REVIEW DETAIL PAGE

Ten Second Review

Subaru's Levorg (the name derived from 'Legacy', 'reVOlution' and 'touRinG') is the spiritual successor to the brand's fourth generation Legacy estate that ceased production in 2008. This car's a little smaller than its predecessor thanks to underpinnings from the brand's Impreza family hatch, but it still manages to offer more interior space than any old Legacy model served up. And, as with all Subarus, there's the usual stout build quality, peerless reliability, dependable 4WD system and charismatic Boxer engine. Let's check out this car in this revised 2.0-litre form.

Background

Subaru is the master of the tough four wheel drive estate. Today, its range offers that recipe either in tough, SUV-like Outback model guise. Or in the form we look at here. Enter the revised version of Subaru's Levorg GT. The Fuji Heavy Industries brand needs the Levorg. Not everyone, after all, wants the offroad look championed by the company's Outback model but quite a few buyers might like Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive allied to a sportier, more dynamic car more targeted at tarmac territory, yet well capable of dealing with a snowy snap. The mechanical package is interesting here too, though it doesn't include diesel power. If that's not a problem, then there's plenty else to like, not least excellent levels of interior practicality. Those looking for a more interesting option to upper-spec petrol-powered Mondeo estates - maybe cars like Volvo's V60 or the Mazda6 Tourer - should read on.

Driving Experience

The Levorg GT now uses a 2.0-litre normally aspirated petrol engine, replacing the previous 1.6-litre turbo unit. As before, this powerplant is coupled exclusively to a Lineartronic CVT automatic gearbox with six simulated ratios. This sole engine and transmission combination gives a 0-62mph time of around 9 seconds and a top speed of around 130mph. Subaru says that it's benchmarked this car against its performance models and it certainly should provide a more dynamic drive than you might expect. Ultimately though, this isn't an out-and-out performance-minded estate car, something you could have guessed by the standard provision of the CVT belt-driven auto transmission - there's no manual gearbox option. This won't be quite as smooth as the latest dual clutch systems you'd find on many rivals. Still, handling should be quite sharp, aided by this model's very low centre of gravity. Thank the low-mounted Boxer engine up-front for that. The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is also of the permanent kind, rather than the sort of 'on-demand' set-up you'd get in rivals like Ford Mondeo or Volkswagen Passat estates. So you'll be better provided for in terms of traction.

Design and Build

The Levorg GT looks a potent thing with its menacing headlamps and deep front bonnet scoop. Changes made to this revised version include a more refined front bumper, a sharper front grille and refreshed headlight and fog light designs. A newly designed style of 18" alloy wheel completes the exterior and, in addition to these visual enhancements, Levorg gains improved visibility with LED steering responsive headlights and LED fog lights. Inside, there has been a variety of discreet style upgrades to the instrument panel, door trim and switches. Plus, there have been improvements to comfort with power adjustable lumbar support introduced on the driver's seat. Rear seat and boot space usability has been enhanced with a new 40/20/40 split folding rear seat configuration that improves convenience and is particularly suited to loading long items with two passengers seated in the rear. There's plenty of room for up to five passengers and a decent 522-litre boot capacity. Fold the seats down and this increases to a useful 1446-litres. Up front as before, the driver faces a neat instrument binnacle, while the centre console houses a touch screen infotainment system that's much better than anything Subaru used to offer. Build quality is another thing that's surprisingly good too, though it still isn't up to the quality you'd expect from the smart German brands. Plus of course, there's lashing of standard kit.

Market and Model

UK buyers get one very plush GT trim level with a single powertrain choice. The price is around £31,000, which pitches this car against top 4WD estate versions of Volkswagen's Passat and Ford's Mondeo. So what do you get for your money? Apart from the standard-fit automatic gearbox, included equipment runs to leather-trimmed sport seats, keyless entry with push-button start, air conditioning, cruise control, auto headlamps and wipers and 18-inch alloy wheels. The intuitive 7" multifunction colour touchscreen is easy to use and contains Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity and satellite navigation. Safety-wise, apart from the usual electronic aids, there's a blind spot detection system to stop you dangerously pulling out to overtake in front of another car. And a rear vehicle alert set-up that warns you of approaching cars whilst reversing.

Cost of Ownership

In evaluating this car, you need to make sure you're comparing apples with apples. If you're putting the Levorg up against a diesel estate rival, then this car's returns will seem rather high, particularly if the model in question is only front-driven and has a manual gearbox. Remember though, that with this Subaru, you get proper Symmetrical permanent AWD, an auto gearbox and a petrol engine and the running cost returns seem more acceptable, particularly as you'll be using cheaper green pump fuel. There's plenty of peace of mind too. Subaru should be commended for their five year/100,000 mile warranty - something many other manufacturers would charge extra for or not offer at all. Reliability has always been a strong Subaru selling point, although servicing is likely to be pricier than some of the competition. Subaru residuals are stronger than you'd think, thanks to strong demand.

Summary

Subaru is well aware that this Levorg will be a minority choice in its segment but knows that for a select few loyal customers, it will hit the mark precisely. These people will get a charismatic, spacious estate with strong performance, high levels of standard equipment, good residuals and the best 4WD system in the business. In other words, a car of many talents. True, it's nothing like as efficient as most rivals, even if you look at them in petrol form. But Subaru will doubtless address this issue in future with other engine options. For the time being though, the Levorg remains a rare but quite appealing choice in its segment. If you're happy with petrol power, have a £30,000 budget and don't want an SUV - or an estate car trying to look like an SUV - it may be just up your street.