Subaru Levorg long-term test review. Here's our second report after one month with the new AWD estate.
The first month behind the wheel of our Subaru Levorg has whizzed by and allowed us to ascertain some of the ways in which this new-generation Subaru estate lives up to the reputation of its most successful forebears, as well as some of the differences.
As the Levorg approaches the 7500-mile mark (having arrived with 5400 miles on the clock), it has shown that it’s certainly a different kettle of fish from the burbling first and second-generation Imprezas. The four-cylinder boxer engine was once well known for its character and attitude, but the Levorg’s turbocharged 1.6-litre engine lacks some of the charm of Subarus of old.
That is not necessarily a bad thing, because the 168bhp output seems a far more usable and mature proposition. The engine is incredibly smooth and refined and stays that way right through to the rev limiter. So the Levorg may not provide the Subaru drama of old, but the upside is that noise levels in the cabin are pleasingly low at motorway cruising speeds.
The estate has a low centre of gravity, which keeps body roll in check and allows you to exploit the mechanical grip and traction in the corners. All this engineering know-how makes it a great shame that the 296bhp 2.0-litre version of the Levorg won’t be sold officially in the UK. It feels like it has more to give if it had more power and torque to use.
One thing that has become slightly irritating, compared with the diesel-engined Kia Sorento I ran previously, is the frequency of the fuel stops required. The Levorg’s range on a 60-litre tank is usually only 325-350 miles — not helped, you’d imagine, by Subaru’s persistence with its permanent asymmetrical four-wheel drive system. With other car makers opting for selectable or automatic systems that default to two-wheel drive, surely Subaru has to be contemplating something similar for future models.
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How about a lower spec model?
It strikes me that Subaru are
Undoubtedly, there are still people that hark back to what Subaru's were and hanker after something a little more punchy than this 1.6 powered model.
Why do they not develop a "half way model", after all the difference between 168bhp in the 1.6 model and 296bhp 2.0 model we won't get is quite a gap.
I know Subaru are only (relatively) a small company but surely a economy based 2.0 litre model or an over bored 1.8 with say 225bhp, would be a relatively easy thing for them to produce. It could be marketed as a "warm" model which would at least give them the Kudos the 1.6 is missing.
Personally I am on the prowl for a new car and this is the sort of thing that floats my boat. Sadly though the VW group seem to be the only manufacturer (s?) who produce petrol cars at the moment for sale in the UK with any significant grunt.
@ Teg TypeR
The writing is writ large on the wall for diesel..... and yet even big manufacturers are still launching diesel only models, ( i.e Mercedes-Benz GLC), or crappy underpowered petrol derivatives.
I cant believe how slowly the industry is reacting to the immediate situation.
TegTypeR wrote:
Yep..they're an odd company, intriguing but odd. I'm sure there are strategic reasons behind their minimal lineup outside of Japan, but this kind of uncertainty about what the company stands for doesn't help the brand. I'd love a 250hp subaru wagon to replace a much-loved Legacy. Sadly the Legacy has been neutered, as has this levorg. At least this one still looks interesting. I see you can import one, might be worth it in a couple of years from now.
permanent four wheel drive
Subaru has remained true to 50/50 4 wheel drive which always works better when the chips are down in tough conditions. To lose this would be a bad move.....just in the name of a few more mpg.
Agree 100%
I read a fairly damning review of the face lifted Forester in another publication last week. It seemed to sadly overlook the ability of the car due to its unique 4x4 system and how useful this would be for those who need it. Granted there is a lot that could be improved on most Subarus to make them more competitive but I admire their robust, unstoppable nature in a world of fashion led pretend 4x4s, long live asymmetrical 4x4!