Why the new Legacy looks like that

[Raza]

I think the word "ugly" is heavily overused in the automotive enthusiast crowd.

I think it's criminally underused.

[S204STi]

It isn't just my taste; the consensus in the enthusiast community seems to be that this car is ugly.

Like that matters.  And who are enthusiasts to say a car is ugly?  I mean, it might be the opinion of some (I contend, the minority) but that doesn't mean that non-enthusiasts should bow before their almighty wisdom.

[Raza]

Like that matters.  And who are enthusiasts to say a car is ugly?  I mean, it might be the opinion of some (I contend, the minority) but that doesn't mean that non-enthusiasts should bow before their almighty wisdom.

Being me, my opinion is all that matters.

That's how it works.

[S204STi]

Being me, my opinion is all that matters.

That's how it works.

Well I think you're full of crap.

[omicron]

The Exiga's simpler front-end treatment is arguably the more successful using essentially the same dimensions:



The slightly-awkward upright roofline at the rear of the car is to accommodate the third-row seating, but the creaseline and sculpting around the sills and bottom of the doors helps to reduce (but not quite eliminate) the slab-sided look of the Legacy/Outback:




Plus, I find the Exiga's black glass D-pillar treatment to be better-looking than that of the Legacy. The less-comical wheelarches, too. The smaller cut-outs for the door-handles, for that matter. And so on.

[Colin]

Like that matters.  And who are enthusiasts to say a car is ugly?  I mean, it might be the opinion of some (I contend, the minority) but that doesn't mean that non-enthusiasts should bow before their almighty wisdom.

Reading a wide range of posts in the UK, such as on the Autocar Forum, I don't think the allegation of ugliness is a minority view. It would seem to be almost universal agreement.

I know beauty is in the eye of the proverbial beholder, but..........

....... to mind, there are plenty of other recent cars that fully deserve the same brickbat.  It's about time someone told all those committees that sign off such hideous new machines (Peugeot, for instance) that their latest creation is visually unpleasant. 

[S204STi]

Reading a wide range of posts in the UK, such as on the Autocar Forum, I don't think the allegation of ugliness is a minority view. It would seem to be almost universal agreement.

I know beauty is in the eye of the proverbial beholder, but..........

....... to mind, there are plenty of other recent cars that fully deserve the same brickbat.  It's about time someone told all those committees that sign off such hideous new machines (Peugeot, for instance) that their latest creation is visually unpleasant. 

I haven't read many reviews on the car so I'll take your word for it.  Still, it's hardly ugly.  Yes, I admit my first response was, "Oh dear..."  but I find it grows on me.  That's all.  And for some twerp to insist that the only reason it's selling better is because people have crap taste is silly to me.  Clearly it isn't as bad as its made out to be if sales are actually up over the supposedly better looking predecessor.

[J86]

The Exiga's simpler front-end treatment is arguably the more successful using essentially the same dimensions:



The slightly-awkward upright roofline at the rear of the car is to accommodate the third-row seating, but the creaseline and sculpting around the sills and bottom of the doors helps to reduce (but not quite eliminate) the slab-sided look of the Legacy/Outback:




Plus, I find the Exiga's black glass D-pillar treatment to be better-looking than that of the Legacy. The less-comical wheelarches, too. The smaller cut-outs for the door-handles, for that matter. And so on.

I like the look of this thing.  A tad bland and awkward maybe, but I generally like it.

[TBR]

I haven't read many reviews on the car so I'll take your word for it.  Still, it's hardly ugly.  Yes, I admit my first response was, "Oh dear..."  but I find it grows on me.  That's all.  And for some twerp to insist that the only reason it's selling better is because people have crap taste is silly to me.  Clearly it isn't as bad as its made out to be if sales are actually up over the supposedly better looking predecessor.

Way to put words in my mouth, twerp.

To clarify, your mention of increased sales almost seemed like an implication that the car was attractive. I can agree that it might just be generic, but it sure isn't attractive. That's the same fallacy that suggests that the Camry is the best car because it has the highest sales. The argument carries no weight. Furthermore, I hardly think it is radical to suggest that the public has questionable taste in cars.

