Subaru Levorg 2.0GT-S 2016 station wagon review

On paper, the Levorg 2.0 GT-S follows a template that has served Subaru well in New Zealand with the Legacy GT wagon.

In fact, Subaru NZ suggests the Levorg, available in just one 2.0 GT-S specification, is that model’s 'spiritual successor' with its tenacious permanent AWD, punchy turbo boxer engine and a station wagon body shape.

There are a few premium accents that differentiate the Levorg from the WRX, like the more discreet front guards, bumper, and the chrome adorned grill. You can’t hide the gaping scoop in the bonnet, but the Levorg isn’t trying to prove anything with hulking panel work and the combination of sportiness and elegance really works on the Levorg.

Unique 18” wheels further distinguish the Levorg as a model in its own right. Sharing the same 197kW / 350Nm engine as the WRX though, performance is comparable and blistering. You can opt for an economy mode, sport, or sport plus mode, depending on your mood, even in the eco mode the strong surge of acceleration when the turbo comes to life is enough to dispatch of most traffic.

Inside, the cabin is well-appointed with leather, heated seats, keyless entry/start, two full-colour displays, Bluetooth, 7.0” touch screen infotainment, sat-nav and ample controls at your fingertips upon the sporty steering wheel. 

The centre panel looks a bit sparse with three dials for climate control and heater functions, and the dash panel is relatively utilitarian, some of the premium exterior appeal carried over in here would’ve been great and I also found the trip computer and menus functions a bit confusing.

With comfortable seating and the added bonus of an electric sunroof, it was an environment you’d be happy to occupy on even long road trips without tiring.

The pleasure of driving the Levorg kept me fairly well-focussed but should brain fade occur there is a raft of intelligent safety systems onboard to help minimise accidents.

Subaru’s Eyesight system scans the traffic ahead and assists braking, further reducing potential nose-to-tail accidents, and you also get visual and audible cues to let you know if a vehicle is in your blind spot or if you’ve crossed the centre line, with the systems providing steering assistance to keep you on track.

There’s a camera under the passenger side wing mirror to show you how far from the curb you are, so as not to damage those beautiful wheels. This was a very useful feature that you find yourself relying on really quickly. The downside of all those artificial eyes about the car is a rather cumbersome central module where the roof meets the windscreen, it’s bulky, but thankfully not obtrusive. 

There’s also a very clear reversing camera, dual front, side, curtain and driver’s knee airbags, stability control, auto high beam assist headlights, and extensive use of high-strength steel in the chassis to deliver an excellent safety package all round.