THE Subaru Legacy, which is aimed at the European sporting executive sector, has been voted Car of the Year Japan 2003/04.

It beat off competition from the likes of the Jaguar XJ, BMW 5-series and Audi A3, as well as the Mazda RX-8 and Honda Odyssey, an MPV sold in Japan and North America.

Kyoji Takenaka, president and chief executive officer of Subaru's owners, Fuji Heavy Industries, said: 'It is our greatest pleasure to receive this most prestigious award.

'We designed the Legacy to be unique and emotional to satisfy those who love cars and love the feel of driving performance all over the world.'