Richard Berry road tests and reviews the Subaru Levorg with specs, fuel consumption and verdict at its Australian launch.

Check out Richard's full review here: http://carsgui.de/28QttYN

Find out more at the Subaru Levorg hub: http://carsgui.de/28Qtv34

See other wagons here: http://carsgui.de/1OyBdzB

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This is the Subaru Levorg, don't worry we'll get to the name, the important thing it has just landed and we're here at its Australian launch. Now you know how years ago Subaru use to make a wagon version of its sporty WRX beastie years ago and then they didn't make it anymore? Well now it's back sort of because the Levorg is pretty much a WRX wagon. Just don't say that to Subaru's face.

Yep underneath the Levorg's body, it's engineering from the suspension to the engine is all WRX. But nope Subaru would prefer it if you didn't see the Levorg as a WRX wagon – to them it's the spiritual successor to the Liberty wagon – which they don't make any more either.

Looking at it, the Levorg isn't as wildly styled as the WRX, it's more understated, Subaru would say sophisticated – it's dressed more smart casual and you'd never know this was a bit of an animal, although the huge letter box at the front for the intercooler is a bit of a giveaway.

OK so what do you need to know – there are two trim levels to the Levorg. There's the entry grade GT and the GT-S, there's also a bonus level – the GT-S Spec B and that come with hardcore STi bits like STI front, rear and side spoilers and different wheels – same engine though.

All specs come with a very decent amount of standard kit such as the 6.2-inch display, reversing camera, dual-zone climate control and 18-inch alloys. They also all come with Subaru's Eyesight system, which has two cameras that watch the road ahead – if they see a car stop sude. It can also recognise brake lights and this makes adaptive cruise control even more accurate.

The Levorg's stylishly sporty cabin is almost identical to the WRX's. There's the 4.3 inch display sitting atop the dash above the larger screen, the speedo and tacho tucked away under their hood, the climate control dials which are a bit old looking but – so damned easy to quickly flick to the right temperature. The 2.0 GT-S adds leather sport seats with snazzy blue stitching.

In the Levorg's snout is the same four cylinder turbo petrol engine that's in the WRX, and like the Rex power is sent to all four wheels.

It's weird that Subaru doesn't call this a WRX wagon. I mean it is all WRX from here, to here. The only bit that is different is this bit.

Boot space is good for the class and with more room than the last Liberty wagon.

So the name Levorg – hmmm, it's made up. What Subaru's name pickers did was start with the phrase Legacy Revolution Touring and take two letter from each of those words. It's actually harder to come up with something than it looks? All I could come up with Levern. The new Subaru Levern – I'd drive that.

The 2.0 GT-S is more than just prettier seats, among a stack of other stuff it's upgraded with Bilstein suspension for sharper handling and backwards facing radar to check your blind spots.

The 2.0 GT-S Spec B outfits it with hardcore STI body kit bits – like the front, side and rear spoilers, it's not all cosmetic though – there's an STI tower bar which improves handling even more.

We're in the 2.0GT-S now – and it's our pick of the line-up. First impressions? This car is a bit of a superman suit, you'll feel like you're wearing it and the connection you'll get through the great feel in the steering, balance is inspiring. Look the acceleration won't knock the wind out of you, but that's not what the Levorg or WRX is about – it's about the handling, and it's here that the thing absolutely excels.

What's it like to drive?

Performance wagons used to be Subaru's thing and there were heaps of fans. But over the years Subaru lost all of its wagons, they either grew into SUVs or they were dropped altogether. So they decided to make a new one – Subaru calls it the replacement for the Liberty wagon, I call it the return of the WRX wagon, but whatever it is this is quick great handling practical and stylish wagon.