Since its introduction back in 2014, reaction to the Subaru Levorg GT has been mixed; not least because of the name which is an awkward amalgam of LEgacy, reVOlution and touRinG. Everyone agrees that it has a capable and well engineered permanent 4x4 system but it took a while for the buying public to get to know it. Here at MHH Japanese Cars, we really rate it.
The Same Only Different
All the models in Subaru's range have their excellent full-time four-wheel drive system and boxer engines sitting low under the bonnet. There's none of this trendy, lifestyle nonsense with vehicles under the Pleiades badge, these are cars that are built to last and it shows. Many old Subaru’s are still on the road.
Unashamedly, the Subaru brand has traditionally been targeted towards a specific niche, centred around those who desire the company's signature drive-train and the bombproof build quality. Subaru buyers are a dedicated bunch. In a way, Subaru don't really have any direct competition. Sure, you can perhaps identify the odd model but essentially they are in a class of their own. Shorter than the Outback and a bit longer than the XV, The Subaru Levorg GT fits into a virtually non-existent gap between them.
More Of The Same Differently
From many angles, especially the back view, the Subaru Levorg GT is a good looking if slightly austere estate car characterised by the big, gaping air intake on the bonnet. No doubt this car is capable of tackling a bit of light off-roading but it sits too low to take on anything more than a muddy track. The low-slung profile looks good at the kerb though and you have the sense that it would be tackle the worst the world’s roads and weather could throw at it. It looks solid. Thanks in part to its four-wheel-drive system, the Subaru Levorg is actually pretty good fun to drive. There's loads of grip and the steering is nice and accurate, if lacking in feel. For a big car it feels comfortable taking on twisty country roads.
There's just the one model. Powered by a 1.6L four-cylinder petrol boxer engine nourished by a twin-scroll turbocharger, the engine delivers a reasonable 168bhp from 4800rpm. The engine does however benefit from a chunky 184lb/ft of torque from about 1800rpm. Some regions benefit from the option of a more powerful 2.0 litre engine.
On The Inside
Subaru have made inroads into bringing the interior up to date. Depending on the global region, some versions gain the brilliant ‘Eyesight’ safety system, otherwise, as standard, Subaru's simple to use Starlink infotainment system, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a rear parking camera, dual-zone climate control, two 12-volt power outputs, four USB ports, keyless entry and go, leather upholstery and reclining rear seats. You also get 18-inch alloys and auto-dipping LED headlights; so all the technology we expect is present and correct.
The main dials are clear and easy to read and we love the cowled supplementary instrument binnacle in the centre of the dash which is controlled by a centrally mounted switch that looks like it came of a 1930's bi-plane but in fact makes a sort of sense because, in use on the fly, it is impossible to fumble it.
The Difference That Is CVT
The original and annoying Continuously Variable Transmission (there is no manual gearbox) has been much improved. Six stepped 'gears' now make it feel far more like a proper torque-converter gearbox. In automatic mode, we couldn't really tell the difference. Kick-down gave a definite sense of dropping down a cog or two. Acceleration off the line only delivers 62mph is just under nine seconds but out on the road it feels much quicker especially if sport mode is selected and overtaking is dealt with easily.
An on-the-move lever switch to Manual brings the steering wheel paddles into play if you care to use them but shifts are not especially precise as you would expect, say, from a DSG 'box. The paddles are an option but Sport/Auto suited our this writer just fine.
The multi-function steering wheel has a button to vary what Subaru term the 'SI Drive'. In normal use the 'Intelligent' mode is the most economical choice. Press the 'S' button and the car maximises its performance potential albeit with a fuel cost penalty. Economy and emissions is one of the weaker aspects of the Subaru Levorg, it has to be said. It's a heavy motor and the official figure is just 39.8mpg. I expect with parsimonious motoring this would be possible on a long run but in testing form I only managed 32mpg. Emissions are disappointing at 164g/km. New, in the UK, the Subaru costs around £30,000 but MHH Japanese Cars has some excellent low mileage cars available now and the specification remains pretty much the same wherever in the world you are.
Get in touch today to discuss how we can help you import your dream car from the UK. call us on +44 (0)1483 275 756 or email us at enquiries@mhhinternational.com
