From the standpoint of the sporting driver, the Spec.B exists to make full use of the 241bhp three-litre engine already found in the Legacy 3.0R - a superb unit which is all but inaudible at tickover and still creamily smooth up to 7000rpm. All the new parts in the Spec.B are intended to improve the driving experience; the 3.0R's five-speed automatic gearbox is replaced here by the close-ratio six-speed manual used in the Impreza WRX STi, from which a number of suspension components and ideas are also carried over.We've tried the Spec.B before (see previous test), but under the magazine's previous editorship I always seemed to be put on Impreza duties, and I'd never driven the hottest Legacy until now. Early impressions, to my great surprise, were a little disappointing, because the Spec.B is not a car that responds well to being driven slowly in an urban environment.The engine, for example, won't operate smoothly on a light throttle, perhaps because not enough care has gone into the fuel injection mapping for these conditions. Bumps in the road are dealt with harshly by the low-profile, 45-series tyres, but more gently by the suspension, so the car behaves in two different ways at once. And that Impreza gearbox has a notchy shift quality familiar from too many Subarus over the years. If I had to use a Spec.B for day-to-day commuting it would drive me scatty.But when you take it on to a clear and challenging country road, use more throttle, work the chassis harder and move from one gear to the next with greater purpose, the Spec.B comes alive. Even though the engine is a bit of a screamer (you have to take it to 6600rpm to unleash all the power), there's plenty of useful work being done at lower revs, and the gear ratios are so closely packed that the revs need never fall very low in any case.None of this, however, is the real point, any more than it is with any other performance-oriented Subaru with the possible exception of the manic Forester 2.5 Turbo. The real point is that the Spec.B's handling makes it an absolute delight to drive. The familiar Subaru values - low centre of gravity, soft but well-damped suspension - are in place, and they have the familiar effect of making quick motoring seem effortless.Fuel consumption verges on the alarming (I averaged about 20mpg, significantly below the official combined figure), and I'd like to be able to move the driver's seat perhaps one inch further away from the pedals, though nobody under six feet in height is likely to have a problem with this.The wonderful road manners - once the car is up and running, at least - almost completely overcome those objections, however. Call me shallow, but I'm also prepared to be won over by the fact that this is by a small margin the most handsome car in by far the best-looking range that Subaru currently produces.To me, all the Spec.B really needs is some fine-tuning to its behaviour at low speeds. If Subaru could achieve that, this would come very close to being my ideal sports saloon. Engine 3000cc, 6 cylinders Power 241bhp Transmission 6-speed manual Fuel/CO2 24.1mpg / 280g/km Acceleration 0-62mph: 6.5 seconds Top speed 151mph Price £26,500 Details correct at publication date
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