- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
1.6T, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
125kW, 250Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (95) 7.4L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4WD
- Transmission
Auto (CVT)
- Warranty
3 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
5/5 star (2016)
Subaru Levorg range review
- WRX performance in a practical wagon
- Excellent safety in top-grade models
- Heaps of cargo space
- CVT transmission isn't as engaging
- Interior presentation a little drab
- Big premium over regular Impreza hatch
What is it?
It’s the only conventional station wagon you can get wearing a Subaru badge at the moment, as the Liberty is available only a sedan, the Outback is a crossover, the Impreza is a hatchback and the Forester is an SUV.
Depending on how you look at it, the Levorg could be seen as a spiritual successor to the WRX hatch or the Liberty RS wagon as the range-topping models offer a decent dose of performance.
How many models can I choose from?
There are four variants of the Levorg, split evenly between the GT and GT Premium powered by a 1.6-litre turbo engine or the GT-S and STI Sport with same 2.0-litre turbo from the WRX.
All of them feature Subaru’s signature all-wheel drive transmission and come standard with a continuously variable automatic gearbox.
The entry-level GT rides on 17-inch alloys, has cloth trim, dual-zone climate control and a 6.2-inch touchscreen while the Premium adds larger 18-inch wheels, heated, leather-trimmed sports seats with electric adjustment and a larger 7.0-inch screen with sat nav and smartphone connectivity as well as the Japanese brand’s Eyesight suite of active safety features such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring.
The GT-S gets all the same gear along with the more powerful engine while the STI Sport features extra styling highlights and handling upgrades from its high-performance division.
What do they cost?
Levorg GT: $35,990
Levorg GT Premium: $42,890
Levorg GT-S: $49,140
Levorg STI Sport: $51,990
*Prices exclude on-road costs
Any options that I need to know about?
Subaru keeps it fairly simple with a clear model line-up that steps-up through the Levorg range. It does offer a trio of accessory packs – Protection, Explorer and Styling – that combine common parts together, but also has have a huge array of official parts for owners to personalise the vehicle to their tastes, including more STI dress-up parts and practical elements like towing kits, roof racks and roof-mounted storage pods.
Is it expensive to own?
All Subaru’s have a three-year/unlimited kilometre warranty with a capped price servicing plan over the same period. However, you’ll have to visit the dealership more regularly than rivals with schedule intervals every six-months or 12,500km, and it’ll cost $2289.37 for regular maintenance – which is fairly expensive in comparison to other mainstream brands.
Which is the most economical model?
That would be the 1.6-litre GT models, which use a claimed average of 6.5L/100km to generate 125kW and 250Nm. But the added performance of the 2.0-litre, with 197kW and 350Nm, doesn’t come with that much of a fuel consumption penalty, with a claimed average of 6.9L/100km.
Which is the safest model?
The top three – GT Premium, GT-S and STI Sport – all come standard with Subaru’s brilliant Eyesight system that uses a stereo camera mounted in front the rear-view mirror to read the road ahead, integrating functions like autonomous emergency braking, lane departure and forward collision warnings, lane keeping assistance and blind spot monitoring. However, all Levorg models have a five-star ANCAP crash test rating, on build on that with the security of all-wheel drive and protection from seven air bags.
Which is the best model to drive?
That would be the range-topping STI Sport, which has plenty of fizz from its energetic turbo motor, heaps of grip from its taut suspension and sure-footed handling thanks to its all-wheel drive traction.
The CVT auto dulls the engagement factor somewhat over a conventional WRX or STI, which are available with a slick six-speed manual, but it is still a fun car to punt along while offering a more practical and spacious cabin.
Should I buy one now?
While Subaru is in the middle of a massive model overhaul, replacing its key models – like the Impreza and Forester – with new versions based on impressive new underpinnings, the Levorg will be the last model in-line for a major makeover. That means an all-new one isn’t due for a few years at least.
Where's the sweet spot?
The Levorg isn’t all that affordable to start with, so finding the sweet spot depends on how you prioritise value over performance. If you’re after a substitute for a WRX wagon, then the GT-S has all the charm and punch you’re after – but it does come with a hefty premium over a regular ‘Rex’.
Personally, the GT Premium is the pick of the bunch as it is still a good fun machine to drive, and comes with all the same gear including the complete safety package, for considerably less of an initial outlay.
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