► New 1.6-litre Boxer engine
► Four-wheel drive as standard
► UK sales start September 2015
Subaru has announced its new Levorg Sport Tourer will go on sale in the UK from September 2015. Yet another hardy all-wheel-drive Subaru estate model, the Levorg’s been on sale in Japan since 2014 but made its first European appearance at the 2015 Geneva motor show. Prices start at £27,495.
Good news, too – seems Subaru has upped its game in terms of interior quality and luxuries, describing the Levorg’s cabin as ‘Subaru’s most refined interior yet.’ Damning with faint praise?
A luxurious Subaru? Tell me more about the Levorg
There’s one engine: Subaru’s newly developed 1.6-litre Direct Injection Turbo (DIT) boxer. Subaru claims performance to be on-par with its pre-existing 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, with 167bhp and 184lb ft of torque on tap – good for a 0-60mph sprint of 8.9sec, and 40mpg. Only one gearbox is available, a CVT with artifical stepped ratios and the Levorg is offered with four-wheel drive only, with Active Torque Vectoring (ATV) to brake inside wheels during cornering.
Simplifying things further, there’s one trim level: the GT. Inside, Subaru has paid particular attention to refining its usual hard-wearing, hose-down interior design, replacing hard plastics with leather on the door trims and centre console. It’s packed with kit, too. All Levorg GTs get a 7in touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav and smartphone connectivity as standard, along with a rear parking camera, keyless access, and heated leather seats, among various other goodies.
What else does the Levorg have to offer?
A roster of safety equipment, including Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection System (SRVDS) to detect cars hidden in the Levorg’s blind spot and rear-cross traffic alert, which senses vehicles crossing or approaching while reversing out of a car park space. And a huge boot.
Will the Levorg be too niche to appeal? Watch this space for a road test soon to find out.