New Zealand is one of only three countries that will get a special, higher-riding Subaru Legacy variant powered by a 3.6-litre six-cylinder boxer engine.
The 2013 model sedan rides 60mm higher than the standard model and was unveiled at the Beijing motor show. It will go on sale here and in Australia and China later in the year.
"This new Legacy variant will be ideal for Kiwi rural roads," said Subaru NZ managing director Wallis Dumper.
"We have a huge percentage of unsealed surfaces and the extra ride height adds to its capability in regional and rural areas.
"Another key aspect is that the hip point is 70mm higher than the current sedan, making entry and exit easier, which should really suit some of those traditional (Holden) Calais and (Ford) Fairmont drivers who you witness climbing out of their 'gravel-rashed' vehicles in most rural communities."