Sports-wagons rule the roads once again
The latest version of the Subaru Levorg has just won the 2020-2021 Japan Car Of The Year award. This latest sports wagon was launched in Japan just months ago in August. The exterior shows a very familiar Levorg styling, though it is completely new and built on the Subaru Global Platform.
The 1.6-litre turbocharged boxer has been replaced by a new 1.8-litre turbocharged boxer, also with direct injection. Its output has been increased from 170PS and 250Nm to 176PS and 300Nm of torque. The Lineartronic CVT driving all four wheels via a Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Jurors noted the new engine for its smoothness and tractability.
This new Subaru Levorg is 65mm longer, has a 20mm longer wheelbase and there is more usable space inside now with a 561L cargo area. Inside, we see a large, vertically-aligned/portrait-oriented 11.6″ colour touchscreen for infotainment and a 12.3″ digital instrument cluster.
PRESS RELEASE: Subaru Corporation is pleased to announce that the all-new Subaru Levorg has been named 2020-2021 Car of the Year Japan. This is the third time Subaru has been awarded the honor, following the Impreza Sport/G4’s win in 2016.
Based on the Grand Touring Philosophy pursued among Subaru engineers to develop a car that allows the driver and passengers to ”go further with more comfort, safety and enjoyment,” the all-new Levorg has been developed as a performance wagon with evolutionally enhanced values of “advanced safety”, “sportiness” and “wagon practicality/utility” utilizing Subaru’s latest technologies.
By December 6th, 2020, total order for the new Levorg counts 12,594 units, exceeding the pace of its monthly sales target of 2,200 units. Most notably, the innovative nature of new Levorg has been well received as a 94% of customers have chosen the trims equipped with “EyeSight X”, Subaru’s advanced driving assist system.
“It is a great honor that the Levorg has been recognized with this distinctive award,” said Tomomi Nakamura, president and CEO of Subaru Corporation. “I would like to thank our customers and all other stakeholders for their continued support for Subaru. We will continue to enhance our efforts to offer an ‘enjoyment and peace of mind’ to all customers.”
2020-2021 Car of the Year Japan Awards
Passenger cars officially announced in Japan between November 1, 2019 and October 31, 2020 are eligible and a jury of up to 60 members selects the winner by voting. In addition to “Car of the Year Japan” and “Import Car of the Year,” awards are granted in “Design Car of the Year,” “Technology Car of the Year,” “Performance Car of the Year” and “K Car of the Year” categories in the 2020-2021 Car of the Year Japan Award.
