Subaru Levorg assimilates 'sport' and 'touring'

Subaru has officially introduced its Levorg sports wagon model to the Australian market, with cars already arriving in dealerships around the country.

In a presentation to journalists earlier this week, Subaru Australia MD Nick Senior highlighted the importance of the new model, despite the importer expecting to sell no more than 200 to 250 a month.

"This is one of the most anticipated launches, for us, for many years," Senior said.

"Levorg is that tantalising blend of practicality and sporty performance that Subaru first nailed with Liberty RS Turbo in the early 1990s. The RS Turbo wagon morphed into the Liberty GT, and that vehicle – in the fourth generation Liberty – was the most successful and popular of all the Libertys, not only in Australia, but indeed worldwide.

"But as the Liberty wagon and its turbocharged variants disappeared from the line-up there has been a rallying cry for a spiritual successor to that fourth-generation liberty GT wagon.

"Enter Levorg.

"At almost the same length as the fourth generation Liberty wagon, and with usable interior space... Levorg is going to fill a hole in our line-up. Not a gaping hole, but we expect to sell around 200 to 250 units per month.

"Of course, some of these will be existing owners, but Levorg's blend of design, style, performance, safety and versatility will attract new customers to the brand."

According to Senior, the Levorg is the same width as the current Liberty, but is smaller overall than the fourth-generation Liberty, yet it offers significantly better rear-seat legroom (85mm versus 60mm). Luggage capacity is 27 litres better than the earlier Liberty's.

All variants are powered by the same 197kW/350Nm turbocharged, horizontally-opposed four-cylinder that powers the WRX. Bolted to the engine is Subaru's continuously-variable transmission (CVT), which sends the engine's torque to all four wheels. The CVT changes through six programmed steps in Drive mode, or eight steps in Sport/Manual modes. Fuel consumption, according to combined-cycle testing, is 8.7L/100km, and Subaru recommends 95 RON ULP for the Levorg.

Measuring 4690mm in length, the Levorg is 1780mm wide and rides on a wheelbase of 2650mm. Overall height is 1490mm and the Levorg turns through a 10.8m turning circle.

Safety features fitted across all variants comprise: Third-generation EyeSight with Vision Assist, Brake Assist, side-curtain airbags, driver's knee airbag, dual front/dual side airbags, fog lights, daytime running lights, ventilated four-wheel disc brakes, Hill Start Assist, reversing camera, seatbelt reminders (lights), shock-absorbing brake pedal, stability control, Emergency Stop Signal and 'welcome' lighting.

EyeSight, in its third generation for the Levorg, has been improved through 40 per cent longer and wider focal range for the stereo cameras, enhanced pedestrian avoidance and the addition of Pre-Collision Braking Assist and Pre-Collision Steering Assist. The adaptive cruise control facility is also improved with the system's ability to recognise brake light operation. For the higher grade Levorg 2.0 GT-S, EyeSight embraces Vision Assist, a bundle of features including Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Side View Monitor, High Beam Assist and EyeSight Assist.

The Levorg range kicks off at $42,990 for the basic 2.0 GT variant. At the entry level, Levorg comes equipped with the following comfort and convenience features: 6.2-inch touch screen, six-speaker CD audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, remote central locking, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, reach/rake-adjustable steering, height-adjustable driver's seat, leather-bound multifunction steering wheel/gearshift knob, trip computer with 4.3-inch display, push-button starting, USB chargers for rear-seat passengers, 12-Volt power outlets and 60:40 split-fold rear seat. Additionally, the base-grade Levorg is also fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, electric fold-in mirrors and self-levelling LED headlights.

Higher in the range is the Levorg 2.0 GT-S, priced at $48,890. Featuring the same drivetrain configuration as the base model, the GT-S additionally comes with auto-on/off headlights, Bilstein dampers, electric sunroof, heated door mirrors, heated front seats, High Beam Assist, leather upholstery with blue stitching, eight-way adjustable powered driver's seat with dual-position memory, rain-sensing wipers, anti-glare mirror, side-view monitoring, sports front seats and two USB ports in the centre stack.

Subaru is also offering buyers a Spec B option for the GT-S, taking the purchase price to $52,890 and adding these STI-branded items to the standard equipment list: shift knob, front spoiler, side skirts, rear diffuser/airdam, exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, front suspension tower brace, red starter button and roof-mounted rear spoiler.

Colours available are: Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Dark Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Pure Red, Steel Blue Grey Metallic and Lapis Blue Metallic.

Subaru markets the Levorg with three-year unlimited-kilometre warranty and three-year roadside assist.
Picture legend: Levorg 2.0 GT (silver-grey), Levorg GT-S (blue), Levorg GT-S Spec B (white)