Subaru Levorg (VN5) Layback

With crossovers selling like Hollywood superheroes in movies and TV, the second-generation Subaru Levorg's not safe from the craze either because it now spawned a crossover version called the Layback, the just-sized alternative for those who think the Outback's too big for them.

2024 Subaru Levorg Layback

The Layback, a crossover derivative of the second-generation Levorg estate, is so weirdly named, it looks like it's made for those who are off for this weekend's swim meet because the name rhymes with a particular kind of speedo that swimmers wear during a swim meet.

2024 Subaru Levorg Layback interior

While the styling is broadly similar to the current Levorg, the swimmer-friendly Layback features a different front view that differentiates it from the normal Levorg as well as the black claddings underneath and added ground clearance to give it a rugged feeling to this sport utility wagon. As for the inside, it still packs the Tesla-esque dashboard, 12.3-inch instrumental cluster, harman/kardon audio system, and seating for five with up to 561 liters of boot space, a hidden compartment, and a hands-free power liftgate, but the Layback is offered with a black-and-ash two-tone upholstery that matches the Layback's outdoor vibes.

While running on the Subaru Global Platform, the Layback feels more like a flyback rather than a racing back even with the SI-DRIVE set to Sport Mode. Still, with the signature Subaru Symmetrical AWD standard, the Layback's prepared to swim with the fishes, metaphorically speaking, from topless to bikini bottom.

Under the hood, the Layback's CB18 1.8L DOHC DIT engine produces 177PS of power and 300Nm of torque. Mated with a Lineartronic CVT, it promises a combined 13.6km/l based on WLTP standards.

With safety the true gold standard for Subaru, the Layback's armed with the latest Eyesight advanced driver-assist technology with Pre-Collision Braking, Autonomous Emergency Steering, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering Function, and Lane Departure Prevention. It even comes with Subaru Starlink which allows the driver to access numerous services such as SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Maintenance Notifications, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and Diagnostic Alerts, Stolen Vehicle Recovery Service, Vehicle Security Alarm Notification, Remote Lock/Unlock, Remote Horn and Lights and Remote Vehicle Locator.

The Layback starts at 3,993,000 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, which is cheaper to own than its big brother, the Legacy Outback. So, there you have it. If you're looking for a crossover wagon made by Subaru but the Outback's too big for you, consider the swimmer-friendly Layback your suitable option. Although weirdly named, the Layback's ready to make a splash, and you'd better get your swimming goggles and swim caps on because this Layback's got your flybacks.

Available colors: Ceramic White, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Asteroid Rey Pearl, Sapphire Blue Pearl, and Ignition Red.

Photo: Subaru Corporation

My FM Log: Turning the page to a new Forza

The all-new Forza Motorsport is here and as players jump into their newest installment, they begin by choosing one of three starter cars after playing the pre-game races that featured the hero cars.

Unfortunately, none of the three starter cars interest me because they're basically previous-generation vehicles such as the Honda Civic Type R FK8, a facelifted sixth-generation Ford Mustang, and a Subaru VA WRX STi in S209 form. Still, I made my decision...

I have gone for the 4WD Subie, the last WRX STi ever made.

Based on the facelifted VA-spec Subaru WRX STi, the S209 is the third STi-tuned model for the United States following the WRX STi Type RA and the Subaru BRZ tS released in 2018. Because this is sold exclusively Stateside, the engine that powers it is a tuned version of the EJ25 2.5L flat-four turbocharged engine offered in the world market version rather than the EJ20 for the Japan-spec WRX STi, producing 341hp of power and 330lb-ft of torque while mated exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Apart from that, the S209 features 19-inch forged BBC wheels wrapped in Dunlop 265/35R19 high-grip tires, the widest in an STi car, as well as a unique strut tower bar and draw stiffener that has been proven in the Nurburgring 24-hour race, carbon roof, and other aerodynamic upgrades to deliver improved airflow and downforce.

It is limited to 209 units exclusively for the US market.

