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I bought a 2010 Subaru Legacy in 2018 and soon afterwards I noticed a "new-car" smell. This is intermittent, but I notice it when I get into the un-started car for the first time for that day. There is no correlation with the outside temperature. I have, for the lack of other ideas, tried sprinkling baking soda around the car interior; shampooing the upholstery and carpets; and putting activated carbon sachets in the car. I have changed the air-conditioning cabin filter. Nothing makes a difference. I speculate that the polyurethane upholstery might be deteriorating, but google has never heard of this happening to anyone else. I am desperate for ideas.

Hi there,
I have heard of the glue used for bonding the trim as having a particular smell. Another potential is to run a deodoriser/mould remover from the heating and aircon vents- starting with the intake which sites under the front wipers.