Subaru has announced it is expanding the availability of Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), Subaru’s name for stability control, within the 2009 Legacy vehicle lineup. That’s great news because the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) says, “Electronic stability control could prevent nearly one-third of all fatal crashes and reduce rollover risk by as much as 80 percent.”
Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) helps to prevent skidding due to understeer or oversteer by managing individual wheel braking and/or reducing engine power to correct the slide. This system adds to driver control of the vehicle, improving active safety. Teamed with all-wheel drive, electronic stability control is the most important active safety component you can have on your car.
The 2009 Legacy is the only midsize sedan on the market that features standard AWD through Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System. For 2009, Subaru is introducing the Legacy Special Edition, which incorporates a nine-speaker 385-watt harman/kardon stereo, power moonroof and Subaru's advanced Vehicle Dynamics Control stability system.
The value of an electronic stability control system cannot be overemphasized, says the IIHS. In a study of its effectiveness, researchers found that when a car is equipped with stability control and AWD, the risk of a single vehicle crash is reduced by more than 50 percent.
The Subaru VDC system constantly monitors the intentions of the driver through the steering angle sensor. A computer analyzes the data sent from that sensor and others, instantly making adjustments. If the computer recognizes the loss of control at either the front or rear of the vehicle, it applies brake pressure to one or more wheels as a means of control to restore stability. An indicator light flashes when the system is running to alert the driver to the driving conditions. Additionally, fuel is cut to reduce engine power while performing these corrective actions. The stability control system enhances the performance of the AWD system and helps to maintain directional stability on all road surfaces.
VDC also incorporates all-speed Traction Control (to help reduce wheel spin), Brake Assist and Incline Start Assist. Brake Assist monitors the depression speed applied to the brake pedal. In an emergency stopping situation, this system senses the rapid depression of the pedal and simultaneously boosts the driver’s brakeforce to the braking system. Brake Assist maintains the braking force until the driver releases the brake pedal. Incline Start Assist is designed for when a vehicle starts off on a hill. In this system, the brake remains on for approximately one second after the driver removes his or her foot from the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward. This is designed to assist drivers who are not well versed on hill starts to start up smoother and with confidence. This feature is only on models with manual transmissions.
Subaru Legacy Sedans are stylish and smart, both in design and intelligent features. They offer an athletic and safe AWD driving experience with power options that range from efficient to high performance.
The addition of harman/kardon audio components to the Legacy’s amenities upgrades the sound quality to a level usually found only in luxury sedans. The harman/kardon Premium Audio system includes speakers, amplifier and modifications to the audio head unit. The result is stronger bass and less harmonic distortion across the frequency range. The system also includes vehicle speed-sensitive Auto Volume Control, something owners tend to rave about after experiencing the convenience.
Driving a Subaru Legacy is such a rewarding experience that some reviewers compare the ride and handling to European cars with substantially higher price tags. Part of the credit must go to a well-tuned front strut and rear multi-link suspension that gives the Subaru Legacy neutral handling that inspires confidence. Another part of the Legacy equation is Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system with its heaviest components located near the center of the car. The sum total is a driving experience that is comfortable when you want it to be and great fun when you want to play. Knowing that, why would you want to drive anything else?
Whether you want a sporty commuter or a safe and versatile family car, the Subaru Legacy deserves your attention. May we schedule a test drive?