I am already familiar with the un-Japanese ultimate version of the WRX STi back in FH5 but because this is Forza Motorsport, the driving experience of the S209 does vary. Still, it's more than enough to be called the final blow unleashed by Subaru. Judging by the way it handles and performs, this is a WRX STi like I've never experienced before. Something that is off-limits for the Japanese Subarists, if you catch my drift.

Because the S209 is a US-exclusive ultimate version of the VA-spec WRX STi, I decided to give it a quick run around the legendary Laguna Seca, home of the infamous Corkscrew Corner. Let's see how much of an STi the S209 performs. Roll the tape.

I managed to set a lap time of 1m52.816s around the Laguna Seca in the S209. Not the quickest but at least, I managed to experience what's like behind the un-Japanese ultimate WRX.

Although this is the end of the road for the WRX STi, my Forza Motorsport experience is only getting started. There are plenty of road cars and race cars from spanning half a century tackling through the world's challenging racetracks and these cars can't wait to have my word on it.

THIS...IS...FORZA!!!

My FH5 Log: Brute Power or All-Around Performance

If you managed to claw your way through the Expert Rank at the Forza Horizon 5 Hot Wheels Expansion and tackled some complicating challenges, you have earned the keys to the COPO Camaro and the Subaru WRX ARX Supercar. Both of these monster machines can be proven useful to your FH5 Hot Wheels' driving pleasure.

The COPO Camaro in Hot Wheels livery is yours if you have reached Expert Rank and completed both the Forest Edge and Horizon Nexus speed tramps within 1 minute and 30 seconds in an S1-Class car. The WRX STi ARX Supercar, meanwhile, is yours when you have reached Expert Rank, start at the Hot Wheels Outpost (which is in the middle of the FH5 Hot Wheels map), and then complete the Treetops Speed Zone within 1m30s. These tasks sound herculean but with the right car that matches the right class, it feels like easy work for you.

Time for some bedtime stories featuring the Expert Rank goodies shown here, starting with the COPO Camaro. 

The COPO Camaro is a racing machine built in compliance with NHRA drag racing regulations. Based on the sixth-generation Camaro, the COPO Camaro drag car can be fitted with either a naturally aspirated COPO 427, the supercharged LSX 350, or the fuel-injected Big-Block 632 engine. This particular COPO Camaro is fitted with an LSX V8 engine producing 580hp of power and a Whipple Industries 109-mm supercharger. Not only that, this is the Hot Wheels version made in honor of Hot Wheels' 50th anniversary in 2018. Limited to 69 units, it features an Orange Crush exterior paint that pays homage to the iconic Hot Wheels tracks as well as a choice of a two-color stripe package or a chromatic Hot Wheels 50th livery seen here.

The Subaru WRX STi ARX Supercar, meanwhile, is a VA-spec Subaru WRX STi that was modified in compliance with the American Rallycross Supercar class. In cooperation with Vermont SportsCar, this ARX-spec WRX STi saw its boxer-four engine boosted to 600hp of power and 680lb-ft of torque thanks to its ARX-mandated 45mm restrictor Garrett Motorsport turbocharger managed by a Cosworth Pectel ECU. Mated to a SADEV 6-speed sequential gearbox, it's capable of hitting 0-60mph in two seconds. Apart from that, it features a Reiger competition suspension and custom hydraulics that made this rally monster capable of surviving through punishing jumps, gravel, and pavement.

With our little bedtime story done, it's time to demonstrate the brute power of the COPO Camaro and the all-around performance of the WRX STi ARX Supercar (VT18X), I had these two cars assigned to their respective races with the COPO Camaro tackling through a high-speed stage against a group of track toys while the VT18X takes on a group of rally monsters in a winter wonderland. Get your popcorn ready because it's showtime for these two monster machines.

Although they're battered and bent through this life-sized Hot Wheels playset, they're both having a good time and winning. Not bad for these two monster machines.

Brute power or all-around performance? It makes no difference whatsoever because even though they've showcased different strengths and endurance, they're a real blast to drive even in this life-sized Hot Wheels playset they're on. 

