Date Added: 01/08/2017
Subaru is boosting its Model Year 2018 All-Wheel Drive Levorg line-up with the addition of turbocharged 1.6-litre variants to the wagon range, plus an STI Sport model at the head of the pack.
Significant changes include:
The reinvigorated Levorg range offers greater customer choice in both specification and pricing, with the entry-level 1.6 GT priced from $35,990 Manufacturer’s List Price*.
Subtle cosmetic changes to Levorg’s front add to its stylish road presence, aided by newly-designed LED headlights and higher quality LED fog lights.
Subaru Australia Managing Director, Colin Christie, said: “Levorg has opened up a whole new performance niche for Subaru since we launched just over a year ago.
“We can now see even greater opportunity with the addition of two 1.6-litre turbo variants that will make this fun, flexible wagon available to an even greater cross-section of customers.
“Equally, by adding the prestige of the STI badge to the range-topping 2.0 STI Sport, we’re catering to customer demand for something even more exclusive at the top of the range - so the freshened MY18 line-up represents a significant opportunity for us.”
As with the entire Subaru new car range, every Levorg has an independent five-star rating for occupant safety from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).
NEW 1.6-LITRE TURBOCHARGED ENGINE
Entry-level Levorgs offer the 1.6-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder Boxer engine, which has never previously been available on any Australian Subaru.
Producing 125 Kilowatts of power at 4,800-5,600 rpm and 250 Newtonmetres of torque at 1800-4800 rpm, the compact unit offers even greater fuel efficiency within the expanded Levorg range.
The direct injection engine features direct cylinder injection and a forced induction supercharger intake.
Each cylinder has a four-valve Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain and Active Valve Control System (AVCS).
It consumes 7.4 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres in the combined cycle.
As with the 2.0-litre variants, it is mated to an efficient Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
SMART REARVIEW MIRROR (SRM) – 1.6 GT Premium, 2.0 GT-S, 2.0 STI Sport
The SRM offers better rear visibility. Images of the area behind the car are taken by a camera mounted inside and above the rear gate glass, and displayed in the rearview mirror.
It is particularly effective when the standard rearview mirror provides poor visibility in fluctuating light conditions, such as evening or at night; or if passengers or cargo are obscuring the view.
Two modes are available:
SRM modes are activated using a switch at the bottom of the mirror.
FRONT VIEW MONITOR (FVM) 1.6 GT Premium, 2.0GT-S, 2.0 STI Sport
The FVM helps prevent collisions at intersections, or when parking close to walls or other objects.
Images from a camera mounted at the front of the vehicle can be shown on the Multi- Function Display, to check for approaching vehicles, or pedestrians, at intersections with poor visibility; or other scenarios.
It helps the driver check for blind spots in front of the car, which can help avoid accidents occurring at intersections.
SUSPENSION
The Bilstein front and rear suspension in Levorg 1.6 GT Premium, 2.0 GT-S and 2.0 STI Sport is enhanced from the superseded model year for smoother ride comfort, while retaining sporty capabilities.
Both the front and rear suspension configurations are changed for better flat ride comfort with minimal pitching.
The changes help absorb even the smallest bumps and subtle changes in the road
surface, for superior ride comfort.
The result is a more consistent, comfortable ride in all situations.
Front suspension changes:
Rear suspension changes:
AUTO VEHICLE HOLD (AVH)
Another debut feature for Subaru, AVH alleviates driver fatigue by holding the vehicle in position, even when releasing the brake pedal when stopped.
This means drivers no longer have to keep their foot on the brake pedal in situations like traffic congestion, traffic lights or when stopped on hills.
Instead, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) takes over, maintaining brake fluid pressure to keep the car in position.
STEERING RESPONSIVE HEADLIGHTS
Every Levorg now features, Steering Responsive Headlights, which operate with both high and low beam.
The headlight beams move to match steering input when turning corners, or at intersections - improving night-time visibility.
Headlight angle is calculated from steering angle and vehicle speed.
BRAKES
Newly developed brake pads in Levorg 2.0-litre variants are used with a high friction coefficient material.
This material improves brake efficiency by approximately 20% compared to the superseded pads - giving drivers control of immense braking power with minimal effort, to help improve braking performance.
LOAD CARRYING CONVENIENCE
A significant number of Levorg customers lead active lifestyles that involve skiing, surfing and other outdoor activities, so a greater number of seat configuration options are added to enhance rear seat and cargo space usability.
Levorg is Subaru’s first model with a 40/20/40 split-fold rear seat. The new layout is particularly suited to loading long items. Even with two passengers seated in the rear, the centre seat can be folded, enabling equipment such as skis to be positioned from the cargo space.
With three passengers and sizable cargo, the rear seat passenger can sit on either side of the car.
As an additional safety measure, the Levorg is also the first Subaru to use oil dampers within the seats, limiting the speed at which seats fold, to prevent users from trapping their fingers.
The reclining function and one-touch folding function are retained too.
The centre seat is designed so there is no step to the cargo space when folded down.
MULTI-FUNCTION DISPLAY (MFD)
The larger 5.9-inch MFD located in the centre dashboard offers a wide variety of information including:
The display can be switched and various settings changed from both front passenger and driver’s seats.
COLOURS
LEVORG MY18 SPECIFICATIONS AT A GLANCE:
LEVORG 1.6 GT
SAFETY
INTERIOR
EXTERIOR
OTHER FEATURES
LEVORG 1.6 GT PREMIUM ADDS:
LEVORG 2.0 GT-S ADDS (does not include Auto Stop Start):
LEVORG 2.0 STI SPORT (adds to 2.0 GT-S specification):
LEVORG MY 18 MANUFACTURER’S LIST PRICING*
| Levorg 1.6 GT | $35,990 |
| Levorg 1.6 GT Premium | $42,890 |
| Levorg 2.0 GT-S | $49,140 |
| Levorg 2.0 STI Sport | $51,990 |
* Prices are Subaru (Aust) Pty Limited’s Manufacturer’s List Prices only and include GST on the list price but exclude dealer delivery charges and all other government and statutory charges. For the drive away price of Subaru vehicles consumers should be advised to contact their local authorised Subaru dealer.