That's because the Legacy 3-litre spec B is endowed with a cool little switch which is best described as a box of tricks.

It comes in the form of the SI-Drive system – SI being Subaru Intelligence.

Boiled down to its rudiments, the switch is essentially a valve which puts all of the Boxer engine's 245bhp on tap - literally.

That, according to Subaru, allows the driver the option of choosing from a three-engines-in-one set up; economical, intelligent or sport sharp – the choice is yours.

The fun bit comes when you toddle along in 'eco' mode, plant the throttle, then flick the SI-Drive into 'sport sharp'. It gives you a real thud in the back and you're on your way to over 150mph – 60mph comes up in just 6.5seconds.

While this is never going to be STi Impreza territory, it is nevertheless mighty quick.

Interestingly, Subaru has added a few more strings to the bow of the Legacy and as a result, it's nipping at the ankles of some pretty formidable opponents.

For example, the cabin is among the best I have experienced this year. Better than some cars that are double the price. Muted black leather peppered with flashes of chrome and neon. The cup holders are ringed by a subtle blue hue which is a very swarve touch indeed.

Then there's the electronic dials which dance to attention on start up – little things I know, but it made me smile when I got into it and that is no mean feat in my case. Trust me.

The Legacy Sports Tourer, in this case, also comes with heated power seats, Satnav, dual climate control (which also breaths directly to the back seats), a bay window of a sunroof, cruise control, Cat one alarm and immobiliser, six-disc CD changer – the list goes on.

And it is for this reason that the Legacy is pitching, not for Vauxhall, Ford or even Volkswagen customers, but BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar and Audi.

On the outside it's more of the same understated quality. Strips of chrome are used perfectly to accentuate the sweeping lines of the car.
The twin exhaust pipes belie the car's understated demeanor – but give it the sporty edge that will inevitably draw comparisons with BMW's 335i.

They will also serve to keep any jumped up Vauxhall Nova SR drivers from trying it on at the lights.

Unfortunately for Subaru, this car is something of an unknown and is in danger of slipping under the radar. But I for one am determined to spread the word.

And who knows, one or two of the Impreza turbo drivers who are ready to move on to pastures more serene, without losing too much umph, may well trade up to a Legacy spec B.