Anyway, with their stint done, it's time to give these monsters a rest. Well done, cars.

My FH5 Log: The ultimate WRX that doesn't speak Japanese

The VA-spec Subaru WRX STi is sadly the last chapter of the WRX STi saga and although sad to see it go away because of the new normal, it cemented Subaru's history of creating a sports saloon that can tackle not just in rally stages but also on the Nurburgring.

From its 2014 launch to the EJ20 Final Edition, the VA-spec WRX STi has spawned various special variants to ensure its longevity including the S models tuned by STi for those who demand more. Out of all the S models, there's one that didn't make the cut on Japanese soil.

What you're looking at here is the STi S209, one of the DLC cars in the game. This is the first time an STi S model didn't sell to the Japanese public because it was exclusively sold in the United States, the first for an STi S model to do so. Time a deep dive into the un-Japanese STi S model.

Based on the facelifted VA-spec Subaru WRX STi, the S209 is the third STi-tuned model for the United States following the WRX STi Type RA and the Subaru BRZ tS released in 2018. Because this is sold exclusively Stateside, the engine that powers it is a tuned version of the EJ25 2.5L flat-four turbocharged engine offered in the world market version rather than the EJ20 for the Japan-spec WRX STi, producing 341hp of power and 330lb-ft of torque while mated exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Apart from that, the S209 features 19-inch forged BBC wheels wrapped in Dunlop 265/35R19 high-grip tires, the widest in an STi car, as well as a unique strut tower bar and draw stiffener that has been proven in the Nurburgring 24-hour race, carbon roof, and other aerodynamic upgrades to deliver improved airflow and downforce.

It is limited to 209 units exclusively for the US market.

For an STi that doesn't speak Japanese, the S209 truly is the peak of the STi S model lineage, and although not a worthy send-off to the WRX STi saga because the EJ20 Final Edition truly is the final chapter of the said rally legend, it's still more than enough to be called the final blow unleashed by Subaru. Judging by the way it handles and performs, this is a WRX STi like I've never experienced before and it seems the Japanese Subarists truly missed out on such a hardcore Subie too extreme to be ignored.

The STi S209 is the un-Japanese STi that made the other WRX STi variants look chewable and with such power, dynamics, and classic STi recipe that has been proven on the road, track, tarmac, gravel, and snow, this is truly the peak Subie above and beyond. Wait a minute, that wasn't right...the beauty of Subaru AWD perhaps? Sounds good to me. Speaking of beauty, it's time to give the S209 a worthy challenge to showcase the legendary WRX character that has been festooned since the original Subaru Impreza WRX STi of the 90s. But first...

Need to say this? Hard to miss one of the Miracle Kiratts cuties but hey, it brings out the best in this Subie here. Anyway, I've prepared a little challenge for the S209 and it's basically an "if" scenario I made up with. Before telling a little "what if" scenario, if you like this design I made on the STi S209, you can have one.

The share code is: 101 111 034

Anyway for this "what if" scenario I made; 

"As some roads in Guanajuato left unrepaired indefinitely, the organizers hosted a rallycross event to raise funds for road repairs"

I've turned the streets of Guanajuato into an RX stage packed with some dirt roads slapped onto it and a non-functional joker that is tricky to get through. It's hard to make a joker on my made-up rallycross track in FH5 but hey, let's give my creation a shot in my specially-made S209. Roll the tape.

There's room for improvement with my Guanajuato RX experiment but hey, the S209 proved its worth and won.

It's sad to find out that the VA WRX STi really is the final chapter of the WRX STi saga that began in the 90s but it left a major impact in the history of Japanese sports cars and in the near future, it's worth becoming an instant classic. Although it's made for Subarists Stateside, the S209 is a worthy send-off to the legend that blew the rallying world away as well as in the Nurburgring.

Domo arigato, WRX STi. You made us proud.

