbox, the ES Nav accelerates to 62mph in 9.8 seconds and achieves 32.8 mpg on the combined cycle.

Finally, a six-speed manual mode is also available for greater driver involvement.

Electronics provide six gear 'steps' and the driver can select the next gear sequentially (going up or down the box) by using the paddles attached to the steering wheel, to enjoy truly sporty and responsive driving.

Gear change time in manual mode is reported to be just 90 milliseconds.

For the Legacy Tourer, an innovative electronic parking brake is also used. Controlled by a dashboard mounted switch, the new system does away with the traditional hand brake, freeing up cabin space and allowing a cleaner, less cluttered centre console design, but if the doors are closed and the driver's seatbelt is fastened then the parking brake will automatically release when the driver operates the accelerator pedal.

All-in-all and amazing package, so it's 'Beam-me up Scotty' as the Legacy shoots off into space - to boldly go where 'few' manufacturers have gone before!

(BMcC)