Subaru WRX Sportswagon to get Outback treatment

Subaru Japan has released teaser images of its incoming new 2024 Subaru Levorg Layback for the Japanese market that previews a higher-riding and more rugged version of the Subaru WRX Sportswagon sold in Australia.

Australia’s WRX wagon is known as the Levorg in Japan, and while the new ‘Layback’ has potential to be an appealing addition to the local range – that is, if it was a serious attempt to tap into Subaru’s rally heritage – there are no plans yet to offer the “unique SUV” (as it’s described) Down Under.

“Currently there are no plans for this model for Australia … it is currently exclusively for the Japanese market, but we will be keeping a vigilant eye on future developments,” a spokesperson told carsales.

From the shadowy preview, it's clear the Levorg Layback will feature a new front bumper, a wider grille and a new aluminium-style crossbar that runs between the LED headlights.

Revised intakes and fresh alloy wheels have also been introduced, but the biggest change is the increase in ride height and new black plastic wheel-arches.

Inside, it looks like the Layback will come with two-tone leather seats that get nifty gold stitching.

No other details were released, but the increase in ground clearance could trigger an overhaul of the WRX Sportswagon chassis with longer-travel suspension that improves the ride over rough terrain.

Subaru's famed symmetrical all-wheel drive will be standard, coupled to the 202kW 2.4-litre turbo from the WRX or a 130kW 1.8-litre engine that’s also available in Japan.

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