Subaru WRX S4 (VBH)

The VA-spec Subaru WRX is a decent sports sedan that balances its sensible behavior with the rally-honed performance that you would expect for a Subaru. Although its main rival, the Volvo S60, will eat it alive because of the performance figures between them, it's a no-contest between them because the VB-spec Subaru WRX S4 has arrived and it promises to be as good as the Swedish competitor it idolizes.

2022 Subaru WRX S4

Starting at 4,004,000 Japanese Yen (less than $41,000) plus additional costs, the all-new Subaru WRX S4 is proof that the sedan race is still alive and kicking despite being devoured by the rise of crossovers. Although priced cheaper than the Volvo S60, is the all-new WRX S4 the bargain super-saloon of the season? Let's find out.

2022 Subaru WRX S4

Let's begin with the design, page one of this deep-dive with the new model. Like the previous model, the WRX S4 is essentially the sedan version of the second-generation Levorg, the sports wagon that won last year's Japan Car of the Year. Although it bears similar looks as its Levorg counterpart, the new WRX S4 differentiates it with its striking sedan looks and some black cladding, which is odd for a sedan like this, although there's nothing new about adding claddings on a saloon because history tells us only a few saloons have practiced it. Still, the new model is strikingly attractive compared to the previous WRX S4, and above all, it's dressed to kill.

2022 Subaru WRX S4 interior

Just like the Levorg it was based on, the new WRX S4's interior is festooned with the Tesla-esque dashboard that spells misery for speedo boys behind the wheel as well as the instrumental panel that works just like the Audi Virtual Cockpit. Yep, that's why it's called the WRX S4. What a coincidence, and that doesn't stop here because, in the more expensive STi Sport variants, you will be greeted with the available STi RECARO front seats that snug you tight like a gaming seat. Cozy.

Despite being a Levorg with a trunk, the new WRX S4 is surprisingly comfortable and roomier at the back compared to the previous model, giving you less to complain about, except the evidence of last night's debauchery clattering around in the cockpit.

2022 Subaru WRX S4

The new model's flat-four boxer turbo engine's size has been increased from the previous model's 2.0L to 2.4L so you might expect it packs more power compared to the old one but sadly, no. It produces 275PS and 375Nm of torque, which is 25PS less powerful and 25Nm less in torque than the previous model. Less fuel-efficient compared to the old one as well because of its 10.8km/L fuel economy based on WLTC Mode standards. Boo.

Disappointing the performance figures are, the new WRX S4 features a different kind of gearbox built specifically for this car. Called Subaru Performance Transmission, a sport-tuned CVT with an 8-speed manual mode that delivers 30% faster upshifts and 50% faster downshifts compared to the previous WRX S4's Sport Lineartronic CVT. Sounds cheesy but it feels slightly more engaging. Of course, a Volvo S60 will eat it alive at the Shutokou but the jokes on the Swede because Volvos of today are now capped at 180kph, don't you know?

Of course, the new WRX S4 is almost as good and civilized just like the Volvo S60, but out in the open, the Subaru magic comes alive with its Subaru Global Platform, a first for the WRX, reworked suspension setup, and Subaru's legendary Symmetrical AWD, not to mention SI-DRIVE that alters its behavior at the turn of the dial. Mild but menacing, that's what the new model's dynamics best summed up.

After having fun with its mild but menacing dynamics that made the new WRX S4 an enjoyable sports sedan for all levels of driving, it boasts high levels of safety thanks to its EyeSight driver assist with Lane Centering Function and Speed Sign Recognition, among many others. Coupled with the most advanced Driver Monitoring System and Vision Assist technology, the new WRX S4 is about as safe to drive as the Swedes but with the drama involved.

Despite its performance, which feels downgraded compared to the old model, the new WRX S4 feels good to drive from the streets of Tokyo to the corners of Mt. Haruna with its reworked dynamics, striking looks, interior, the questionable Subaru Performance Transmission, and the added tech. Like it or not, the new model is sure enough to get you hooked as your next everyday car. It almost is the bargain of the season because despite being outrun by the Volvo S60, they're on equal footing because while the S60 is focused on being safe, the new WRX S4 is focused on being safe and fun in every way and now you know the rest of the story.

