Subaru has unveiled in Japan the new Levorg Layback S:HEV, a new high-riding hybrid wagon, ahead of its full debut in July.
This generation of the Levorg is sold in Australia as the WRX Sportswagon. For Japan, the Layback is the “SUV” version of the Levorg with increased ride height, revised styling and plastic wheel arch protectors.
Curiously, the new S:HEV model is being pitched as a wagon, and tones down the sub-brand’s SUV pretensions by lowering the ride height by 20mm to 180mm and softening the design.
This is especially true up front where the bumper has been smoothed out, and there’s a set of slimmer and rounder headlights flanking a grille without the moustache seen on non-hybrid models.
Looking for your next car? We’ll help you research and compare so you choose with confidence.
Other revisions include a new scoop-free bonnet, and new front fenders. The shiny machined alloy wheels complete the car’s transformation from pseudo-mud plugger to boulevard cruiser.
Under the bonnet of the Levorg Layback S:HEV is the company’s 2.5-litre “strong hybrid” system. Although Subaru hasn’t provided any details about the Levorg’s new drivetrain, it’s probably safe to assume it’s the same setup employed by the latest Forester Hybrid.
In the Forester the system is rated at 145kW, and features a 121kW/212Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer engine, 90kW electric motor, an e-CVT-style transmission, and all-wheel drive.
Claimed fuel economy is 6.2L/100km, which is better than the pure petrol variant (7.9L/100km), but well behind the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (4.8L/100km).
If, as we suspect, the Levorg Layback S:HEV shares the Forester Hybrid’s drivetrain, it will have more power than the regular Levorg Layback, which has a 130kW/300Nm turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine.
However, it will have significantly less grunt than the 202kW/350Nm 2.4-litre turbo that’s standard on the Australia-bound WRX Sportswagon.
In Japan the Layback S:HEV will be available in one model grade, but with the choice of two interior designs: one with tan and black Nappa leather, and the other with an all black leather.
Available options include a variety of grille inserts with LED lighting strips, different alloy wheel designs, and aero styling packages. Seven exterior colours are on the menu: white, silver, grey, black, red and two shades of blue.
Full details about the Levorg Layback S:HEV will be revealed when the car is launched in July. It’s unclear if Subaru intends to sell the hybrid Layback/WRX Sportswagon in export markets.