Subaru has just announced a “big minor change” for its sports wagon, the Levorg. Going on sale starting this August (in Japan at least), the 2018 Levorg offers refreshed aesthetics, improved levels of riding comfort and quietness, and better safety.
Since the Levorg shares its front-end structure with the WRX and WRX STI, it’s no surprise that the 2018 Levorg takes on the styling language first seen in Subaru’s sports sedan siblings. That’s made pretty obvious at the front with the Levorg’s more prominent hexagonal grille and steering wheel-controlled LED headlights. One upping the WRX though, the Levorg receives a shapelier bumper along with LED front fog lights. The rear remains unchanged.
It’s the same story inside with the 2018 Levorg aiming to offer a more upscale experience thanks to a new decorative panel on the instrument cluster and revisions to the front console, center panel, and door grip. Even the window switches are now finished in a combination of high-luster piano black and silver. The multi-function screen mounted atop the center portion is also new, now boasting a 5.9-inch size with crisper graphics and an enhanced interface. Most important of all, the Levorg finally improves its cargo flexibility as the rear seats now fold in a 40/20/40 split with a one-touch mechanism.
In terms of drivetrain, the 2018 Levorg continues with its 1.6-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine (FB16) and for the Japan domestic market, a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine (FA20). Power figures remain the same as before: 170 horsepower and 250 Nm for the 1.6 and 300 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque for the 2.0 though the 1.6-liter benefits from a new ECU tuning for the sake of better fuel economy. Both engines are mated to a Lineartronic CVT with the 2.0-liter getting a Sports version of the said gearbox.
While the 2018 Levorg gets no improvement in the engine department, it does get tweaks to its chassis and suspension. Changes to the front and rear suspension as well as the steering system contribute to improved riding comfort, steering stability, and steering feel. Sound insulation has also been improved by applying new noise countermeasures to various parts of the body.
In Japan, Subaru will be offering the refreshed Levorg in Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Dark Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Pure Red, Storm Gray Metallic, Lapis Blue Pearl, and WR Blue Pearl.
For the Philippine market, Subaru distributor Motor Image Pilipinas hasn’t officially mentioned when the refreshed Levorg will arrive. However, sources say that it may (cross your fingers) make its debut as early as September alongside the 2018 WRX and WRX STI and Subaru XV.
300hp, only in Japan..damn you.
ReplyDeleteI second that!! Damn you!!!
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