2018 Subaru Levorg 2.0 STI Sport Review

Subaru Levorg is standing against the tide. It’s a wagon in a market that is heading towards SUV style vehicles at a rapid rate.

The Levorg was first introduced to Australia in 2016 and updated in late 2017.

However, there are still some of the public, myself included, that occasionally want the practicality of a normal wagon, the benefits of AWD, yet still want some sporty pretence along with style, luxury and safety thrown in.

When you think about Subaru vehicles you think of the WRX, Liberty, Outback, XV, Forester and Impreza, but almost no one knows about the Levorg.

Exterior

During the week that I tested the Levorg, I was stopped a number of times by people to ask what the car was.

They saw the Subaru badge but hadn’t heard about the Levorg. The public has spoken!

Overwhelmingly the consensus was that they liked the look.

The Levorg has a long, low sleek profile, accentuated by the bonnet scoop, prominent grill, sweeping back LED headlights, LED fog lights and cool 18 inch alloys.

It reminds me of a stalking feline with poise and grace.

It’s also one of a few cars that looks good from the rear as well.

The STI features include the exclusive WR Blue colour, different front bumper and grill, different alloys and tailpipes.

Interior

Inside is where the STI Sport has some wow factor. Immediately you notice the deep rich maroon leather trim that contrasts beautifully with the exterior WR Blue.

Front seats are supportive and comfortable, holding the occupants firmly.

The side, waist and shoulder bolsters also support more than most seats. The door panels are leather trimmed as well and the dash has a soft touch feel

In front of the driver is the STI leather trimmed flat bottom steering wheel, both height and reach adjustable, incorporating the controls for the infotainment system and the SI drive.

The STI dash is the familiar Subaru large twin dial and three stage central MFD with SI Drive indicator on top, safety display in the middle and trip meter etc below.

Clear, concise and easy to read.

Being a sportswagon all round visibility isn’t bad and the Front View Monitor (FVM) really helps with seeing where the front of the car is when parking etc.

There are two large cup holders with a slide cover, a decent size console bin that houses yet more USB outlets and the top is softly padded.

Rear seat passengers’ knee and leg room is a little restricted for taller passengers.

The seats are sculptured for two and the seat backs do recline for extra comfort.

One feature I don’t like is the middle rear seat passenger seat belt coming from the roof behind the row of seats.

There are no A/C vents in the rear but there are two USB ports.

The boot area is quite large and, with a convenient load height, very practical.

The rear seats fold flat in a 40/20/40 configuration to maximise load flexibility, provide a long load area and have a release button at the rear of the boot area for convenience.

The cargo cover is a little fiddly behind the seats in the way it attaches.

Features

The central stack houses the now larger 7.0 inch LCD Multi-Function Display and reversing camera.

The screen looks a little dated with its gloss black surround and the touch function is a little non responsive at times.

However, the biggest issue these days is that it doesn’t include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Above the central screen is Subaru’s second 5.9 inch MFD housing the display for the Subaru Vision Assist technology.

Other luxury touches include:

• Memory electric seats
• Heated front seats
• Dusk sensing/self-levelling/steering responsive LED headlights
• LED DRLs
• Rain sensing wipers
• One touch electric windows (front)
• Front windscreen de-icer
• Heated door mirrors
• Smart rear-view mirror
• Electric park brake
• Automatic vehicle hold
• Red detail stitching on the seats, doors and trims
• DataDot security technology
• Sunroof

Drive and Engine

The Subaru Levorg 2.0 STI Sport is powered by the familiar 2.0L turbocharged boxer engine.

It produces 197kW/350Nm. Levorg drives through Subaru’s brilliant Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and a CVT transmission with a theoretical 8 speeds.

While not a sports car, the Levorg is sporty with a 0-100kmh time of 6.6 seconds, however it is the responsiveness within the different speed ranges that makes it feel sportier.

On test we managed to achieve fuel economy around 7.0L/100km on the freeway and around 11.5 – 12.0L/100km around town.

Levorg has specially STI tuned, revised Bilstein front and rear suspension which improves the ride, handling and compliance.

The Levorg allows the driver to have some degree of customisation in the driving experience with variable SI drive input and Sport # mode.

Safety

All Subaru’s have a five-star ANCAP safety rating and the Levorg is packed with features such as:

• Vehicle Dynamics Control
• ABS with EBD
• Brake assist
• Curtain airbags
• Driver’s knee airbag
• Dual front airbags
• Dual side airbags

Vision Assist Features include:

• Side View Monitor
• Blind Spot Detection
• Lane Change Assist
• Rear Cross Traffic Alerts
• High Beam Assist
• Front View Camera

Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist System features:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure warning
• Lane sway warning
• Lead vehicle start alert
• Pre-collision braking system
• Pre-collision brake assist
• Pre-collision throttle management
• Pre-collision steering assist
• Brake light recognition
• Lane keep assist

Good Bits:

• Build Quality
• Value for money
• Smooth driving experience

 Not so Good Bits:

• No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
• No Head Up Display
• Low to get into and out of

Summary

This is a classic lifestyle wagon. Ideally suited to a small family that wants a little more practicality than a sedan, a little more style and sophistication than normal cars and a little more performance to engage the driver.

To paraphrase an earlier description of the Liberty RS Turbo Wagon of past years, the Levorg 2.0 STI Sportswagon is a ripper.

I think I have found my favourite Subaru.

What are the alternatives?

• Skoda Octavia RS 245 Wagon
• BMW 3 Series Touring
• Peugeot 308 GTi

Facts and Figures: 2018 Subaru Levorg 2.o STi Sport

• Engine: 2.0 litre turbo-petrol producing 197kW/350Nm
• Transmission: CVT auto only
• Safety: Five stars
• Warranty: Three years/Unlimited KM/Roadside Assist
• Origin: Japan
• Price: from $57,513