World premiere of new Subaru Levorg concept car

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• Introduction of all-new 1.6-litre direct injection turbo Boxer engine
• 2.0-litre turbo Boxer engine and Lineartronic transmissions available
• All-new design blends style with practicality and a high quality interior
• Launches in Japan in Spring 2014

The all-new Subaru Levorg sports tourer concept made its world premiere this week at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, hinting at a new vehicle currently under development for market launch in Japan in 2014.

The name ‘Levorg’ comes from a combination of the words ‘Legacy’, ‘Revolution’ and ‘Touring’, and the concept blends the practicality of a tourer with the stylish design and feel of a sports car.

The front of the Levorg features Subaru’s unified design motif, the hexagonal grille, while the shape of the new ‘hawkeye’ headlights helps emphasise the car’s low, wide stance. Its sleek profile is optimised for high aerodynamic efficiency and conveys the Levorg’s performance potential, yet also leaves no doubt about its practicality and touring credentials.

The Levorg concept sees the introduction of an all-new 1.6-litre horizontally-opposed direct injection turbo (DIT) Boxer engine, which produces 168bhp and 184 lb ft torque, designed to offer smooth performance and greater environmental efficiency. The Levorg has also been engineered with a new high-performance 2.0-litre DIT Boxer engine in mind, producing 296bhp and 295 lb ft torque.

Both new engines are mated to Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT. The Sport Lineartronic transmission fitted as standard to the 2.0-litre engine features an eight-speed shifting mode, which allows for either a more relaxed or a sportier drive and decisive acceleration.

The Subaru Levorg makes extensive use of ultra-high tensile steel throughout its body for weight saving and rigidity. The concept’s independent suspension system and electric power steering allow immediate responses to driver inputs and high cornering limits in all conditions, without compromising the level of comfort expected of a practical tourer.

With a stiff, light-weight body and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system at its core, the Levorg benefits from world-class safety performance. Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) and Active Torque Vectoring ensure predictable handling and among best-in-class hazard avoidance. New safety structures for the bonnet and bulkhead, and greater use of collision-absorbing materials in the engine bay, further improve crash safety performance and pedestrian protection.

The Levorg previews new safety technology destined for future Subaru models, including Hazard Avoidance Assist, which provides steering assistance if the system anticipates a collision, and Pre-Collision Reverse Throttle Management, which restricts engine output if the car detects sharp and unexpected acceleration while in reverse.

Subaru’s innovative EyeSight driver assist system has been updated for the Levorg, and now features greater visibility and wider viewing angles for the Active Cruise Control and Pre-Collision Braking Control systems. The next-generation EyeSight introduces a new Active Lane Keep System.

The interior of the Levorg features high quality materials and a rich design, with piano black and metal trim accents throughout the cabin. Instruments feature ice blue lighting to emphasise the high-tech look, while a new 3.5-inch LCD colour display shows the status of the vehicle to the driver at all times. A small-diameter flat-bottomed D-shaped steering wheel affirms the car’s sportiness.

The production version of the Subaru Levorg concept is scheduled to launch in Japan in Spring 2014. Further information on the Subaru stand in Tokyo can be found at www.media.subaru-global.com/en.

Subaru launches new WRX at Los Angeles Motor Show.

• World premiere of new high performance saloon at Los Angeles Motor Show
• US-specification models equipped with new 2.0-litre turbo Boxer engine
• Choice of six-speed manual and Sport Lineartronic transmissions
• All-new design, greater practicality and higher quality interior for iconic model

The all-new Subaru WRX, the latest in a line of sports saloons from the Japanese brand, today made its world premiere at the 2013 Los Angeles Motor Show. Equipped with Subaru’s famous Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and hallmark Boxer engine, the new WRX combines sports-car performance with four-door saloon practicality.

The new WRX adopts some of the design elements of the Concept seen earlier in the year,  with aggressive yet refined styling. The front of the new model features Subaru’s unified design motif, the hexagonal grille, while the shape of the new ‘hawkeye’ headlights helps emphasise the car’s low, wide stance. The base of the A-pillar has been moved forwards 200mm giving the car a sleeker silhouette, while the C-pillar flows more smoothly into the rear of the car which is characterised by a diffuser and twin exhausts integrated into the rear bumper while a lip spoiler is designed to enhance aerodynamic performance.

