This is one of the more exciting wagons to roll up for 2016. It’s been a while since we’ve seen a new Subaru medium-to-large size performance wagon, and the new Subaru Levorg is set to continue the legacy of a very long line of fantastic Subaru performance wagons. Quick to identify itself with previous models, the new Subaru Levorg has a low profile – not too dissimilar to the early 1990 models where the bonnet and roof lines are low slung and aerodynamic. The air scoop in the bonnet hints to the performance potential of the new Levorg range, and with all models in the range boasting turbo-boxer power and AWD, these are a sensational car to drive.
The new Subaru Levorg is definitely the most sophisticated to date. The car’s appearance is very sporty, though remaining refined and elegant in its looks. The distinctive chrome-rimmed hexagonal grille and all-seeing hawk eye LED headlights do give an air of dominance and boldness to the Levorg’s understated sporty lines. Each new Subaru Levorg wagon has fog lights, rear spoiler, colour-coded shark-fin antenna, matte-black rear diffuser and dual exhausts as standard.
The other feature that each new Levorg will have is the powerful new boxer engine that boasts 197 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque. Add to that AWD traction, and this practical family wagon can fly. Perhaps, a feature that will surprise some is the new eight-speed CVT which applies engine power to all four wheels. Some may bewail the lack of a slick manual transmission, but the CVT automatic is a good one and is very smooth and fast. You can complete the 0-100 km/h dash in well under seven seconds.
This may not be quick enough for some; however, Subaru is aiming the Levorg at the family market, and the WRX STi is still available for those who want a real kick in the pants! There are some ways you can enhance engine output for the Levorg, anyway – if that’s your passion. The Levorg wagon is supremely fast and effortless to drive. Aided with AWD weaponry, the is stacks loads of grip and the handling is flat through fast, sweeping corners. You can be middle-aged, with a family, and still enjoy some fun outside the bedroom. This is a great family wagon, and the Subaru Levorg can swallow a whole heap of luggage and occupants and still be fun and satisfying to drive. Passing power is excellent.
Fuel economy for the new Subaru Levorg varies according to how much demand you place on the engine. Always ready to fly, the Levorg can be thirsty if you drive with your foot flat (tempting); however, if you drive like most people do, you can expect the car to return around 9 litres/100 km.
On a more sober note, the new Subaru Levorg takes occupant safety very seriously. The car has numerous safety features that are constantly analysing progress through an array of sensors. These consist of: Electronic Stability Control (EDC), Traction Control System (TCS), a Limited Slip system that transfers power from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). The structural integrity of the new Levorg wagon is also very strong. In the event of a serious accident, the ring-shaped passenger cell redirects impact energy around your passengers, while the body frame is structured to distribute the impact to reduce cabin distortion. Add to that energy absorbing crumple zones and pre-tensioner front seat belts and you are in one of the safest wagons available. All of the above has enabled the Subaru Levorg to gain a five-star safety rating.
Sit back and relax in the car’s comfortable seats with plenty of leg room front and rear. The high quality interior boasts metallic and high gloss black trim cabin highlighting. Nice soft-touch interior trim throughout the cabin adds to the sophisticated Levorg experience. Levorg 2.0GT-S and Levorg 2.0GT-S B.spec models have the front occupants seated in supportive bucket-style front seats.
Load carrying capacity is good, though the Skoda Octavia RS Wagon has much more luggage space available if you feel the need. You are very well equipped in even the base model Levorg. Power windows, dual zone fully automatic climate control air-conditioning, reclining split/fold rear seats, heated front seats, AUX and USB ports in the front open storage area, a leather trim steering wheel features audio controls, a Multi-Function Display unit in the dashboard offers a wide variety of information, an EyeSight Driver Assist system spots potentially dangerous situations like cyclists up ahead, a rear-view reverse camera, a blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, lane change assist, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, auto high beams, a side view monitor and a highly sophisticated infotainment system that puts you in central command at the touch of a screen.
The 2.0GT-S specification adds an electric sunroof, a leather interior, satellite navigation, Bilstein sports suspension, black 18-inch alloys, heated front seats, Siri and Pandora compatibility and two extra USB ports. The 2.0GT-S Spec-B adds to the model above with upgrades that include: STI front, side and rear spoilers; an STI front tower bar for better handling, an STI push-button start, a roof spoiler, and an STI gear shifter.
Subaru Levorg models start at just over $40 k and ask up to just over $50k for the Spec B. If you’re on the lookout for a sporty, practical wagon for the family with safety in spades, then the new Subaru Levorg could well float your boat.
The Subaru Levorg model series includes the:
For any more information on the new Subaru Levorg or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Subaru dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!