SINGAPORE, Jan 16 — Subaru’s WRX line of high-performance cars still conjures up images of rallying success, accompanied by a turbocharged, flat-four engine burble that makes anyone with the slightest drop of petrol in their veins sit up and take notice.

But Subaru’s also had considerable interest in wagons and hatchbacks, like the older Legacy and Impreza wagons. Even the current Outback SUV is more estate than soft-roader.

While it did have a WRX wagon once upon a time, for this day and age, this is where Subaru’s two “pet subjects” combine — in an oblique way.

The Levorg is a wagon that, Subaru says, is formed from the words legacy, revolution and touring. Despite the weird acronym-portmanteau process, it’s more related, via its underpinnings, with the current Impreza and WRX sedan, since all share the similar wheelbase.

You can’t say it doesn’t look the part either, with nearly the same face (the air intakes and lower front are different) and it even has a bonnet scoop, something of a Subaru performance signature.

In other countries, it even has the same 2.0-litre turbo flat four as the WRX. Although it makes do with a 1.6-litre turbo flat four here, the engine still makes a considerable 170bhp and 370Nm of torque — enough to worry any equivalent German.

Inside view

The interior is an example of Subaru’s more modern, tech-festooned cabins with three displays inside: A main infotainment touchscreen (Bluetooth but no navigation), a driving info screen above that (shows turbo pressure and efficiency) and one for the driver between the dials.

“For the driver” seems to be the key phrase here, since the Levorg also features sport seats, aluminium pedals and a leather steering wheel — always nice when the car itself is up for it. But it’s not really a WRX when it comes to driving dynamics of course. The Levorg has a definite sport bent, with the firm but comfy ride and accurate steering delivering some smiles.

That 170bhp does make itself known too, there’s the signature boxer engine purr, but sadly any dreams of all-wheel drive superiority are blunted by the vagueness of the continuously-variable transmission. It’s quick, but not edging towards the realm of fast.

Practical wagon

Compared to cars of a similar size and engine capacity, it’s also not particularly efficient (the presence of all-wheel drive is likely to blame), but in terms of practicality, the Levorg has a cavernous 522-litre boot (not far from a BMW 5 Series), or 1,446 litres if you fold the rear seats down with the push of a button.

Given that, it’s just as well Subaru didn’t call this a WRX wagon. It’s simply a Subaru wagon with WRX-like traits, but that shouldn’t obscure the nature of the weirdly-named thing: A unique but compelling turbo Japanese offering in an already rather unique segment. Derryn Wong

Subaru Levorg 1.6 GT-S

Engine: 1,600cc, 16V, flat four, turbocharged, 170bhp, 370Nm

Performance: 210kmh, 0-100kmh: 8.9s, 7.6L/100km, 169g/km CO2

+: Looks the part, good interior space, lots of equipment, drives decently.

- : Fuel consumption isn’t the best, not as powerful as it is on paper. — TODAY