Mercifully, the design brief is simpler:
create a successor to the last-but-one, fourth-generation Legacy in terms of
size and price and bring the Subaru ‘AWD’ wagon concept up to date by way of a
downsized turbocharged engine, a sophisticated cabin and a ‘grand touring’
blend of dynamic sure-footedness, handling precision and ride finesse.
It does have a rather curious specification. There is one
engine choice – a 1.6-litre turbocharged boxer petrol – linked to a CVT
automatic gearbox as standard, with no manual option. As is traditional for
Subaru cars, the Levorg has a well-engineered and capable all-wheel drive
system as standard.
It lacks the ground clearance of a true SUV, meaning it
is better suited to driving on roads. However it copes with rough, potholed,
undulating country lanes tremendously well, combining excellent traction with
good body control and impressive ride comfort in a way very few other cars can.
Inside, the Levorg is spacious enough for a family, with
plenty of rear legroom and a large, flat, low load area. The boot volume is 522
litres, expandable to 944 litres by folding the rear seats, which is easy
thanks to a pair of one-touch electronic release buttons in the boot. Build
quality is very impressive – everything feels like it will last for years.
The dashboard layout is functional but it lacks the
feelgood factor, which is particularly disappointing when you consider the high
price. Thankfully there is plenty of equipment as standard, including safety
tech like blind spot assist along with heated seats, a touchscreen system,
dual-zone climate control and navigation.
Even with the good levels of equipment and well-proven
all-weather capability, the appeal of the Subaru Levorg is limited. Many buyers
will be happier and better off with something like a cheaper, diesel-powered
Skoda Octavia Scout – but for those who appreciate Subaru engineering and are
willing to pay the price, the Levorg is hard to fault.
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