Subaru Levorg long-term test review: it's the little things

There’s a lot to be said for getting the basics right.

The Subaru Levorg’s packaging is excellent, and for someone who spends so long behind the wheel, the driving position is close to faultless.

With an old knee injury, I like to sit as low as possible so I can keep my left leg out straight, and the standard electrically adjustable – and superbly comfortable – sports seats let me to do just that. They can also be adjusted safely on the move, which my previous Kia Sorento, with its crude lever adjustment, didn’t allow.

The Levorg also has plenty of reach adjustment on the steering column, and the standard wheel-mounted shift paddles are ideally placed. Ergonomically, this is one of the best cars I’ve tried recently. Okay, if you cast your eyes over the lower bits of trim, there isn’t the wealth of plush materials you might find in some rivals’ cabins, but I wouldn’t trade that driving position for some tactile ‘squish’ elsewhere.

The large, knurled temperature dials are a boon, too, because I don’t have to take my eyes off the road to use them. Conversely, the Starlink touchscreen may have crisp graphics, but the icons are small and hard to hit, especially when combined with the car’s jiggly ride. I’ve found that resting your hand below the screen to steady your approach helps.

Will Williams

SUBARU LEVORG 1.6I DIT GT LINEARTRONIC

Price £27,495 Price as tested £27,995 Economy 31.6mpg Faults None Expenses Service £170.75 Last seen 21.9.16

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First report

Worthy of its maker's badge?

First 10k service