Next-gen Subaru Levorg debuts with WRX looks

Saturday, 22 August 2020

Subaru has revealed the new Levorg in Japan, complete with styling that could provide a glimpse into the design of the next WRX.

It looks almost identical to prototypes shown at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show and January 2020, with sharper headlights, a slightly different grille with a new bar through the middle and a more square bonnet scoop. Around the back are flatter taillights while the profile gets more pronounced creases across the lower section.

Inside is largely the same as before, aside from the addition of the potrait-oriented 11.6-inch fully digital infotainment system and the 12.3-inch instrument cluster. The EyeSight active safety suite is included as well.

It’s not massively different to the current model but there are changes.

You’d be forgiven for thinking this is but a minor facelift but the new Levorg rides on the Subaru Global Platform, which translates into a larger footprint by 65mm in length, the wagon now measuring 4755mm. Around 20mm of that comes from a lengthened wheelbase, which stretches 2670mm. There’s more space in the boot, 561 litres now, an increase of 72 litres.

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The boot is larger than before though, thanks to the Subaru Global Platform. It now measures 561 litres.

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Move inside and it’s easy to see the changes. That new portrait infotainment screen looks fantastic.

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Under that bonnet scoop now resides a turbocharged 1.8-litre flat-four, producing 130kW and 300Nm, paired with a CVT transmission. Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive is, as usual, present and accounted for.

Given this is substantially less than the 197kW/350Nm Levorg GT-S currently on sale, this engine may only power entry-level models before a GT-S replacement emerges. It might not even make it to New Zealand, as Subaru NZ previously opted only for the more powerful 2.0-litre engine over the 1.6-litre also available in Japan.

While it’s always nice to see a good-looking alternative to the huge amounts of SUVs on the market, the most interesting part about the new Levorg is its connection to the WRX and WRX STI siblings.

It’s widely believed that the go-fast sedans will ape the design of the Levorg, inside and out. Subaru will probably turn the wick up on the edges and vents as well as add aerodynamics bits and pieces but don’t expect it to go as far as Honda’s Civic Type R.

They won’t however, carry the powertrain over, with rumours pointing to the 2.4-litre turbocharged boxer from the North American Ascent making an appearance. It could produce as much as 298kW/500Nm and will be paired with a six-speed manual in the STI. The normal WRX will reportedly have less power and the option of a CVT transmission.

Stuff has reached out to Subaru New Zealand to see if there is any information about a local debut and was told the following: “Subaru New Zealand is working closely with Subaru Japan to confirm timings for the next generation Levorg for us Kiwis.

“It will have a different specification and, as a result, different launch timing into NZ than the Japanese domestic market model which itself is due for release in Japan later in 2020.”