Monday 17th April 2023

Subaru Levorg STI Sport | Spotted

About a close as you'll get to a modern STI Wagon, except in one crucial area...

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Quite why Subaru decided to rebadge its WRX estate as the Levorg remains a mystery. It’s the amalgamation of the words ‘legacy’, ‘revolution’ and ‘touring’, apparently, which I’m sure looked fantastic on the marketing team’s whiteboard, but in practice, it still appears a little clumsy. More importantly, it wasn't recognisable either, leading to Subaru ditching it and returning to the good old WRX wagon for the new generation.

So it's easy to pay little attention to the Levorg, which is a shame because you shouldn’t. Granted, it’s an exceptionally dreary car with an equally dreary name, but the example we have here is a little different. To maintain what’s left of its performance-focused image, Subaru set about creating an STI-tuned version of the Levorg and sold it exclusively in its home market. I say ‘tuned’, because the Levorg STI Sport misses out on some of the goodies that proper STI models receive, but it’s about as close as you’ll get to a sporty WRX estate.

Sure, the Levorg doesn’t get the EJ20 or EJ25 WRX STI motors found in the JDM and international models respectively. But it develops a very punchy 296hp – just 4hp shy of the UK-spec WRX STI – from a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder boxer engine. The company also threw in an STI exhaust that’ll hopefully bring out that signature Subaru grumble and the suspension has been stiffened up thanks to a set of Bilstein dampers.

There is a problem, however. The sort of noisy, droning problem that can only be attributed to a transmission of the continuously variable variety. Yes, the Levorg STI comes with a CVT. Another baffling decision on the surface, though it does hammer home the fact that the STI badging is doing a fair bit of heavy lifting here. It is all-wheel drive, mind, although the absence of any trick differentials means you won’t be able to play with the torque distribution while pootling about. Not that anybody does - it’s just nice to know the option is there.

That being said, there are a couple of ways where the Levorg STI Sport appeals. Firstly, Subaru clearly wanted it to serve as a more laid-back version of the WRX, fitting it with a unique burgundy leather interior and a bunch of driver assistance features. Add the extra practicality with the wagon format and you’ve got a niche family car that’s almost as fast as a WRX STI. Secondly, because Subaru uses the same architecture for most of its cars, you can nick (not literally) bits from the WRX STI and bung them on the Levorg with relative ease – as has been well documented on this YouTube channel.

Moreover, it’s a slice of forbidden JDM fruit and that’s always going to pique our interest. Subaru didn’t sell many regular Levorgs in the first place, making the STI Sport even more of a rarity. This 60,300-mile example has only had one owner from new and is completely stock by the looks of it. For £19,990 it’s bang on the sort of money you’ll be paying for a ‘proper’ WRX STI, but you can fit more tat in the back of the Levorg. Decision made.

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SPECIFICATION | SUBARU LEVORG STI SPORT

Engine: 1,998cc four-cylinder boxer, turbocharged
Transmission: CVT, all-wheel drive
Power (hp): 296@5,600rpm
Torque (lb ft): 295@N/A
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
Year registered: 2016
Recorded mileage: 60,387
Price new: N/A
Yours for: £19,990

See the original advert here

 

[ChrisCh86]

What a wasted opportunity. I really don't know why Subaru never bothered to sell the world a proper STI Levorg.

The parts from the saloon are all bolt-on, barring the wiring harness (judging by MCM) and rear bumper, so the engineering costs would have been minimal.

[foxhounduk]

As a long time WRX STI owner the very mention of a CVT makes me sick. Why does this famed brand insist on making cars with this gearbox? Has anyone actually driven one at Subaru? It’s garbage.
It ruins the driving experience. The cars feel lacklustre and there’s than incessant drone/rev. I drove one of their new Forester’s the other day, what a load of rubbish- ONLY because of the CVT gearbox - the rest of the package was fine and it was even priced well.
Why even go with a CVT? It’s not like it’s saving much if any MPG. Subarus are notoriously thirsty.

[The Hofff]

The Mighty Car Mods series of episodes (in the PH link in the article) on this were great viewing. Love the channel anyway but this project was particularly good.

Got me into 'The Skid Factory' YouTiube channel as well with Turbo Yoda..(Grumpy Al)

[Turbobanana]

About the most remarkable thing about this is that Levorg backwards reads Grovel, which aptly describes what Subaru were doing at this point.

