Subaru Levorg review - Interior, design and technology
The Levorg’s cabin is well-built but looks dated, while infotainment is serviceable rather than excellent
Exterior design is subjective, but to our eyes the Levorg’s classic estate-car lines work well. The lack of a bonnet scoop on the latest models enhances the clean looks that set the Subaru apart from the brash SUVs that everyone seems to be driving these days. Today’s cars also have a revised grille and front bumper with updated LED lights front and rear.
Once inside, the driving position is comfortable and there’s plenty of adjustment but the front seats may be a little narrow for some. The dash design is a curious mix of old and new, with the glossy 5.9” central touchscreen sitting at odds with the dated-looking instruments and plethora of buttons. The centre console rocker switches for the heated seats and the low-tech LED warning bulbs of the Eyesight safety system are particular throwbacks. It’s certainly a long way from Audi’s Virtual Cockpit-equipped A4, with the Subaru looking more 2007 than 2017.
The old-school controls might have their advantages in the eyes of some, however. The layout is actually quite intuitive to operate with no menus to navigate in order to access the key functions. That does mean the steering wheel is covered in switches and a little cluttered, but once you’ve grasped the location of the controls you use regularly, it couldn’t be simpler.
The fit and finish of the cabin is good overall but the materials let the side down a little. There’s a lot more soft-touch plastic in rival cars at this price point and some of the switchgear in the Levorg feels cheap, but the car still gives off an air of robustness.
Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment
The latest Levorg gets a touchscreen infotainment system built-in to the centre of the dash with a clear 5.9-inch display. There are shortcut buttons down each side of the screen and generally the interface is impressively simple to use with only occasional lag while requests are processed.
There’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto fitted as standard; the system was quick to recognise an Android phone on our test. There are also voice recognition controls for the key functions and the reversing camera displays on the screen when you’re maneuvering. It’s not the slickest or more feature-packed system on the market but it does the job in that typical Subaru way.
