Subaru’s softer approach is underpinned by Levorg’s finely-judged chassis

It is almost a decade since Subaru withdrew from international rallying, recalls Iain Robertson, but shaking off a world-beating reputation has proven to be much harder than the company wants to admit, while its cars still set standards in many ways.

Judicious branding and brand associations can create unlikely heroes. Where would actor Anthony Head, renowned for his role in ‘Buffy The Vampire-slayer’, have been without Nescafe Gold Blend? For personalities in speciality fields, the world of TV and cinema advertising broadens their portfolios and makes ex-footballers, like David Beckham, every bit as famous for promoting Haig Scotch Whisky around the world.


In motorsport, the most famous racing driver never to win a World Championship, Sir Stirling Moss, earned world-wide recognition from the various products he endorsed. Yet, the son of a Scottish rallying plumber, Colin McRae, gained notoriety from rallying a Subaru and became the World Champion, even though his association with Subaru ended 20 years ago. Such was the power of the marketing machine around his name that a blend of clothing and electronic games survives over a decade after he died in a tragic helicopter crash.

For some people and companies, these connections can be both a bounteous boon and an albatross burden, not dissimilar to the eponymous sailor from Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’. Subaru withdrew from international motorsport to concentrate on its car business but many of its fans will simply not allow it, which creates an undercurrent of antipathy that is very sad. To ignore the latest Subaru Levorg, because it lacks the fire-breathing urge of its Impreza Turbo forebear, is to miss out on a tremendous dynamic package.


The design of the Levorg is steeped in ‘Old Skool’ artistry. Lacking the swoops, slashes and edginess of most of its Oriental stablemates serves to make it stand out, as a conservative, crisp, yet subtle mid-size contender. A slightly ‘apologetic’ face and hunkered down flanks actually arise from the installation of the company’s signature ‘Boxer’ engine (flat-four cylinders, horizontally-opposed configuration) that gifts the car an exceptionally low centre of gravity that ensures market-leading stability, agility and perfect dynamic balance, of an order that makes most of its mainstream rivals look slightly sick. Its steering weight and responses are judged perfectly and it is possible to turn, without unnecessary kickback, in a linear fashion, through bends of any severity, with minimal body-roll, maximum accuracy and superior levels of traction.


Developing 167bhp, the 1.6-litre, turbocharged petrol engine is not short of grunt and a healthy 184lbs ft of torque weighs-in from a lowly 1,800rpm, pulling strongly all the way to 4,800rpm and qualifying the car as a superb towing machine. It tops out at 130mph, despatches the 0-60mph sprint in around 8.5s, emits 164g/km CO2 (which equates to a hefty first year road tax levy of £515, although subsequent years are at the standard £140 rate) and, for a ‘Boxer’ engine, consumes fuel at an attainable Official Combined rate of 39.8mpg, which makes it one of Subaru’s most cost-conscious developments of the flat-four technology.

However, with its engine lying low beneath the bonnet, the real benefit arises from the in-line transmission that connects in a straight-line to the back axle, which is suspended by struts and double-wishbones. There is no corruption in the drive-train and the unique active 4x4 system, complete with torque-split, works imperceptibly and impeccably. In fact, it is, without any doubt, the finest example of four-wheel-drive available on any car in the class. It avoids the technological complexities of other systems, which results in simply outstanding roadholding and handling capabilities. The car’s damping is also among the most compliant of any car, even riding on 18.0-inch alloys clad in 225/45-section tyres, let alone a modestly sporting family estate car. There is zero fuss, zero impact on the driver but maximal comfort and control.


It is worth highlighting the fully-automatic Constantly Variable Transmission that Subaru calls ‘Lineartronic’. Well-practised in producing this type of gearless transmission, Subaru has engineered it to avoid the constant engine buzz of a car catching-up with its ‘gearing’. Instead, supported by up and down shift paddles located behind the steering wheel cross-spokes, a series of five shift-points provides the impression of six forward ratios and the Levorg can be hustled quite enjoyably along favourite back lanes, or just cruising in a most refined manner on main roads. It works well.

The Levorg is supremely well-built, its three-ringed safety cell construction confirming a kerbweight of 1,568kgs, which may seem hefty for a 4.69m long car, but it is exceptionally sturdy and feels as though its body has been hewn from the solid. It is this degree of integrity that imparts tremendous confidence to the driver. An abundance of tactile trim surfaces, high-quality and supportive leather seats and a well-stacked dashboard, with fine instrument clarity and colourful information displays are all impressive elements of a comprehensively capable motorcar.


The hatchback rear door lifts to reveal a well-shaped boot of 522-litres capacity, which can be almost trebled, when the rear seats are split-folded forwards, to satisfy load-carrying duties. Neatly carpeted, there is no possibility of scratching expensive designer luggage and a roll-out load cover hides boot contents away from prying eyes.

Its price tag, prior to applying any Forces Cars Direct discounts, is a fairly steep £30,010 but, when you take into account the engineering integrity of the car, its all-wheel-drive, high equipment level and engaging driver appeal, the Subaru Levorg can look like conspicuously good value for money and it does compare most favourably with its closest rivals from the Teutonic stable. Most owners will want for very little and the car’s specification incorporates hill-start assist, wiper de-icers, power operation of most items including the driver’s seat, the now customary raft of driver aids, the twin-camera ‘Eyesight’ obstruction mitigation system, automatic air-con and a first-class stereo system (with CD-player!).

FCD Summary

Stylish but lacking self-consciousness, sporty but not overt, well-detailed but not excessive, the latest Subaru Levorg cuts a handsome profile and rewards its driver with impeccable road manners and delightful ease of control. Built to Audi standards of competence, it is a car worth contemplating, when safety and dynamic balance are key priorities.

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