In classic JDM fashion, Subaru just revealed some extra enticing and fun forbidden fruit for the Japanese market in the form of some special-edition Levorg and Impreza-based models. The small Shibuya-based automaker recently held a new product conference where it debuted the Levorg STI Sport R-Black Limited, V-Sport; Impreza ST Black Selection; and the Crosstrek Limited Sun Blaze Edition.
While we do get the standard Impreza in conventional five-door hatchback form, as well as the Crosstrek, we’re more jealous of the sportier versions of the Levorg, which is essentially a full-fledged Impreza wagon. And, a very good-looking one at that.
The Levorg STI Sport R-Black Limited And V-Sport Are The Impreza Wagons We Can’t Have
It’s been over a decade since Subaru sold an Impreza- or Legacy-based wagon here in the States. The Shibuya automaker last sold a full-fledged Impreza wagon with the second-gen model, between 2001 and 2007, along with the fourth-generation Legacy between 2005 and 2007. Subaru pulled the models from the U.S. market due to poor sales and shifting demand towards SUVs.
Since then, the company launched the Levorg in 2014, which essentially plays the role of both an Impreza and Legacy-based wagon. And while we still arguably get an Impreza- and Legacy-like wagon with the Crosstrek and the Outback, they’re not quite the same. Especially with the latest STI Sport R-Black Limited and V-Sport treatments on the latest Levorg.
Pitched as a limited special edition, with the help of the automaker’s in-house performance division, Subaru Technica International, the Levorg STI Sport R-Black Limited is basically what Subaru enthusiasts dream of. Sort of. While not a full-fledged Levorg WRX STI model, it’s more like a Levorg STI lite, similar to a Mercedes-AMG Sport or BMW M Sport model.
It comes with a nice list of exterior, interior, and equipment upgrades, all of which spruce up the car, short of it being a full-fledged performance variant. Some of this upgrades include STI appointments and badges inside and out, upgraded RECARO front seats, an STI leather-wrapped steering wheel, and some other STI trim bits.
The Levorg V-Sport is similar to the STI R-Black Limited, except without the STI badges, and RECARO seating. Power comes from the usual JDM-spec-only 1.8-liter turbocharged gasoline “CB18” boxer-four with standard all-wheel drive.
The Crosstrek Limited Sun Blaze Edition And Impreza ST Black Selection Up The Ante With Appearances
While the Levorgs get some sportier appointments, the JDM Crosstrek gets a special Limited Sun Blaze Edition, which gets a limited edition and bespoke Sun Blaze Pearl exterior hue, with genuine leather interior seating with orange contrast stitching on the interior. Both the steering wheel and automatic shift boot also gain similar orange stitching to match theme.
The Impreza ST Black Edition benefits from more standard options, versus the base five-door hatchback model, including upgraded passive and active safety gear, such as collision mitigation with steering assist, emergency lane-keep assist with rear blind spot detection, adaptive headlighting with LED high and low beams, and power front seats.
Sadly, all are for the JDM market only. However, since we do get the Crosstrek and Impreza stateside, there could be a chance Subaru of America could introduce its own special edition versions of the Crosstrek and Impreza to match. Just don’t hold your breath for any of the Levorgs.
Source: Subaru – Japan
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