Subaru’s smart, all-new turbocharged Levorg, which went on sale in New Zealand in July, has been awarded the 2016 Company Vehicle Medium Business Car of the Year.
The Subaru Levorg is the answer to all those Legacy wagon fans, who were devastated when this iconic model was discontinued. An exotic mix of wagon utility, where wide cabin space and comfort is combined with a performance sports wagon’s power, Subaru Levorg’s 2.0-litre direct injection turbo Boxer engine produces 197 Kw of power and 350Nm of torque.
Company Vehicle Managing Editor John Oxley says that although SUVs are ruling the roost in terms of segment domination, there are buyers who “still want the versatility in their chosen vehicle to make lifestyle choices.”
“This is where a wagon comes in useful, and you don’t have to climb a ladder to put your paddle ski or bike on top,” Mr Oxley says.
Subaru of New Zealand’s Managing Director Wallis Dumper agrees: “The high specification Subaru Levorg is perfect for New Zealanders who don’t want an SUV or sedan. Despite the global trend towards SUV ownership, which Subaru of New Zealand is following with its predominant SUV sales, we recognise that not everyone wants one. The Levorg is the sports car you can actually use for sports, given its wagon-style versatility, combined with the legendary Boxer turbo engine now with direct injection.”
“Passionate drivers enjoy the handling of the Subaru Levorg, which is the perfect blend of wagon utility – where owners benefit from the wide cabin space and comfort – combined with style, dynamic performance and handling. We also believe the Levorg 2.0GT-S is better value than its Euro rivals and like all New Zealand Subarus, it comes with the added value peace of mind and security of Subaru’s symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. Other brands often charge thousands more for their version of AWD on the options list.”
Mr Oxley says Subaru Levorg is not lacking in any area because of its sports wagon dimensions: “Although it’s a wagon it also gets all the right gear to go with the power and the full-time all-wheel drive system, including Blistein suspension and beefed up brakes.”
“Styling is neat and business-like with a big air intake on the bonnet to establish its credentials, while inside there’s full leather upholstery in black offset by good-looking blue stitching, with a leather-rimmed steering wheel that’s got the full monte of satellite controls, including the SI (Subaru’s variable Intelligent Drive), plus lavish instrumentation which includes a central touch screen that incorporates a reversing camera, as well as Bluetooth telephone and music streaming.”
Other features that made the Subaru Levorg stand out from its rivals for the Company Vehicle award, were its satellite navigation, blind spot monitoring, cross traffic alert and award-winning EyeSight safety technology. EyeSight uses three-dimensional images captured by cameras mounted at the top of the front windscreen. If it sees anything that might be of danger, it warns you audibly, urging you to take action and brake. It automatically applies the brakes if you don’t.
Levorg also scored points for its ability to switch from work vehicle to play wagon, with its 60-40 split rear seat that expands carrying capacity according to the owner’s needs.
“And it is big enough with the seats down to put a bike in there without taking the wheels off,” Mr Oxley confirms.
In the past six months, this spiritual successor to the Legacy GT wagon has already exceeded Legacy GT and WRX hatch sales in one year. In fact, the new Levorg sales exceed any combined sales of both these Subaru models for an entire year, which is a testament to its popularity with Kiwi drivers already.
Subaru has struggled to meet global demand thanks to unprecedented growth worldwide, especially in the United States. Subaru of New Zealand has sold all the Levorgs it has been allocated this year but 2017 should see more of these performance sports wagons being shipped to happy Kiwi customers, as this year’s success has gleaned more production allocation from the Japanese manufacturing plant Fuji Heavy Industries.
For further information, please contact Subaru of New Zealand Public Relations - Catherine Pattison (027) 4455 389 or email catherine.pattison@subaru.co.nz