[nickdrinkwater]

They and Hyundai were the only two automakers to show positive growth overall in 08, and this year they are up even further.  If that helps clear things up.

Legacy sales are up like 15% with this supposedly ass-ugly redesign.

Interesting, thanks for enlightening me.

[S204STi]

Way to put words in my mouth, twerp.

Subtract smugness from your list of personal attributes, please.  Nobody is impressed.

To clarify, your mention of increased sales almost seemed like an implication that the car was attractive. I can agree that it might just be generic, but it sure isn't attractive. That's the same fallacy that suggests that the Camry is the best car because it has the highest sales. The argument carries no weight. Furthermore, I hardly think it is radical to suggest that the public has questionable taste in cars.

The fallacy is that you somehow have the market cornered on taste, and the fact is that people don't buy ugly cars.  The one and only reason the Aztek didn't succeed long term is because it looks like crap.  So the argument that it's selling better can in some way be predicated on looks, actually.  

[TBR]

Subtract smugness from your list of personal attributes, please.  Nobody is impressed.

I am not really sure what your point is. You said I said something that I didn't say, followed by an unnecessary put-down.

The fallacy is that you somehow have the market cornered on taste, and the fact is that people don't buy ugly cars.  The one and only reason the Aztek didn't succeed long term is because it looks like crap.  So the argument that it's selling better can in some way be predicated on looks, actually.  

People bought the Aztek. People buy more than just styling. In fact, I think you are the one being arrogant if you think that people buy cars solely for their styling.

[S204STi]

I am not really sure what your point is. You said I said something that I didn't say, followed by an unnecessary put-down.

People bought the Aztek. People buy more than just styling.

[TBR]

Way to make yourself look even more like an asshole.

[S204STi]

Bah, twerp was uncalled for on my part, it's just that your smug assertion that your taste is relevant to this discussion is annoying to me, sorry.

[GoCougs]

I've seen a few in the flesh, and they look better in person.

I'd like this, but the Premium trim level (i.e., no leather) for about $28k.

Inasmuch as I'm not a fan of the styling nor boxer-4s, this is my front runner for my next car.

[S204STi]

Way to make yourself look even more like an asshole.

Hey man, chill it.  Twerp was pretty mild.  Asshole though?  Oh boy, now you gone and done it...

[TBR]

Bah, twerp was uncalled for on my part, it's just that your smug assertion that your taste is relevant to this discussion is annoying to me, sorry.

Ugly's ugly.  Don't crash.

IMO that's not why the car is a styling mess. Subaru needs to address wheel well/wheel size ratio, dump the lower body cladding and ridiculous wheel arc, and give it a bit of a forward rake.

Wow.  The new car looks like the old car does after the 6 mph crash.

I have to congratulate Subaru............. from offering a car that had universal respect, with the old model, they have launched a car which I have yet to see anyone in the UK say that they like. Indeed, if you read the thread on the Autocar forum, all the current owners of the old model say that they have absolutely no intention of going anywhere the latest styling goof-up.

Was their taste somehow relevant when mine wasn't it?

I don't think so.

[TBR]

Hey man, chill it.  Twerp was pretty mild.  Asshole though?  Oh boy, now you gone and done it...

You provoked it, I didn't.

[S204STi]

Was their taste somehow relevant when mine wasn't it?

I don't think so.

I do.  

[Eye of the Tiger]

 

[S204STi]

You provoked it, I didn't.

Dude, let's not get into a war of words here.  If I apologize can we move on?  The ongoing saga that is teh SPIN is a drag.

[NomisR]

It's entertaining.. fight fight fight....  Share some of that popcorn Nick....

[Cookie Monster]

[Submariner]

Volvo S80 thread part deux?

[S204STi]

Show's over folks.

[CJ]

I like the new Legacy and Outback. 

[CALL_911]

I like the new Legacy and Outback. 

Ditto, their looks have been growing on me, and they seem to be quite competent.

[2o6]

Still ugly.

[the Teuton]

Let's be honest, it's not that pretty, but the new Leggie is the bomb diggity.