Subaru has teased a new concept car ahead of its official unveiling at next month’s Tokyo motor show.
Said to be a “new sports tourer prototype” due to launch in production form in Japan in 2014, Subaru says the Levorg gets its name from combining the words ‘Legacy’, ‘Revolution’ and ‘Touring’.
Badged Legacy in Japan, the same model is sold locally as our Subaru Liberty, on which the high-riding Outback is also based.
To be powered by a new turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder ‘Boxer’ engine, the Subaru Levorg will also feature the Japanese car maker’s next-generation EyeSight driver assist system with steering support control.
Despite the dark images, a new grille, headlights and bonnet scoop can be seen, along with a sleeker profile, higher guard line and larger rear spoiler.
The recently facelifted fifth-generation Subaru Legacy/Liberty originally debuted in 2009, with the model offered in sedan and wagon body styles since its inception in 1989.
Debuting alongside the Levorg at Tokyo will be the new Cross Sport and Crossover 7 design concepts.
A 4300mm-long SUV concept – 150mm shorter than a Subaru XV – the Cross Sport promises to combine “fun driving” with easy seat access, a comfortable interior, and “abundant” luggage space.
The seven-seat Crossover 7 is expected to preview a replacement for the Subaru Tribeca, reportedly due to cease production in January 2014.
Touted as “a new face in the Subaru SUV line-up”, the concept further supports information from a leaked dealer bulletin obtained by the website Jalopnik, that said the company “plans to return to the mid-size SUV segment with a three-row vehicle in the future”.
To be 80mm shorter, 80mm narrower and 20mm taller than the existing Tribeca, Subaru says the Crossover 7 will team a 2.5-litre four-cylinder with its Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel-drive system.
With an exterior said to have a “sophisticated urban look” that also “projects rough-road driving capability”, Subaru says the interior will be “elegant” and “roomy” and feature tan leather seats.
The Viziv concept that debuted at this year’s Geneva motor show will also feature in Tokyo when the show starts on November 20.
The next-generation Subaru WRX, previewed in concept form at the New York auto show in April, is also tipped to make its long-awaited debut in Tokyo ahead of its 2014 launch.