At its heart, the US specification WRX features a new, high-performance 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed direct injection turbo (DIT) Boxer engine, which offers much improved performance over the outgoing 2.5-litre model. The new engine produces 268bhp at 5,600rpm and 258 lb ft torque from 2,000-5,200 rpm (compared to 265bhp at 6,000rpm and 244 lb ft torque at 4,400rpm for the 2.5-litre engine). It also offers improved environmental performance.

The new WRX is equipped as standard with a six-speed manual transmission and a newly developed Sport Lineartronic CVT with an eight-speed shifting mode is available as an option. The shift response of the Lineartronic transmission has been improved for its application in the new WRX.

Subaru engineers have optimised the WRX’s suspension geometry for high performance handling. A stiffer body and carefully-tuned suspension have quickened the vehicle’s response to driver inputs and raised the WRX’s cornering limits. Combined with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) and Active Torque Vectoring, Subaru has manged to achieve even more predictable, yet engaging handling. The electric power steering features more rigid steering gearbox mounts for improved fuel efficiency and a more direct steering feel.

Greater use of ultra-high tensile steel throughout the body of the car has also made the new model lighter and more rigid than the previous-generation, while new safety structures for the bonnet and bulkhead, and greater use of collision-absorbing materials in the engine bay, further improve crash safety performance and pedestrian protection.

Realising improvements to the WRX’s everyday usability, Subaru engineers have stretched the wheelbase of the new model by 25mm (to 2,650mm), expanding rear legroom and improving elbow- and shoulder-room for all passengers. Door openings for front and rear passengers have been enlarged for easier ingress/egress and boot space has been expanded.

US specification models also benefit from new 17-inch alloy wheel designs which are both more rigid and lighter. LED lighting is employed for front and rear lights.

Crucially, the driver-focused interior of the new WRX features higher quality materials and improved design over the outgoing model, with carbon and metal trim accents throughout the cabin and greater use of soft-touch materials. A new flat-bottomed steering wheel and supportive sports seats leave driver and passengers in no doubt about the WRX’s intentions and sports oriented styling carries into many of the details with subtle silver ‘WRX’ logos, red stitching and red lighting. A new 3.5-inch LCD colour display shows the vehicle status at all times, while a revised multi-function display includes a boost pressure gauge.

The new Subaru WRX will go on sale in North America and Japan later in 2014. It is currently unconfirmed whether a new WRX model will come to the UK.

Subaru XV Black edition, looks, quality and rugged, go anywhere appeal.

• Limited run model with a choice of petrol or diesel engines and manual and Lineartronic transmissions
• Visual changes boost the XV’s rugged, go-anywhere appeal
• XV retains the highest Euro NCAP safety rating in its class
• XV Black Limited Edition priced from £24,495 (OTR)

Subaru has today announced the launch of the Subaru XV Black, a new limited edition variant of the manufacturer’s popular compact crossover. The ‘XV Black’ models will be available with either Subaru’s 2.0-litre Boxer diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission, or the 2.0-litre Boxer petrol unit and a Lineartronic automatic transmission.

Exclusively finished in Crystal Black Silica paint, the XV Black offers a number of visual additions unique to the special edition model, which are designed to boost the car’s rugged, go-anywhere appeal.  These include front, rear and side silver-resin underguards, front and rear mudflaps, a cargo step panel and a foldable cargo tray.  Inside, the Black model is fitted with heavy-duty rubber floor mats.

The All-Wheel-Drive XV Black is priced at £24,495 (on-the-road) for the 2.0i Lineartronic and £24,995 for the 2.0 Boxer diesel, and is based on the existing SE model.  Motorists will pay just £1,000 for all the extras fitted as standard to the XV Black, which – if fitted separately as options to other models in the range – would total over £1,600, meaning the new Limited Edition model offers both exclusivity and value for money.

The XV enjoys a class-leading five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating and at 90%, one of the highest scores for child occupant protection ever recorded, making it ideal for young families.

Perfectly suited to everyday use in an urban or out of town environment, the ‘go anywhere’ XV combines the highest ground clearance of any vehicle in its segment with the lowest centre of gravity.  Efficient engines and lightweight body mean the XV is able to return a 50.4mpg on the combined cycle and emits only 146 g/km CO2 (2.0-litre diesel models).

