New Subaru Levorg STI Fails Off The Line Before It Gets Started

Subaru Australia just launched a new 2018 Levorg STI Sport hot hatch, but somethings missing on the new sports tourer. It does come with WRX-sourced FA20 2.0-liter DIT turbo engine with 197kW (264 horsepower), and 350Nm (258 lb. ft of torque), STI sport-tuned suspension, STI exhaust tips, STI-themed instrument cluster and 18-inch STI alloy wheels.

The issue performance fans have with the new Levorg STI Sport is, it only comes with the Lineartronic Continuously Variable automatic Transmission (CVT). There’s no 6-speed manual gearbox offered in the new STI-enhanced model. Subaru says the STI Sport will sprint from 0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds which is still quick. While Subaru has improved their Sport Lineartronic CVT with 8 speeds, it won’t match the feel of the manual rower performance fans are after.

Subaru Corporation has made the call to only offer the CVT in the new 2018 Levorg STI Sport, and it’s likely for fuel mileage and emission reasons. Subaru Australia says the new STI Sport gets 6.9 l/11.9 l/100km city/highway and 8.7 l/100km combined.

Performance fans can buy the Subaru WRX with a 6-speed manual gearbox instead right? The Levorg offers the hatch versatility that’s missing in the WRX/STI sedan lineup. Subaru fans around the globe have been asking for a WRX/STI hatch model since it was axed by Subaru in 2015 when they introduced the next-generation models.

Performance enthusiasts in Australia and Europe would likely snatch up more of the 2018 Subaru Levorg STI Sport manual models because it fits a need that is not being met currently by Subaru in the WRX/STI line. Subaru needs to offer the 2.0 STI Sport fitted with a 6-speed manual rower, but don’t hold your breath.

Photo credit: Subaru au