Available colors: Ceramic White, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Ignition Red, Solar Orange Pearl, Sapphire Blue Pearl, and WR Blue Mica.

Photo: Subaru

GT SPORT: The modern Heisei JDMs

Earlier, after a little game at Tsukuba on GT SPORT, I crowned the R34 Skyline GT-R as the best Japanese sportscar to emerge from the early years of the Heisei era. Continuing on our farewell tribute to the Heisei era on GT SPORT, it's time to bring in the modern Heisei JDMs. Before you ask, no, you won't see the GR Supra in here because that one hasn't been on sale yet.







As the Heisei era tips to the climax here's how the Japanese car industry progressed so far. For Mazda, the only sporty offering in the SKYACTIV era is basically the ND Roadster, which celebrates its 30th birthday this year, the Lancer Evolution X is the last Lancer Evolution ever made and its reign ended in 2015 with a Final Edition, today's WRX STi is all about conquering the Nurburgring rather than rallying, Toyota wowed us with the 86 (which is made in cooperation with Subaru), Lexus continues to upset the luxury car market with their flagship LC grand tourer, and today's NSX is a hybrid supercar. Out of the modern Heisei JDMs, the R35 Nissan GT-R reigns supreme or is it?



To find out, I'm using the Tsukuba Circuit again to see which one of the modern Heisei-era Japanese sportscars is the top star and I got a little something for it later on so ladies and gentlemen, let's get this show on the track.



After the time of their lives at Tsukuba, here come the results...

Roadster S (ND) '15 - 1:14.018
86 GT '15 - 1:11.302
WRX STi Type S '14 - 1:07.100
Lancer Evo.Final '15 - 1:06.282
LC500 '17 - 1:06.129
NSX '17 - 1:03.377
GT-R '17 - 1:01.974



Here you are, ladies and gentlemen. The R35 is, without a shadow of a doubt, the best modern Heisei-era Japanese sportscar ever made but the question now is, is it really the best Heisei-era car? Check back for the big finish of this Heisei-ending tribute.

Subaru Levorg and WRX S4 - 2018 minor change

Subaru's Levorg and WRX S4, Japan's cut-price answer to Volvo's V60 and S60, are now updated for the 2018 model year and apart from having slight cosmetic and mechanical changes aside, the 2018MY Levorg and WRX S4 introduced us to Subaru's brand new version of the award-winning Eyesight safety tech.

2018 Subaru WRX S4

2018 Subaru Levorg

Before explaining more about Subaru's updated version of the Eyesight safety tech. Let's find out what's new on these two, starting with the outside of these cars as you can see with those redesigned hexagonal-shaped grilles, new front bumpers, and new wheel designs, there is a stark comparison between these two relatives; the Levorg is designed as a comfortable day-to-day car for work and for leisure while the WRX S4 is designed to be as sporty as its hi-po derivative.

2018 Subaru WRX S4 interior

2018 Subaru Levorg interior

On the inside, both the WRX S4 and the Levorg come with the new, larger high-definition multi-function display, as well as the new auto climate control on the dashboard to keep it fresh and accommodating for both of these models. Seats aside, both the WRX S4 and the Levorg feature Ultrasuede, a suede-like artificial leather made by Toray, intertwining bundled ultrafine fibers, giving these interiors a touch of class. It even comes with the driver's seat position memory function that can memorize up to four seating positions, giving occupants a customized seating position comfortable enough for the long journey ahead.

2018 Subaru WRX S4

2018 Subaru Levorg

Under the hood, both models do come with the same 300PS 2.0L DIT boxer-four engine mated to a LINEARTRONIC CVT and SI-DRIVE which promises 13.2km/L of fuel efficiency based on JC08 Mode standards and improved driving feel because of the tinkering of the dynamics. In the Levorg, though, it still offers an entry-level 1.6L turbocharged boxer engine with 16.0km/L of fuel efficiency.

