Most wagons here in Singapore are wallflowers. That's to say that they are often ignored due to their naturally introverted design that resembles a hearse - an unpopular form that generally doesn't sit well with Asians.
But don't be fooled by the shape of the Subaru Levorg - the Japanese carmaker's very own stationwagon that will go against the likes of stationwagons from Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.
While there have been some very handsome ones like the Audi A4 Avant, the CLA Shooting Brake and the Volvo V60, these camper cruisers come at a hefty price tag. The Levorg, on the other hand, will be retailing below S$140,000 when it arrives next January.
That alone will be a winner, if you ask us.
Exterior
Despite the fact that a very little number of Singaporeans will choose a stationwagon over a sedan, the introverted Levorg is, on top of its affordable price tag, a charming man who will make your heart skip a beat the moment you lay your eyes on him.
But don't be fooled by the shape of the Subaru Levorg - the Japanese carmaker's very own stationwagon that will go against the likes of stationwagons from Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.
While there have been some very handsome ones like the Audi A4 Avant, the CLA Shooting Brake and the Volvo V60, these camper cruisers come at a hefty price tag. The Levorg, on the other hand, will be retailing below S$140,000 when it arrives next January.
That alone will be a winner, if you ask us.
Exterior
Despite the fact that a very little number of Singaporeans will choose a stationwagon over a sedan, the introverted Levorg is, on top of its affordable price tag, a charming man who will make your heart skip a beat the moment you lay your eyes on him.
With its coherent sheet metal that consists of a face that will have it mistaken for a WRX, a dominant presence that resembles a European-made car and a soothing and sexy butt that mirrors the attractive CLA Shooting Brake, the Subaru Levorg looks all but reserved.
Measuring 4,690mm long, 1,780mm wide and 1,490mm tall, this charming camper cruiser also sits on 18-inch wheels as standard, enhancing its sporty looks while twin tailpipes do the business of adding aggression and style without coming across as trying too hard.
Measuring 4,690mm long, 1,780mm wide and 1,490mm tall, this charming camper cruiser also sits on 18-inch wheels as standard, enhancing its sporty looks while twin tailpipes do the business of adding aggression and style without coming across as trying too hard.
Interior
Inside, space is the royal order for the family, with plenty of head, shoulder and legroom for adults. Boot space, as you'd come to expect from a stationwagon, is a capacious 522 litres. Knock down the rear benches and the flat loading area increases a couple of notches to 1,449 litres.
But other than space, the Levorg sports build quality that's easily on par with its aforementioned rivals. While solid and sensible plastic fills the dashboard, soft-touch leather surfaces surround the door panels.
In a way, it's more elegant than eye-catching. Buttons and gauges have a pleasing tactile effect to them while the blue stitching on the comfortable electric seats and sunroof remind you that Subaru designers have put in the effort to pay attention to small details.
Inside, space is the royal order for the family, with plenty of head, shoulder and legroom for adults. Boot space, as you'd come to expect from a stationwagon, is a capacious 522 litres. Knock down the rear benches and the flat loading area increases a couple of notches to 1,449 litres.
But other than space, the Levorg sports build quality that's easily on par with its aforementioned rivals. While solid and sensible plastic fills the dashboard, soft-touch leather surfaces surround the door panels.
In a way, it's more elegant than eye-catching. Buttons and gauges have a pleasing tactile effect to them while the blue stitching on the comfortable electric seats and sunroof remind you that Subaru designers have put in the effort to pay attention to small details.
You can even argue that the car has a sporty side to it. The flat-bottomed steering wheel mirrors the WRX and the STI and you can choose to sit low like how the Ah Bengs like to do it. But for a pint-sized storyteller like this writer here, adjusting the seats high does the job, considering it gives him a clear view of the road ahead (and the scoop on the boot) without any blockage from the A-pillars.
That's not to say the car doesn't come with its flaws. While it's already very generously equipped, it doesn't have the auto hold function like its rivals do. Intriguingly, in place of what should be rear air con vents are two USB ports, which makes you wonder what use will they do when there is already a USB port near the gear lever.
That's not to say the car doesn't come with its flaws. While it's already very generously equipped, it doesn't have the auto hold function like its rivals do. Intriguingly, in place of what should be rear air con vents are two USB ports, which makes you wonder what use will they do when there is already a USB port near the gear lever.
The Drive
Rather than chasing performance figures, it seems Subaru has focused on the driving response and handling of the Levorg. Powering it is a hardworking 1.6-litre turbocharged powerplant that will push out 168bhp and 250Nm of torque. The net result is a century sprint of 8.9 seconds - just a tad slower than the CLA Shooting Brake.
It may not be the fastest in its class, but it's a lot of fun piloting the car around the short and winding test grounds in Taipei - regardless of whether you're in 'S' (Sport) or 'I' (Intelligent) mode - with a tight body control when tackling tight corners. It also copes well over undulations and broken tarmac on the test circuit but it will, however, need a proper test run on Singapore's roads to really find out how it fares.
High-speed lane changes and slaloms also demonstrated the Levorg's surefootedness as well as its agility and willingness to be thrown around with wild abandon. Credit has to go to the well-weighted and accurate steering, which unfortunately is lacking a tad in feedback.
Rather than chasing performance figures, it seems Subaru has focused on the driving response and handling of the Levorg. Powering it is a hardworking 1.6-litre turbocharged powerplant that will push out 168bhp and 250Nm of torque. The net result is a century sprint of 8.9 seconds - just a tad slower than the CLA Shooting Brake.
It may not be the fastest in its class, but it's a lot of fun piloting the car around the short and winding test grounds in Taipei - regardless of whether you're in 'S' (Sport) or 'I' (Intelligent) mode - with a tight body control when tackling tight corners. It also copes well over undulations and broken tarmac on the test circuit but it will, however, need a proper test run on Singapore's roads to really find out how it fares.
High-speed lane changes and slaloms also demonstrated the Levorg's surefootedness as well as its agility and willingness to be thrown around with wild abandon. Credit has to go to the well-weighted and accurate steering, which unfortunately is lacking a tad in feedback.
Conclusion
Although Singapore may only receive the 1.6-litre GT-S variant of the Subaru Levorg (there is also base GT model as well as a juicier 2.0-litre variant), its sufficient punch should have no problem keeping up with the pack on the highway or around town.
For all its practicality and its naturally introverted genre, it still won't come as a surprise that it'll be its charming good looks and its attractive price that will attract buyers.
Like we said, that alone will be a sure winner.
Although Singapore may only receive the 1.6-litre GT-S variant of the Subaru Levorg (there is also base GT model as well as a juicier 2.0-litre variant), its sufficient punch should have no problem keeping up with the pack on the highway or around town.
For all its practicality and its naturally introverted genre, it still won't come as a surprise that it'll be its charming good looks and its attractive price that will attract buyers.
Like we said, that alone will be a sure winner.
