Fresh from surprising everyone at the New York Auto Show with the launch of the new Outback and Legacy, the Japanese company has announced that it will be performing the European leg of its initiation at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt am Main.

Subaru's fifth-generation Legacy will be competing in a crowded market, but its new design should appeal to many. The new vehicle will be available in two body types - saloon and Sports Tourer - and both will feature Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive system as standard.

The saloon version will be 65mm longer than its predecessor and features a new chassis with a cradle engine mounting system. Other improvements include a revamped interior, which is said to be much roomier than the previous model's.

The Legacy will be available with a number of powerplant configurations, which include Subaru's 2.0-litre boxer diesel engine. Two naturally aspirated petrol engines are also available and these will range from 2.0- to 2.5-litres in size. A turbocharged 2.5-litre petrol unit should complete the range. Admittedly Subaru says that the turbo engine is only planned for 'limited destinations'.

Subaru's new automatic 'Lineartronic' transmission will be an option and, according to the data from the US launch, this system can improve fuel economy in the saloon by 5.9 percent when used in conjunction with the 2.5-litre petrol engine.

We'll get our first look at the new car on September 15th in Frankfurt.