Now, we get to the real part of these two updated models in terms of safety, and for the new 2018MY WRX S4 and Levorg comes Eyesight Touring Assist. Improving the safety credentials of their award-winning safety tech, Eyesight Touring Assist operates by using Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Control, and a stereo camera to monitor lane markings as well as vehicles ahead of the car, greatly reducing the driver burden by taking control of acceleration, braking, and steering while traveling on highways. In other words, these can make the WRX S4 and Levorg drive by themselves, which is surprising and awkward among Subarists.

So, now that we get to know about Subaru's new Eyesight Touring Assist, what do you think? Is this tech predicting the future of Subarus or it means something more? Whatever it is, new tech aside, the new WRX S4 and the new Levorg are trying to play "top trumps" against Volvo's S60 and V60, although even with the upgrades, these Volvo's can still mince these two because of the performance in terms of pricing, especially when the Levorg starts at 2,829,600 Japanese Yen and the WRX S4 starts at 3,369,600 Yen, they're great value for money for a change. So there you have it, with these new tech and features, both these new Subaru models may never make the grade against its Volvo rivals due to their performance but when it comes to getting ready in today's traffic conditions, their new Eyesight Touring Assist is right here when they need it the most.

Photo: Subaru Corporation

Forza Horizon 3: WRX STi vs. The World

Surprised? You might thought that it was the same special WRX STi that I drove before in the festival but by the looks of it, it's different than the specially-prepped STi I made a couple a while back. Look closely what's new with my Subie from side to side.





As you may be aware, the S4-themed STi, so literally named because the current VA-spec WRX STi is based on the WRX S4, the one my cousin currently drives every day, has been changed to accommodate the latest members of S4, as showcased in the current season of Aikatsu Stars. I know, don't try to talk but I hope you'll like the latest redesign for my STi I made just for everyone.

The VA-spec Subaru WRX STi has always been my favorite Subaru since its inception and whether this sports sedan competed in the likes of rallycross or the Nurburgring 24-Hour Race, the one Subaru proudly calls its home after their WRC stint, it always suits itself to take on any battlefield it desires like a lone ronin without a fierce rival to fight on. I know that the decade-long rivalry between the Subie and the Evo is over because Mitsubishi killed the Evo after its two-decade-long presence in the world of street cars, but come on, this Subie still stands and loves to pick on any fight it lands on, whatever lay ahead.



Since I got all of the three areas around us after tackling a Goliath of challenges at each area, I decided to give the Subie a fresh new look a new kind of challenge to pick fights against the world's best but we're not doing it on the Land Down Under just yet because the Subie has to take on places beyond Down Under. Something like...



Blizzard Mountain! With such a snow-filled wonderland, it's the ideal place to see if the STi is as rally-proven as its ancestors. In order for the Subie to accommodate such frigid conditions Blizzard Mountain has to offer, some rally equipment has been made in order to survive such a harsh winter wonderland, and with the proper gear, let's see if the Subie loves snow...



So, if the WRX STi enjoys playing snowball fights, how about something a bit more extreme?



Ah! The Hot Wheels Thrilltopia, an orange-track rollercoaster ride that pushes your driving skills to the extreme limit, and with the Subie swapped its rally-tuned equipment to track-tuned equipment enough to take on Thrilltopia's terrifying twists and turns only the bravest can survive, it's now time to see if the Subie can feel the orange-track heat. Ready?



The Subie not just mastered snow but also mastered Hot Wheels! It's incredible that no matter where you put the WRX STi, it just keeps on going until the battle has been won and this car really is a defiant one thinking that even with its long-time rival gone, it just feels like it won the battle but even though the WRX STi ended the war between the Subies and the Evos by unanimous decision, there are countless battles this car will face and it never loses the art of war ascended by its ancestors.



So, with the job done, looks like this Subie is ready to head back Down Under to take some rest but there's a welcome home present awaiting this fierce Subie; a race!



Man, I love this Subie when it takes on all comers it came across the road and no matter the verdict, it will keep on fighting until its last drop.