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The Subaru Levorg Layback is a, well, laid-back WRX Wagon

Another forbidden JDM fruit the rest of the world won’t receive

For the adventurous types who dislike SUVs, Subaru has made a raised wagon. PHOTO FROM SUBARU

Most markets outside of Japan don’t see a fraction of the cool cars that the domestic market receives. Case in point, the Subaru Levorg Layback. Just as we described before, it’s a jacked-up WRX Wagon (or Levorg in its home market), but with a few more changes that distinguish it from its lower-riding sibling.

Get it in darker hues and the plastic cladding seems to disappear. PHOTOS FROM SUBARU

The most obvious changes come in the new front grille, the addition of black cladding, and the chunkier 225/55 tires wrapped around 18-inch wheels. It also comes with a special color called Asteroid Gray Pearl.

Mostly the same, save for the special upholstery. PHOTOS FROM SUBARU

The interior is pretty much the same down to the layout, coming in a special two-tone beige-and-black upholstery that can either be specced out in water-repellent fabric or leather. The portrait 11.6-inch infotainment screen has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, and there is an available 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

Some of the goodies that the Japanese-market Subarus will get. PHOTOS FROM SUBARU

New to the Layback is a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and connected services that allow you to remotely start the engine, lock and unlock the doors, monitor the location, and even link to your smartwatch. Plus, you have the benefits of Subaru EyeSight 4.0 with a clever 360° camera system, and a large 561L cargo space.

For the truly dedicated, it should be easy enough to replicate the looks. PHOTO FROM SUBARU

The car uses a 1.8-liter turbocharged flat-four (the CB18) with a maximum output of 174hp and 300Nm. Naturally, a CVT redirects the power through the Symmetrical AWD system. However, the more adventurous will be able to take advantage of the taller 200mm ride height when it’s time for them to do some laid-back camping.

Alas, we will never be able to see something like this on our shores, unless someone is daring enough to modify their brand-new WRX Wagon and give it a lift. But even then, it won’t have the majority of the features that this Japanese crossover wagon has. Might as well just get yourself an Outback.



Sam Surla

Sam used to be the youngest member of our editorial team when he was our managing editor. He specialized in photography and videography, but he also happened to like writing about cars a lot.



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