Please, please, please buy one - we'll put an STI badge on it for you.

[trails]

foxhounduk said:

As a long time WRX STI owner the very mention of a CVT makes me sick. Why does this famed brand insist on making cars with this gearbox? Has anyone actually driven one at Subaru? It’s garbage.
It ruins the driving experience. The cars feel lacklustre and there’s than incessant drone/rev. I drove one of their new Forester’s the other day, what a load of rubbish- ONLY because of the CVT gearbox - the rest of the package was fine and it was even priced well.
Why even go with a CVT? It’s not like it’s saving much if any MPG. Subarus are notoriously thirsty.

It's a JDM only wagon, go look at the second hand car market in Japan; manual cars are far rarer and their preference is for autos.

CVT is terrible in i and dull in s mode, s# is not too bad and, feels more like an old school Subaru.

[Sad Weevil]

foxhounduk said:

As a long time WRX STI owner the very mention of a CVT makes me sick. Why does this famed brand insist on making cars with this gearbox? Has anyone actually driven one at Subaru? It’s garbage.
It ruins the driving experience. The cars feel lacklustre and there’s than incessant drone/rev. I drove one of their new Forester’s the other day, what a load of rubbish- ONLY because of the CVT gearbox - the rest of the package was fine and it was even priced well.

I have driven a new Forester and a couple of XVs, and you're right, in that context the CVT sucks. CVT mated to a turbocharged engine is a different proposition though. No drone/rev. Works very well on my 1.6 turbo Levorg, which has maximum torque from 1800 rpm. The car drives really well for what it is, a comfy, safe, practical tourer. No way does it compare to 'proper' turbo EJ Subarus, of which I've had many. Sticking STI badges on it doesn't change this.

[Dombilano]

All good.......right up to the mention of CVT

[ajprice]

The Hofff said:

The Mighty Car Mods series of episodes (in the PH link in the article) on this were great viewing. Love the channel anyway but this project was particularly good.

Got me into 'The Skid Factory' YouTiube channel as well with Turbo Yoda..(Grumpy Al)

Watching MCM put their car together was great

[martin12345]

I may be alone, but I change the torque distribution in my GR Yaris even when "pootling" around as the "best" torque split in the wet and dry is so obviously different to get rid of the understeer in the dry which is horrible even when "pootling" (a relative term possibly)

[jetw427]

These are very popular with under cover coppers here, typically in the dark grey. My mother and brother have each been caught by one within 10 minutes of our house, feels like a matter of time before I get it too!

[Pebbles167]

Engineering explained reckons the CVT in the Subaru is actually decent, perhaps even fun. He's a pretrolhead and pretty smart so would trust him more than the usual marketing rubbish.

https://youtu.be/3AnlSrs-LS4

Still, I'd only buy it with a manual, or a DSG if they offered it. Mighty car mods with their EJ25 manual swap was awesome, and now has a turbo EZ30 in it.

[GravelBen]

Pebbles167 said:

Engineering explained reckons the CVT in the Subaru is actually decent, perhaps even fun.

I've heard from a number of sources that as CVTs go, Subaru have done the best job of it. I'm still an old-school manual gearbox lover though.

[S100HP]

GravelBen said:

Pebbles167 said:

Engineering explained reckons the CVT in the Subaru is actually decent, perhaps even fun.

I've heard from a number of sources that as CVTs go, Subaru have done the best job of it. I'm still an old-school manual gearbox lover though.

Pretty much this. The Levorg STI box is a significantly upgraded CVT by all accounts. Certainly wouldn't put me off, I'd quite like one, but the prices put me off.

[Konan]

Pebbles167 said:

Engineering explained reckons the CVT in the Subaru is actually decent, perhaps even fun. He's a pretrolhead and pretty smart so would trust him more than the usual marketing rubbish.

I believe their CVT as used in the new WRX had been heavily revised and this is what is being referred to here.

I've not driven one of the older ones yet but will probably have a go as I reckon a 5th gen Legacy would be on the list to replace mine and I'd want the FA engine over the EJ and they're CVT equipped.

