Subaru Levorg
Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 4:17 am
On my recent trip to Japan, I got to check out a Subaru Levorg at a Subaru showroom in Tokyo. This vehicle is only available in Japan so many outside Japan don't know too much about it.
What is it? It's essentially like a new WRX wagon. It's considerably more upscale than an Impreza and given the recent schism of the WRX from the Impreza lineage, it makes sense the Levorg exists.
The Levorg is offered in only turbocharged engines with a choice of either a 1.6 liter or a 2.0 liter displacement. The 2.0 is the same motor found in the JDM version of the WRX and outputs about 300 HP (yes, more than the USDM WRX). The 1.6 outputs about 170 HP.
Another thing to note about the Levorg is that it's only offered with the CVT. In fact, my checks into the JDM WRX show the same. You have to get a STI if you want a 6MT. In the USDM, the WRX is offered with either the CVT or the 6MT.
A lot of American critics of the new WRX gripe that Subaru does not offer a wagon version like in the past. The Levorg, in essence, is that wagon now for Japan. Whether it will make it to the US is unknown at this point, but Subaru just broke 500,000 units sold last year in US sales. This was ahead of their own predictions for the year. Given they are growing rapidly in popularity, it may be that the Levorg may make it to North America. In that case, I hope it's also offered in a 6MT. Suzuki did so with the Kizashi for foreign markets while the JDM only got CVT models.
Below are some of the photos I snapped while checking out the Levorg.
Personally, I liked the car and found it to be like an utilitarian WRX. It looks and feels more upscale than an Impreza wagon, especially when compared side by side. The Levorg was really like a wagon version of the red WRX S4 sedan located next to it.
However, I found the rear seats to be smaller than expected and the seats were rather firm. The Kizashi's rear seats are far more comfortable in comparison.
Lastly, they had a cut-away display of Subaru's Lineartronic CVT. I thought it was cool to see inside one. You can clearly see what the CVT belt looks like.
What is it? It's essentially like a new WRX wagon. It's considerably more upscale than an Impreza and given the recent schism of the WRX from the Impreza lineage, it makes sense the Levorg exists.
The Levorg is offered in only turbocharged engines with a choice of either a 1.6 liter or a 2.0 liter displacement. The 2.0 is the same motor found in the JDM version of the WRX and outputs about 300 HP (yes, more than the USDM WRX). The 1.6 outputs about 170 HP.
Another thing to note about the Levorg is that it's only offered with the CVT. In fact, my checks into the JDM WRX show the same. You have to get a STI if you want a 6MT. In the USDM, the WRX is offered with either the CVT or the 6MT.
A lot of American critics of the new WRX gripe that Subaru does not offer a wagon version like in the past. The Levorg, in essence, is that wagon now for Japan. Whether it will make it to the US is unknown at this point, but Subaru just broke 500,000 units sold last year in US sales. This was ahead of their own predictions for the year. Given they are growing rapidly in popularity, it may be that the Levorg may make it to North America. In that case, I hope it's also offered in a 6MT. Suzuki did so with the Kizashi for foreign markets while the JDM only got CVT models.
Below are some of the photos I snapped while checking out the Levorg.
Personally, I liked the car and found it to be like an utilitarian WRX. It looks and feels more upscale than an Impreza wagon, especially when compared side by side. The Levorg was really like a wagon version of the red WRX S4 sedan located next to it.
However, I found the rear seats to be smaller than expected and the seats were rather firm. The Kizashi's rear seats are far more comfortable in comparison.
Lastly, they had a cut-away display of Subaru's Lineartronic CVT. I thought it was cool to see inside one. You can clearly see what the CVT belt looks like.