The Australian updated of 2018 Subaru Levorg range has been announced this week, bringing a new engine option, a much sharper price of entry, and lightly revised looks. But, there’s a catch: while the arrival of the 1.6 model opens the Levorg range up to more buyers, the company has at the same time significantly increased the price you’ll pay to step into a 2.0-litre model. 

For buyers looking at the 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder model, outputs are listed at 170 HP of power from 4800 to 5600 rpm and 250 Nm of torque, between 1800 and 4800 rpm. Performance figures for the smaller engine aren’t quoted, though Subaru says it uses 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle – 1.4L/100km less than the larger 2.0-litre mill – aided by an idle stop/start system. Drive is sent to all four wheels through a continuously-variable transmission (CVT).


From the outside, the most noticeable difference are the revised LED headlight units, along with “higher quality” LED fog-lights. There are also slight changes to the front bumper and grille. New features across the range include active headlights which follow the driver’s steering inputs, a new 40/20/40 split rear seat, a larger 5.9-inch multi-function display, and Auto Vehicle Hold – a first for the brand.The Levorg model range has also seen a slight shuffle, with the family expanding from two variants to four. Kicking off the line-up is the entry-level 1.6 GT (above, top), which starts at AUD 35,990 before on-road costs – AUD 7250 more affordable that the outgoing 2.0 GT.

Standard equipment on the base model includes automatic LED headlights with LED daytime-running lights, Subaru’s EyeSight assistance system which encompasses adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, pre-collision braking system, and lane keep assist amongst others, rear-view camera, a 6.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a six-speaker sound system.


Other features include AUX and USB inputs, dual-zone climate control, cloth seat trim, leather multifunction steering wheel and leather gearshift, privacy glass, keyless entry with push-button start, 17-inch alloy wheels with a space saver spare, and heated electric folding exterior mirrors.

Stepping up to the AUD 42,890 1.6 GT Premium adds Bilstein suspension, black headlight accents, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with electric lumbar support and memory, front sports seats electric sunroof, heated front seats, leather seat trim with contrasting blue stitching, a larger 7.0-inch infotainment system with satellite navigation, auto-glare rear-view mirror, silver exterior mirrors, 18-inch alloy wheels, and two extra USB ports in the lower centre dashboard. The 1.6 GT Premium also gains Vision Assist, which includes a side view monitor, blind spot detection, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, high beam assist, and a front view camera.


Next in the range is the 2.0 GT-S, which retains its AUD 49,140 price tag. With the 2.0 GT now gone from the range, the unchanged price of the GT-S makes the new price of entry into the 2.0-litre range a whopping AUD 5900 greater than before. But, if you go for the GT-S, its extra features over the 1.6 GT Premium will include not only the gruntier 268 Hp/350 Nm 2.0-litre turbo engine shared with the WRX sedan, but also a ‘Sport #’ mode, along with black accents in the wheels.

Finally, the new 2.0 STI Sport (above) is the Levorg flagship, kicking off from AUD 51,990 before on-road costs. Extra features for the range-topper include maroon leather seats with red stitching, a unique front bumper and grille, STI exhaust tips, STI instrument cluster logo, 18-inch STI alloy wheels, STI-tuned suspension, and the option of Subaru’s signature WR Blue exterior paint.

The wider range also gets the new paint option of Storm Grey metallic.