Oh, my. This can't be Subaru.

But it is. That's what the nameplate says on this svelte, distinctly European-looking touring sedan.

Yep, it's a Legacy, but it sure isn't like any Legacy I know anything about. It's a brand new 2005 Subaru Legacy now in dealers' showrooms and it's new from stem to stern and everything in between.

Every car company has an image, and Subaru's is an estimable one. Tough, durable, built like a tank and lasts for years -- those are phrases that come to many people's minds when they think of these cars. But for better or worse, though Subarus have been reasonably attractive, they've never been thought of as beautiful -- except by their owners, of course.

That's about to change. Along with a raft of other major changes, the Legacy has styling that resembles the best of European design. The rear end is a dead ringer for the last generation Audi A4, and the roofline looks similar to the BMW 3 Series. That aggressive front end will remind you of another Japanese product: Acura.

But let me hasten to add that this all doesn't mean that the Legacy is a conglomeration of everything else. Quite the contrary.

These elements all come together for a distinctive appearance that is all the Legacy's own.

Driving it is a real treat. There's a new 2.5 GT sedan powered by a 250-horsepower intercooled, turbocharged 2.5-liter "boxer" engine that provides tremendous performance. You also can also get an all-new five-speed electronically controlled automatic that allows for manual shifting if desired.

The new Legacy corners far more aggressively than any Subaru I've ever driven and can certainly hold its own with the best of the entry-level sports sedans out there. All it lacks is true performance tires, and there are any number of sources for that.

Standard features on the GT include full power accessories, a remote keyless entry system, a sports designed electroluminescent instrument panel, leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel, 17-inch alloy wheels and more.

There are three types of all-wheel drive that will be used on Legacy models, depending on which one you choose. Cars with five-speed manuals will use a viscous coupling locking center differential, while 2.5 GT and 2.5 GT Limited models use Variable Torque Distribution, and 2.5 i and 2.5 i Limited models get a third version of all-wheel drive.

Prices for the Legacy start at $20,995 for the 2.5 i, $24,445 for the 2.5 i Limited, $25,995 for the 2.5 GT and $28,495 for the 2.5 GT Limited. Fuel mileage figures have not yet been announced.

Not to be outdone, the Outback also is brand spanking new for 2005. It shares many of the same features of the Legacy, and also is graced with beautiful new styling in which the cladding that long had been a trademark of the model now is gone.

Ground clearance has been increased to 8.4 inches on Outback 2.5 i and 3.0 R models, while the 2.5 XT Outback has 8.7 inches of ground clearance. That along with an improved angle of approach, departure and ramp break-over angle help strengthen the Outback's already formidable reputation for off-road driving and handling.

Standard safety equipment will include front seat side impact air bags, side curtain air bags and active front head restraints.

Engine choices range from a 3-liter, 250-horsepower six-cylinder engine, a 250-horsepower turbocharged/intercooled four-cylinder boxer engine and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine producing 168 horsepower.

Other highlights of the 2005 Outback include a redesigned rack and pinion steering system, higher quality materials in a redesigned interior and a standard equipment level quite similar to Legacy's.

Prices for the Outback start at $23,995 for the Outback 2.5 i to $32,195 for the 3.0 R LL Bean Edition version. Fuel mileage figures have not yet been announced.