When someone says Subaru, you automatically think of the blue and gold wheeled Impreza. Although the Impreza is the brands most iconic model there is another which has always been lurking in the background, plus been around for longer...the Subaru Legacy. 

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The first generation went into production back in 1989 and began the EJ engine series with its flat 4. You may of thought the Impreza is the only Subaru model to have rally pedigree but it’s DNA was developed from the Legacy. 

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It competed in the World Rally Championship (WRC) from 1990 to 1993 campaigned by the Subaru World Rally Team with help from Prodrive. During these years the Legacy created quite a CV with rally royalty behind the wheel such as Markku Alen, Ari Vatanen, Colin McRae and Richard Burns. It achieved several competitive results including Colin McRae winning Rally New Zealand in 1993 just before the debut of the Impreza WRC car. 4

Since it’s rallying success came to an end Subaru have continued to produce the Legacy right up to present day with it’s current sixth generation. There has been several limited run performance models along the way but there is one edition that stands out…the S402. 

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The S402 is based on the fourth generation of the Legacy with only one thing in mind, to be the ultimate performance Legacy. Entering into the Super Saloon market meant it had to compete with German rivals such as the BMW M3 of the time. Therefore Subaru gave it a full STi make over. 

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The 2.5-litre flat-four boxer (EJ25 from the Impreza) got a new turbo and ECU, increased boost pressure and uprated exhaust. This gave the sedate looking Legacy 282bhp and 289ft lb of torque. Couple this to a tweaked Impreza STi 6 speed manual gearbox and you have one seriously punchy Legacy. 1011

Subaru developed the S402 with serious intentions honing it at the Nürburgring to perfect it’s handling setup. It rides on STi-tuned dampers and springs, new anti-roll bars plus it uses a quicker steering rack. As hardcore as all this sounds the cars ride is good absorbing bumps well and yet sticks to the road with phenomenal grip. All this gives the car great adjustability and to bring it to a sudden halt it has six-piston Brembo brakes with larger discs.

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With it’s 4WD grip this car is nearly as rapid as it’s lighter Impreza STi cousin. Pretty cool considering it’s undramatic appearance. Changes to the exterior are subtle, only a keen eyed Scooby fanatic would notice this is something special.

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The front has a unique mesh grille, whilst the arches have been widened by 20mm over the standard car plus being sat on larger bespoke STi wheels helps give the car a more aggressive stance. Other understated super saloon hints include air vents, a small rear spoiler and a smattering of S402 badges, and thats your lot.

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In 2008 the S402 went on sale in Japan with a price tag of ¥5,355,000, around £37,500. A wagon variant was also offered. Bearing in mind German super saloon rivals of the time cost £50,000 plus the humble Legacy seems like great value. Rarity is another benefit, only 402 were produced hence the name.

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Given the exclusivity of this Legacy and the engineering beneath its sensible skin, it makes a compelling, enjoyable all rounder. The performance is exciting with it’s in gear punch come rain or shine. For those who want Impreza thrills whilst staying under the radar, the S402 is a great choice. Muted looks, practicality, comfort and accessible performance it truly is subtly bonkers. 

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