The new XV Black Limited Edition features Subaru’s typically generous standard equipment levels, including Subaru’s standard-fit Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system, providing world-class hazard avoidance capabilities.  Other standard features include front, side, curtain and knee airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, heated front seats, wiper de-icers, cruise control, folding door mirrors, dual-zone air-conditioning, rear view safety camera, Bluetooth, HID headlamps, and rear privacy glass.

Subaru XV Black Limited Edition

First Subaru Hybrid brings luxury and economy as well as capability to the US

• First Subaru Hybrid - based on popular gas model XV Crosstrek, hybrid offers same Capability and Utility
• High-efficiency, Go-Anywhere Crossover with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
• Well-equipped and priced from $25,995

Subaru of America, Inc. has announced pricing on the carmaker’s first-ever production hybrid vehicle, the XV Crosstrek Hybrid, arriving in dealerships in late 2013. The Hybrid is based on the successful XV Crosstrek crossover model and retains its all-terrain capability while providing better fuel efficiency and improved driving dynamics.

Starting at $25,995, the 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid offers a roomy, versatile, fun-to-drive crossover that combines bold five-door design with a refined chassis, high fuel economy and everyday comfort.

”The XV Crosstrek model has been an instant hit since going on sale in September 2012, selling approximately 45,000 units in its first year and showing there is a strong market for a compact CUV that provides strong looks, safety, AWD capability and good fuel economy.” said Thomas J. Doll, president, and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. “The XV Crosstrek Hybrid will now combine those proven Subaru attributes with hybrid technology and will appeal still further to ecologically-minded consumers,” The sales success of the 2014 XV Crosstrek, mirrors the growth of the Subaru brand overall, which is on track to achieve its fifth-consecutive year of sales increases and top 400,000 vehicle sales in the US market in 2013.

All XV Crosstrek Hybrids are equipped with 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder BOXER engine and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Available in a standard trim and top-of-the-line Touring, models include a 13.4 hp/48 lb. –ft. electric drive motor integrated into the Lineartronic® continuously variable transmission.

The 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid builds upon the utility and versatility of the gas model, while offering enhanced handling. Significantly, the hybrid model uses the same Active Torque Split version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as in the gasoline model, preserving the all-weather performance that Subaru customers expect. The system sends torque to the four wheels all the time and adjusts the torque distribution in response to acceleration, cornering and road conditions. The Hybrid also retains the 8.7-inch ground clearance and 4-wheel independent suspension of other XV Crosstrek models and adds special chassis tuning for more agile handling.

The cargo area is outfitted as standard with a removable cover as well as removable waterproof cargo tray, tie-down hooks and grocery bag hooks. Subaru dealers offer a number of accessories for the standard roof rails for carrying items such as bicycles and kayaks.

The 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid serves as the top model in this series and features numerous exclusive design features. The rear light clusters and the stop lamps use energy-saving light-emitting diode (LED) technology. The high-grade color multi-function display is exclusive to the XV Crosstrek Hybrid and featured on both models. The 4.3-in. LCD screen can show the hybrid system’s energy flow according to driving conditions. Using switching screens, the display combines driving operation information with entertainment content, including the standard rear vision camera.

The navigation system in the XV Crosstrek Hybrid Touring uses a 6.1-inch touch screen LCD display and voice control, iTunes® tagging, SMS text messaging capability, SiriusXM Satellite Radio® and SiriusXM NavTraffic® (4-month trial subscriptions included). The navigation system also features Aha® Infotainment smartphone integration featuring radio stations, newsfeeds, audiobooks and more. The XV Crosstrek Hybrid includes all the standard equipment from the XV Crosstrek Premium model and adds keyless access and start, automatic climate control system, upgraded instrument cluster, high-grade multi-function display, body-color foldable side mirrors with integral turn signals, leather-wrapped steering wheel with silver stitching, chrome exterior door handles and more. The XV Crosstrek Hybrid Touring, starting at $29,295, model adds a touch-screen navigation system, leather-trimmed seating and a power moonroof.

