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Subaru Levorg: The Outsider
SUBARU LEVORG
THE OUTSIDER
Words: Marco Rallo
Photography: Andy Williams
It has the right look, muscular, with a big front mouth that playes with one of the most classic details of the Subaru family: the air scoop on the bonnet. With these premises the Levorg showcases itself as a proposal that at least apparently has no rivalry, with a single engine available, a turbocharged petrol with 170-hp. The 4-cylinder is a 1.6cc boxer pot and is combined with the only gearbox available, the ‘now famous CVT, a continuously variable automatic shaft that is quite comfortable in the city and on the motorway, but a bit’ slow through curvy roads where you may want to call into question the sports side of this Pleiades’ wagon.
But the Levorg is much more, starting from the name, which is literally taken from “LEgacy EVOlution touRinG”, to sanction what Subaru has to offer in a single model, designed for those who need space, but does not want to give up to a sporty look and performance useful when driving in a hurry. A single engine, a single gearbox and a single variant – that of a station wagon – with a 469cm long and 178cm wide body; important dimensions that benefit the interior habitability, both front and rear, without obviously forgetting the large luggage compartment. Weight does not suffer and stops just above the ton and a half, while you also have different driving aids, as much as the unstoppable symmetrical all-wheel drive, always strong point of the company. The Levorg winks at a young audience and even if the dashboard is virtually identical to the other Subaru models, everything is in order and at your fingertips, even the touch screen display from which to control connectivity and the satellite navigator. Above the air vents and well protected by the sun’s rays, the small display from which to check the fuel consumption data, useful for assessing whether a turbo petrol can really be a valid alternative to a more classic diesel choice.
I admit that nothing is missing here, heated seats, paddles on the steering wheel for the CVT, sunroof and ride comfort is truly remarkable. Even parking is easy, thanks to the rear view camera that facilitates even when the space available is reduced. Time to start the engine and drive a few miles and I immediately realize the capabilities of this Levorg, an enough complete car for families. In spite of the appearance which can let you imagine similar performances to the step-sister WRX STI, we find ourselves dealing with an elastic engine, but that revs more slowly than a 2 liters. The 170 horses are available at almost 5000 revs and torque is not exaggerated, we are talking about 250Nm, but come into play at 1800 revs, benefiting a quickness of reflexes that makes the Levorg skillful even in the tight sections. I can’t like the gearbox though, the CVT, but in the city has allowed me to be more relaxed than I could have been with a manual. 8.9 seconds to go from 0 to 100 kph and a maximum speed of about 210 kph, enough for almost all customers who will rely on the wise hands of the Levorg, which will aim to equal the fuel consumption declared by the House, which under normal use conditions are easily accessible: 8.8 l / 100km in the urban cycle, 6.3 l / 100km in the extra urban area and a combined of 7.2 l / 100km – during my testing period I managed to reach 11.6 l / 100km, stopping at the gas pump more than I hoped. This, never being too kind with the throttle and mainly driving those snowy roads that were able to test the fantastic all-wheel drive system at my disposal.
The Levorg does not invent a new segment – there would be no need – but offers a multi-purpose car that is good for a series of compromises that make it one of a kind. Prices start at just over € 28,000 and without going crazy with the option list you already have excellent stuff such as 17-inch alloy wheels, dual climate, Bluetooth, etc, while opting for the Sport Style package and adding € 4,000 you will end having 18 inches wheels, rear view camera, sunroof and some extra driving aids. Give it a go.
SUBARU LEVORG
Layout – front-engined, all-wheel-drive
Engine – 4 cylinder 1.600cc – turbo
Transmission – 7-speed CVT automatic gearbox
Power – 170 hp @ 4.800 rpm
250 Nm @ 1.800 rpm
Weight – 1.576 kg
Acceleration – 8,9 sec.
Top Speed – 210 kph
Price – from € 28.390
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