SUBARU unveiled its new Legacy saloon rival at the Geneva Show which it says will rival such sector luminaries as the BMW 3-series, Audi A4, Volkswagen Passat and Alfa Romeo 156. Powered by Subaru's established 2.5-litre 154bhp engine featured in the already-on-sale Legacy estate and Outback, the new saloon will be available next month as a 2.5 GX all-wheel-drive with manual, automatic and luxury pack options. A 2.0-litre version goes on sale in the autumn.

Prices will be announced closer to the on-sale date, but the new Legacy is essentially identical to the Outback saloon which made its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit earlier this year. The manufacturer says 'sleek, low and muscular' best sums up the new saloon's styling which features a coupe-like roofline and steeply-angled rear window.

Top speed is 129mph for the manual and 126mph for the automatic, while the 0-60mph times are 8.6 seconds and 9.7 seconds respectively. Fuel economy for the manual is 30.4mpg on the combined cycle and 29.4mpg for the auto. Standard specification includes 16-inch alloy wheels, ABS brakes, twin airbags, electric windows, remote central locking, radio/cassette. Luxury pack adds cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, side airbags, air conditioning and front windscreen de-icers.