Subaru Levorg STI Sport Black, the wagon closest to the WRX STI

The Subaru Levorg STI Sport Black is the closest thing to the much-missed Subaru WRX STI Wagon

Although it is only a JDM edition, that is, only for the Japanese Domestic Market, the Subaru Levorg STI Sport Black is the most racing version of the family car concept proposed by the Japanese brand and modified by the competition department itself.

A version that, while not as radical as the Subaru WRX STI itself, captures the philosophy of the most sporty and exciting division of the manufacturer, which takes the Pleiades constellation as its logo.

A car with echoes of another

From the outset, the available colours are Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Pure Red, Lapis Blue Pearl and two specific to the WRX STI, the elegant Crystal Black Silica and the genuine WR Blue Pearl, a blue associated with competition models.

In addition, the exterior receives aesthetic and dynamic modifications: 18-inch wheels with Dunlop SportMaxx tyres measuring 225/45, front and rear bumpers with carbon-fibre elements, a rear diffuser specific to the car where a twin exhaust signed by STI sits, and which accompanies the rear spoiler, door handles and model and drivetrain badges in matte black, plus gloss black mirror housings.

Inside is where the equipment is most powerful and most similar to the Subaru WRX STI itself, as the Subaru Levorg STI Sport Black features the same semi-bucket seats signed by Recaro with blue stitching and leather and Alcantara inserts, which offer very welcome electronic adjustment.

In addition, the sensational EyeSight assistant comes as standard, providing analysis, assistance and intervention while driving in emergency situations, which left such a good impression during our test of the Subaru Forester GLP.

Subaru Levorg STI Sport Black, almost as powerful as the WRX STI…

Beyond appearance, both inside and out, the most appetising aspect of this version is the mechanical configuration of the Subaru Levorg STI Sport Black. The two-litre turbo boxer engine increases its output to 296 CV and 400 Nm.

…but with an automatic gearbox

The big difference with the iconic Subaru WRX STI is that the Subaru Levorg STI Sport Black is only offered with a CVT, or continuously variable transmission, dispensing with the pleasure of driving a car with sporting aspirations with three pedals and a six-speed gear lever, as the sports saloon does.

What remains, as it could not be otherwise, is permanent and symmetrical all-wheel drive: the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system guarantees traction on all four wheels permanently on tarmac or on any surface the Subaru Levorg STI Sport Black and its occupants travel over. It is backed by a suspension developed jointly with the specialist Bilstein, which integrates its dampers with the specific springs signed by STI.

A Japanese car only for the Japanese

A car that will be produced in a series of 1,200 units and which, as we indicated, will be available exclusively at Japanese dealerships, with a price in yen of 4,050,000, equivalent to about 32,800 euros.