New Subaru Outback Diesel lineartronic CVT

• 2.0-litre Boxer Diesel mated to Lineartronic CVT for the first time
• New drivetrain returns up to 44.8mpg (combined) and 166/km CO2
• Visual refresh, inside and out
• Improved ride and handling through chassis upgrades
• New model added to range: 2.0D SX Lineartronic
• On sale November 1. OTR price from £29,995

Launched in Europe in 1996, the original Subaru Outback pioneered the ‘Crossover’ concept, combining the comfort, interior space and superior on-road handling of a family estate with the off-road capability and ground clearance of a sports utility vehicle. 

Upgraded for the 2014 model year, Subaru engineers have now realised further improvements to the Outback, enhancing the car’s handling characteristics with revised suspension components and the latest incarnation of Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control.  The model also features a revised design for both the interior and exterior.

However the most significant change for the Outback is the introduction of a new powertrain pairing.  A world first, Subaru engineers have combined the popular 2.0-litre Boxer diesel engine with a Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) – bringing improvements in driveability, fuel economy and emissions while also widening the car’s appeal immensely.

With the new engine and gearbox combination the 2014 MY Subaru Outback will return 44.8 mpg and 166g/km CO2 on the combined cycle.

Visual refresh

The Outback line-up has received a visual upgrade, refreshing the vehicle’s looks.  Emphasising the Outback’s sense of toughness and its ability to tackle all roads and conditions, the latest model features body-coloured cladding in place of the previous iteration’s black plastic. 

Buyers now have a wider range of colours to choose from – including two new colours: Deep Sea Blue Pearl and Dark Grey Metallic – while larger fog lamps and the addition of a gloss black finish to the front headlamps give the car greater road presence than before.  The alloy wheels now have a gunmetal finish as standard.

The upgraded cabin of the latest Outback features clearer and more modern instrumentation – including the addition of a liquid crystal instrument cluster display and new materials for a number of dashboard elements.  Black metallic panels bring about a more modern and premium appearance and feel, while instruments within the cockpit have been moved to improve user-friendliness. 

Engaging handling, in all conditions

Subaru engineers have worked hard to further improve the Outback’s ride and handling, notably through alterations to the car’s front and rear suspension.  The result is a more stable ride and increased comfort for occupants.

The engine and front and rear suspension systems – the latter with a self-levelling feature as standard – are mounted on their own sub-frames, bringing about reduced vibration and noise.  The fourth-generation Outback’s double-wishbone rear suspension is compact enough to give buyers a 526-litre luggage area (with the rear seats upright).

The Outback continues to offer a significant 200mm of ground clearance, while the placement of the compact, horizontally-opposed engine and transmission afford a typically Subaru-like low centre of gravity, endowing the Outback with high levels of cornering stability.  

Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system features on all Outback models.  For those equipped with a manual transmission, the AWD technology is accompanied by Active Torque Split, and for those with the Lineartronic CVT it is coupled with a centre differential with viscous limited slip differential.  Both drivetrain layouts deliver reassuring driving dynamics in all conditions, both on- and off-road.

High levels of standard equipment

The 2014 MY Subaru Outback 2.0D Lineartronic variant will feature a new trim level, the SX.  High levels of standard equipment are featured inside and out.

For the exterior there are new 17-inch gunmetal alloy wheels, along with body-coloured bumpers, body-coloured power folding door mirrors (with integrated LED indicator repeaters), and matching colour-coded door handles.  Silver roof rails and a roof spoiler are other exterior accents, while a power-sliding glass sunroof (with sunshade) and UV protected front, side and rear glass also feature.  Self-levelling automatic HID headlamps and rain sensing wipers add convenience for the driver.

Further highlights include front fog lights, pop-up headlight washers, heated mirrors, rear window defogger with timer, front and side window defrosters, and a windscreen wiper de-icer function.

Inside, the new SX model provides the Outback with a wealth of useful equipment.  Audio and cruise control functions are present on the leather-trimmed steering wheel, while new sports seats at the front are heated to provide extra comfort when the weather turns cold.

For further comfort and convenience of driver and passengers, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, Bluetooth® hands-free system, audio system with USB connectivity and a VGA centre display with rear vision camera are all present.

New speedometer and rev counter dials feature in the Outback’s upgraded instrument binnacle, while a one-touch lane change facility has also been added which activates the indicators to flash three times.

Additional features of leather interior and satellite navigation are available as dealer fit options if the customers wish to upgrade.