[trails]

Konan said:

Pebbles167 said:

Engineering explained reckons the CVT in the Subaru is actually decent, perhaps even fun. He's a pretrolhead and pretty smart so would trust him more than the usual marketing rubbish.

I believe their CVT as used in the new WRX had been heavily revised and this is what is being referred to here.

I've not driven one of the older ones yet but will probably have a go as I reckon a 5th gen Legacy would be on the list to replace mine and I'd want the FA engine over the EJ and they're CVT equipped.

I've got a JDM Gen5 with an EJ255/5EAT, my first auto...and its fine for the type of car it is. I would probably prefer a manual, but they are rare and command a significant premium over the auto.

[Konan]

trails said:

Konan said:

Pebbles167 said:

Engineering explained reckons the CVT in the Subaru is actually decent, perhaps even fun. He's a pretrolhead and pretty smart so would trust him more than the usual marketing rubbish.

I believe their CVT as used in the new WRX had been heavily revised and this is what is being referred to here.

I've not driven one of the older ones yet but will probably have a go as I reckon a 5th gen Legacy would be on the list to replace mine and I'd want the FA engine over the EJ and they're CVT equipped.

I've got a JDM Gen5 with an EJ255/5EAT, my first auto...and its fine for the type of car it is. I would probably prefer a manual, but they are rare and command a significant premium over the auto.

Mine's a 4th gen with the 5EAT - I actually wanted an auto, so was happy with the difference in price. It does help a little that they're more rear bias.

I just don't want to go to an EJ255 with the 5th gen so i'd be looking at the DIT/CVT models.

[trails]

Konan said:

trails said:

Konan said:

Pebbles167 said:

Engineering explained reckons the CVT in the Subaru is actually decent, perhaps even fun. He's a pretrolhead and pretty smart so would trust him more than the usual marketing rubbish.

I believe their CVT as used in the new WRX had been heavily revised and this is what is being referred to here.

I've not driven one of the older ones yet but will probably have a go as I reckon a 5th gen Legacy would be on the list to replace mine and I'd want the FA engine over the EJ and they're CVT equipped.

I've got a JDM Gen5 with an EJ255/5EAT, my first auto...and its fine for the type of car it is. I would probably prefer a manual, but they are rare and command a significant premium over the auto.

Mine's a 4th gen with the 5EAT - I actually wanted an auto, so was happy with the difference in price. It does help a little that they're more rear bias.

I just don't want to go to an EJ255 with the 5th gen so i'd be looking at the DIT/CVT models.

DiT engines are 2012 onwards I think, so a bit harder to get hold of over the EJ...but waaaay better economy and, I suspect a bit more refined. Get a thread up when you do buy it

[LucyP]

They make sense in rural USA for "soccer moms" picking up kids from school etc. That's Subaru's biggest market. In the UK, they don't make any sense. I've driven one, and the Forester is just the same. That has a pointless hybrid mated to a 2.2 boxer and a CVT. That doesn't even have enough hybrid to move off the lights, without firing the engine immediately.

The CVT is truly awful, especially when you hit resume on the cruise control on the motorway. Revving towards to red line, just to speed up from 65 to 70 mph and as for the fuel economy, it's on a par with an old school naturally aspirated V6! I.e. about 30 mpg.

And the switchgear is a joke. It's like it from a 1980s Japanese car. You can see the big, clunky old switches on the central tunnel in one of the photos. And it's just placed everywhere and anywhere on the dash. Again, in one of the photos, you can see switches hidden by the driver's right knee.

That's why the UK market share was 0.07% according to an Auto Express article, last summer.

[sledge68]

[When you say here do you mean UK, as they are most likely the 1.6 or 2.0 UK models, not this JDM only model quote=jetw427]These are very popular with under cover coppers here, typically in the dark grey. My mother and brother have each been caught by one within 10 minutes of our house, feels like a matter of time before I get it too!
[/quote]

[sledge68]

I enquired about this car as currently in a JDM 4th Gen Legacy Twinscroll , so this car is the trade up. These are very rare in the UK , in fact the only car rarer that i can see in the UK is the tS300 Forester. The CVT is not as bad as mentioned, the one i drove just felt like an auto, the UK Levorgs with 160 odd bhp do feel sluggish, but I had just got out of my mapped 300hp Legacy.

I will keep an eye out as another one sold for £13k last week, albeit not as many options as this one.