Skip advert
Advertisement

2020 Subaru Levorg STI prototype revealed at Tokyo Auto Salon

Proving there’s still life in Subaru’s STI performance sub-brand, the Levorg has benefited from some tweaks

Subaru’s slow progression towards obscurity in the UK might disappoint fans with a disposition towards its iconic performance models of the 90s and early 00s, but Subaru’s focus on sensible motoring has worked wonders for its global presence. With sales higher than ever thanks to booming popularity in the US and Japan, it’s not surprising to see Subaru's low-volume niche performance models taking a back seat. The iconic STI brand isn’t dead quite yet though, with Subaru revealing a prototype version of its all-new Levorg STI with that little pink badge on its tailgate. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

This is not a full-fat STI model in the mould of Subaru’s now dead (in the UK at least) WRX STI, rather a showcase of new STI parts that will be available on the incoming Levorg through dealerships in Japan and later, other international markets. 

> New Subaru Levorg 2017 review - Quirky but flawed estate driven

Specific technical details have not been released, but Subaru has confirmed that the latest-gen Levorg will be available with a wide range of firsts for the marque, including adaptive dampers (perhaps a bit behind the curve there) and satellite referencing for the Levorg’s autonomous driving elements.

The standard Levorg prototype (which was nothing more than the production version with prototype written on the marketing material) features a new turbocharged 1.8-litre flat-four engine, paired with a CVT transmission and Subaru’s usual all-wheel drive system. Aesthetically, the STI differs little from the standard Levorg Prototype, with some new front-end styling inserts within the existing bumpers up front, fresh wheels and some gloss black skirts all the way around. 

Subaru has not confirmed whether we’ll see this new generation of Levorg in the UK, but it’ll be especially difficult as fleet average emissions regulations tighten, forcing less efficient models off the road if not equalised by EV and hybrid models to offset them.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Audi S5 2025 review – BMW M340i rival is better than ever but still leaves you cold
Audi S5 – front
Reviews

Audi S5 2025 review – BMW M340i rival is better than ever but still leaves you cold

With a 362bhp mild hybrid V6 and a limited-slip diff, the S5 is potentially a top-class sleeper
4 Jun 2025
BMW 3-series 2025 review – does it still reward the keen driver?
2024 BMW 3-series
In-depth reviews

BMW 3-series 2025 review – does it still reward the keen driver?

The 3-series is 50 years old this year, and it’s as compelling today as its ever been – none of its rivals combine tech, quality and driving dynamics …
3 Jun 2025
Audi S8 Fast Fleet test – living with Ingolstadt's 563bhp flagship saloon
Audi S8 – front
Long term tests

Audi S8 Fast Fleet test – living with Ingolstadt's 563bhp flagship saloon

Packing a 563bhp twin-turbocharged V8 and no shortage of presence, Audi’s sporting luxury saloon joins the evo fleet
1 Jun 2025
Mercedes-AMG S63 facelift spied – Affalterbach’s hybrid answer to the Bentley Flying Spur
Mercedes-AMG S63
News

Mercedes-AMG S63 facelift spied – Affalterbach’s hybrid answer to the Bentley Flying Spur

Mercedes-AMG is testing its updated S-class, with more EV range and overall performance expected from the monster limo
27 May 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Best used sports cars – proper performance cars for less than a new Golf GTI
Cheap sports cars
Best cars

Best used sports cars – proper performance cars for less than a new Golf GTI

With the sun shining and fuel prices palatable, now is the time to indulge your used sports car desires
1 Jul 2025
New 2026 Ferrari Amalfi revealed – physical buttons return in the 631bhp Roma replacement
Ferrari Amalfi front
News

New 2026 Ferrari Amalfi revealed – physical buttons return in the 631bhp Roma replacement

The Ferrari Amalfi picks up where the Roma left off, as a more capable, debugged super GT that’s finally brought back buttons
1 Jul 2025
Can Lotus survive its latest crisis?
Lotus factory
Opinion

Can Lotus survive its latest crisis?

Lotus’s latest troubles are grabbing headlines, but the writing’s been on the wall for some time.
28 Jun 2025