New York: The Legacy Continues : Two models: Zippy and PZEV

Subaru's reputation for knowing its customers was reinforced with the introduction of the updated 2010 Legacy. Twenty years and some 3.6 million Legacys in the rearview mirror, Subaru treats this car as "customer-evolved" and the update results are predictably solid.

The company came to the New York Auto Show with its PZEV-certified - that's "partial zero emissions vehicle" - 2.5i AWD base model sedan in silver grey and its 2.5 GT complete with understated hood scoop in dashing red (see the gallery below).

The changes on the 2010 are mostly cosmetic because the drivetrain and miscellaneous accoutrements really didn't need jazzing up. Refer to the opening sentence.

Particularly pleasing examplea are the uncluttered center stack, thick rimmed steering wheel, high grade plastic interior trim and excellent leather seats. Just what the Subaru buyer is looking for. The convenient rear seat back latches inside the trunk facilitate expanding rear load capacity without opening the rear doors.

The 2.5i carries over the 2.5-liter, 170 horsepower 4 banger with new lower weight resin-based intake manifold, said to move peak torque up 400 rpm to 4400. Six-speed manual is standard, but the optional CVT automatic is expected to constitute the bulk of the sales. That unit is the first longitudinally-mounted CVT system used in an all-wheel-drive vehicle.

The 2.5 GT gets its pep from turbocharging and boasts a boosted 265 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

The model 3.6R is simply another Legacy engine option – a normally aspirated 3.6-liter V6 delivering 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque through a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Redesigned MacPherson struts up front and rear double wishbones support the AWD layout with 16-inch alloy or steel wheels standard - 17-inch and 18-inch wheels optional on higher end models. Stability control is standard on all models.