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The covers have been pulled off the sixth-gen Subaru Legacy at the ongoing Chicago Auto Show, and the Japanese carmaker has released full details of the rather conservatively-styled sedan.

Measuring 4,796 mm long, 1,839 mm wide and 1,500 mm tall, with a 2,750-mm wheelbase, the new Subaru Legacy weighs between 1,567 and 1,660 kg. It's touted as the "roomiest Legacy ever," with the "largest passenger cabin in the mid-size segment" - there's 2.96 cubic metres of cabin volume and nearly 970 mm of rear legroom.

Motivation comes either from a 2.5 litre flat-four producing 175 hp at 5,800 rpm and 235 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, or a 3.6 litre flat-six developing 256 hp at 6,000 rpm and 334 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm.

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A six-virtual ratio Lineartronic CVT with shift paddles and Symmetrical AWD come as standard. Equipped with Active Valve Control on the intake valves and an Active Grille Shutter, the smaller engine can return a combined fuel economy of 7.8 litres per 100 km. The bigger engine has Dual Active Valve Control, and manages a combined 10.2 litres per 100 km.

The 2015 Subaru Legacy is 10% more aerodynamic than before, thanks in part to a windscreen (acoustic) that has been pulled forward by 50 mm at the base. Also, the bonnet is aluminium and the seating hip points are higher. The 2.5i variant will be available in Standard, Premium and Limited trims in the US, while the 3.6R is only offered in Limited trim.

Limited gives you turn indicators on the door mirrors (optional on Premium), perforated leather upholstery, a 10-way power driver's seat with two memory settings, a four-way power front passenger seat and rear air-con vents. The 3.6R also has HID headlamps and U-shaped LED tail lamps.

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Other features include electric power steering, a rear-view camera, keyless entry and start, hill start and hold assist, 17- or 18-inch alloys, directional fog lamps and welcome lighting. Improving refinement are liquid-filled engine mounts, thicker panels in key areas and more insulating materials. The boot can now hold 425 litres, up from 416 previously.

Quite a lot of progress in the safety department - a new rear radar system (standard on Limited, optional on Premium) makes possible Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The optional EyeSight system uses stereo camera tech to provide Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Lane Departure Warning.

A new roll-over sensor deploys the curtain airbags if a roll-over is detected, and there are front-seat cushion airbags - these work to prevent occupants from sliding beneath the seat belts in a frontal collision. There's Active Torque Vectoring, VDC, traction control and ventilated rear disc brakes across the range.

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Inside, new soft-touch materials, thicker armrest cushioning, a new centre console and metallic trim are to be found. Through the steering wheel, the driver faces a 3.5-inch LCD display (5.0-inch with EyeSight) flanked by two gauges which, on Premium and Limited trims, are electro-luminescent and feature blue illuminated rings. There's also an Eco gauge that uses colour bars.

In the middle of the 2.5i Standard's dash sits a 6.2-inch touch-screen offering HD radio, Starlink connectivity with Aha and Pandora smartphone integration, Bluetooth, iPod, USB and Aux. The 2.5i Premium ups the screen diagonal to seven inches and adds six-speaker audio, SiriusXM satellite radio, SMS, iTunes tagging and dual USB ports, while the Limited trim variants get a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system.