Overview

This oddity is the replacement for the well-respected Subaru Legacy Tourer, but since that name is still used in other countries, the Japanese firm had to come up with a new moniker. That’s the reason you’re reading the Subaru Levorg Sport Tourer review.

Just one engine and gearbox on offer

But the weirdness doesn’t stop there: this is one difficult car to pigeonhole. Its rivals, broadly speaking, are mid-sized estates such as the Volvo V60, Ford’s Focus Estate and the SEAT Leon ST.

None of those are available with a blend of all-wheel drive, 1.6 petrol engine and CVT automatic gearbox, though. And with the Levorg, that’s the only combo on offer.

So who on earth is this car for? The firm expects around 500 customers per year will buy one, and they’ll predominantly pay cash outright. Leasing isn’t a factor here because

Subaru struggles to make the finances work, so monthly payments will be far higher than cars of rival size and performance. It’s a car for those with cash but no aspirations to stand out, and it’s definitely one you can rely upon.

Capable, practical and safe

Under the skin is a chassis shared with the high-performance Subaru WRX STI, albeit with a smaller, lesser-powered (and thus far more efficient) petrol engine under that distinctive vented bonnet.

That means it’s capable in terms of handling, but it’s also a practical car with many clever features. Its boot is huge with a low loading height and flat floor. There are lots of safety systems installed and a new infotainment system borrowed from the bigger Outback takes pride of place in the cabin.

Not great on fuel or tax

But there are drawbacks too, especially in terms of running costs. With a 1.6-litre petrol engine pulling such a large car, fuel economy is never going to be fantastic in a world of torquey diesels. It’s a similar story with tax, because the Levorg emits a fair amount of CO2 as well.

Its cabin, while improved, is also roundly out-styled by competitors’ even if it does feel like it’ll survive a nuclear war. We loved the STI-derived front seats, though.