The New Subaru Legacy has been chosen as the 1998-1999 RJC New Car of the Year, by the respected Automotive Researchers' & Journalists' Conference of Japan. In addition, the domestic model Pleo compact wagon took first place in the minicar category. This is the first time for Subaru to capture the title since 1991 when the RJC annual new car award was established. The award is an honor equal to the Japan Car of the Year in which the New Legacy was the second this year.
The new Legacy and Lancaster (the Subaru Outback's name in Japan) received high praise as complete AWD station wagons and polished products, with excellent dynamics and driving safety, as well as superior quality interior and exterior design. They were clear leaders in points over their closest competitors, the Honda HR-V and Toyota Altezza. The Pleo was recognized for achieving a total balance of easy handling, a high level of driving safety, comfort and stylish design that goes beyond the image of a minicar.