Smaller than the current Legacy wagon, it fits into the Subaru model range between the Impreza and Legacy.
Scheduled to go on sale in Japan next April, Levorg is not initially intended as an export model.
“We are negotiating with Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru’s parent company) about getting Levorg for New Zealand if it becomes available for export in the future,” says Wallis Dumper, the Managing Director of Subaru of New Zealand.
“Subaru wagons have been very successful in our market for decades – they suit the wide variety of Kiwi lifestyles and our sporting and leisure time activities.”
Levorg offers the choice of two engines – a 1.6-litre or 2.0-litre Horizontally-Opposed Direct Injection turbocharged Boxer motor. The 1600 produces 125 kWs and 250 Nm, while the two litre has 221 kWs and 400 Nm.
The dynamic front design features the standard Subaru design motif of the classic hexagonal grille, while the hawk eye headlights emphasize Levorg’s sporty aura.
Levorg’s interior has a high quality feel and is equipped with advanced and useful functions. Piano black finishes, metallic-toned accents and plated parts highlight the interior and create a rich space.
The gauges use a twin-lens horizontal layout featuring 3.5 inch full-colour liquid crystal displays. The satin plated rings with ice blue lighting emphasize a sharp high-tech look.
Levorg’s sportiness is portrayed in the D-shaped steering wheel that raises the expectation of a fun driving experience.
Two engine types are available in Levorg, each with unique qualities balanced between driving and environment. The 1.6 litre motor with stop start technology is capable of achieving less than 6 litres/100 kms fuel economy.
To match the two engines, Levorg features Subaru’s Lineartronic Transmission, with characteristic smoothness - but also a fun sporty dual mode Subaru Intelligent Drive for the 1600.
The two litre motor is matched to the Sport Lineartronic transmission that is an option of the new WRX with its 8 speed manual paddle shifters operated from the SI Drive system.
In line with its sports tourer credentials, Levorg has enhanced rigidity in various parts of the chassis and body. Together with the electric power steering and optimized suspension stiffness, it produces sporty steering with great responsiveness.
The small-diameter D-shaped steering has a thick grip for great maneuverability and response. Body and suspension stiffness are considerably refined for driving comfort. By producing a linear response on the road, Levorg makes even long drives pleasurable.
“All-around safety” summarizes Subaru’s safety philosophy, the latest example being the EyeSight driver assist system, featured on Levorg.
Subaru has been refining and upgrading Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for years. Combined with an advanced Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system, it offers exceptional hazard avoidance, plus the security of safe and enjoyable driving in any situation.
Levorg is fitted with the Emergency Stop Signal, which quickly flashes the hazard warning lights when the vehicle makes an abrupt deceleration from high speed. It warns the cars behind it of rapid approach and collision risk.
High tensile steel of 980 MPa and other grades is used in many areas of Levorg’s structure. Although this contributes to weight reduction, it also achieves world class collision safety from all directions. Levorg has seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag.
To protect pedestrians, the bonnet and bulkhead are built to produce an impact-absorbing structure. Impact absorbents are also used in the sides of the engine compartment.
Levorg is equipped with the latest version of the EyeSight driver assist system. It has new stereo cameras with a wider angle, farther visibility and colour recognition. It can also produce steering input, all of which adds up to greatly advanced safety performance.
Levorg sits on a 2650 mm wheelbase, is 1780 mm wide and 1485 mm high with an overall length of 4690 mm.
It has McPherson strut front and double wishbone rear suspension and comes with a choice of 17 and 18 inch alloy wheels with 215/50R17 or 225/45R18 tyres respectively.
