Weird name or what? Apparently the wait for the all-new Subaru Levorg is nearly over, with the sporty, performance wagon confirmed to arrive in New Zealand in the middle of next year.
As with all Subaru models, the Levorg is equipped with All Wheel Drive technology, so the timing couldn’t be more perfect for the newest member of the Subaru family to get straight into tackling New Zealand’s winter weather conditions.
Despite Subaru of New Zealand not being one of the first markets internationally to launch the Levorg, Managing Director Wallis Dumper says it will be well worth the anticipation.
“We believe the Subaru Levorg is, one of those good things that comes to those who wait. Subaru of New Zealand has been able to secure a special, high specification model, which will be on sale from mid-2016 in New Zealand. Also given the Levorg’s success in Subaru markets to date, we are optimistic about its appeal factor, given its suitability for Kiwis,” Mr Dumper says.
Mr Dumper says that Levorg is ideal for Kiwis who need space for their family adventures but want to head away on them in a true driver’s car.
“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. Passionate drivers enjoy the handling of a performance vehicle. Sales of the new generation Subaru Legacy sedan and the ongoing success of the WRX prove that there is still a strong market for driver’s cars,” he says.
Mr Dumper can confirm that the Subaru Levorg will be arriving on New Zealand shores mid-2016 initially with a 2.0-litre direct injection turbocharged engine, which will particularly appeal to the Subaru stalwarts, but will also attract new customers to the brand. The Levorg on display at the Tokyo Motor Show had a 1.6 litre power-plant and Subaru of New Zealand recognises that there may be a market for a turbocharged model, with this smaller engine size in the future.
“While we are launching the Subaru Levorg solely with the 2.0 litre engine, down the track we see potential for the 1.6 litre turbocharged model as being suitable for those new to the Subaru brand or for those looking for a company car with a difference,” Mr Dumper said.
“However, Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) – the manufacturers of Subaru vehicles – can’t make enough cars to satisfy demand across the product portfolio, including Levorg, therefore Subaru of New Zealand’s initial focus will be launching the 2.0 litre model. Subaru sales are on fire globally and in 2015, Subaru of New Zealand has already set new sales records for the year, despite it only being November, and are over 30% ahead of 2014 to date this year” he adds.
I’m still not convinced about the name. First of all I read it as Cyborg, and then when I named the file for this article I typed Subaru Lozenge. Hopefully I’ll get it right by the time the Levorg comes out!
For more information and to register to be kept informed about the all-new Levorg, visit www.subaru.co.nz/content/all-new-levorg