They share the 2.4-liter engine from the US-bound WRX but they don’t have the manual gearbox because they are CVT-only.
Subaru’s new WRX was unveiled in September for the US market. Now, its Japanese equivalent has also made its debut. The exterior looks almost identical to its North American counterpart, except for the removal of orange side markers and the addition of red STI badges and S4 badges to the trunk lid. The JDM version has a rear wiper. This is what caught our attention.
Yes, sedans with rear wipers. This feature is almost impossible to find on a sedan with a trunk lid. Although the sedan-esque Skoda Rapid and Octavia don’t count, they are technically hatchbacks (liftbacks if that’s your preference), there have been sedans with a rear washer in the past. The Lancia Flaminia even had two. Quite a few Japanese cars, such as the Honda Civic and Accord and the Nissan Primera and Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, had one. Also coupes like the Nissan Silvia or Toyota Soarer, also had one. Fiat Tempra also had one.
The JDM-spec WRX S4 model is identical to the US-bound model except that the steering wheel is on the wrong. The WRX S4 sedan is joined by a equivalent wagon model in the form of the Levorg STI Sport R. The 2.4-liter engine is available to all trim levels, but the base engine for the long roof model is a 1.8 liter unit. For a beefier powertrain, you’ll need to upgrade to the Sport R or better-equipped Sport R EX.
We also want to mention the basic infotainment system that Levorg’s second-generation has used since day one. It was spotted shortly after the official premiere on the US-spec WRX sedan. The layout is so old-fashioned due to the thick bezel that Subaru wants you to spend more to get the upgraded touchscreen in portrait mode.
The turbocharged flat four engine is shared by the WRX S4 sedan as well as the Levorg STI Sport Rwag. It produces 271 horsepower (202 kilowatts), and 258 poundfeet (353 Newton-meters). The output is sent to the all-wheel drive system only through a CVT, as Japanese models don’t have the manual.
The WRX S4 sedan is priced at 3,640,000Y= (about $30,500 at current exchange rates), and the highest-spec model goes up to 4,340,000Y= ($37,000. The Levorg STI Sport R will set you back 3,990,000Y= (or $31,500 at current exchange rates), while the R EX will cost you $43,400Y= ($37,000.