Subaru Levorg

What is it?

It’s a Subaru, but not as you know it. Yes, it has the usual Subaru permanent symmetrical all-wheel drive system, the lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a 2.0 litre petrol Boxer engine, but you wouldn’t want to take it green-laning.

Then there’s the name, ‘Levorg’. It's an odd name, but it’s one that’s steeped in Subaru Heritage. You see it’s created from a combination of names previously used on the brand’s previous sport tourers; LEgacy, ReVOlution and TouRinG. All makes sense now, yeah?

So for 2020, what’s new? Well on the outside it gets a new front bumper, a fresh grille, updated LED headlights and revised LED fog lights, as well as a set of 18-inch alloy wheels. Also the old vented bonnet has been replaced with a smooth solid unit.

Then there’s the 2.0 litre normally aspirated Boxer petrol engine that replaces the 1.6 litre turbo unit.

On the road

The first word that comes to mind is smooth. With the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol making just 147bhp, it may not be the quickest estate on the road but the CVT gearbox gives it a smooth delivery. Plant your foot and the revs shoot up to just over 6,000rpm and stays there for a while until it sorts itself out, you’ll reach 60mph in around 9 seconds.

The Levorg shares the same suspension components as the WRX STi, and others have said that this becomes evident when you drive down a bumpy road. I never really got that experience, for me the Levorg felt quite smooth, no matter what the surface.

Start throwing it around corners and it feels stable and stays planted on the road in the same way a sports car would. I’d say it strikes a fine balance between managing our potholed strewn roads and keeping upright when driving like a hooligan... not that I ever did, you understand.

Apart from getting a tad vocal at around 6,000rpm, the Levorg is quiet and a rather pleasant place to be, especially if you have a long drive ahead of you.

Off road

As I mentioned earlier, it may have Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, but it ain’t no off-roader. Due to the lack the ground clearance, snow covered roads and muddy tracks are as far I’d want to take it.

Tech

I mentioned Subaru’s EyeSight earlier, their clever driver assistance system, but what is it? Subaru say that that EyeSight acts as a ‘second pair of eyes’ for drivers. While systems from other manufacturers use various sensor technologies such as camera and radar or microwaves, EyeSight functions optically employing stereo-camera technology. One camera is mounted each side of the rear view mirror to monitor the road and traffic ahead for potential hazards up to 110 metres up the road. Up to a speed of 28mph accidents can be avoided and the severity significantly reduced at higher speeds.

EyeSight features 6 technologies to maximise safety:

1. Pre-Collision Braking alerts the driver of a potential collision using a visual and audible warning. If the driver does not take evasive action, the brakes will be applied automatically to either prevent the accident (up to 28mph) or reduce the severity of an impact. If the driver brakes but does not apply enough pressure, the system will increase braking force.

2. Pre-Collision Throttle Management works by notifying the driver (visually and audibly) if they select drive instead of reverse and the car is parked facing an obstacle. The system will also cut engine output to help avoid a frontal collision.

3. Adaptive Cruise Control adjusts vehicle speed to maintain a set distance from the car in front.

4. Lane Departure & Sway Warning alerts the driver with a visual and audible warning if the vehicle sways or departs its lane without indicating.

5. Lane Keep Assist offers gentle steering control if the vehicle is about to deviate from its lane at approximately 40mph or above.

6. Lead Vehicle Start Alert prompts the driver with a visual and audible warning that traffic ahead has started moving.

In 2015, Subaru released data from a survey of traffic accidents involving Subaru vehicles in Japan from 2010 to 2014. The data revealed a 61% reduction in crashes for vehicles equipped with EyeSight, compared to those without.

Interior

Subaru say that the Levorg has one of the most refined cabins ever found in a Subaru, and I have to agree. It has high quality fabrics, softtouch plastics and fully electric, heated leather sports seats which are very comfy with good lateral support, along with Subaru’s Starlink 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment, connectivity and navigation system fitted as standard alongside the rear parking camera and EyeSight, Subaru’s clever driver assistance system.

The leather wrapped steering wheel is quite busy with switches and buttons, but you soon get used to them. Thankfully Subaru give you proper dials for heater controls and volume, so that’s a huge positive.

There’s ample room in the back for tall passengers and the boot is a useful size, and once the rear seats are folded down you’re left with a completely flat loading bay. It’ll swallow 522 litres and 1446 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

Official fuel figures are quoted at 32.6mpg, which aren’t far off. During our week together it was averaging mid twenties around town and on short commutes, and early thirties on longer motorway journeys.

Conclusion

As I wrote earlier, the Levorg isn’t the usual Subaru, I reckon it’s more for the urban family who don’t need the ground clearance, but do require the space and AWD sure-footedness of a manufacturer famed for its toughness and longevity. Subaru reckon the Levorg has been designed to strike a balance between their performance range and the more practical appearance of a tourer. I can go with that.

Subaru offer a full 5 years, or 100,000 miles warranty. The Levorg is available in the UK in GTi trim only with prices from £33,995.

more at » https://www.subaru.co.uk