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Thinking of going for one myself...
How did you manage to convert over the speedo and other digital dials (mpg, etc)?
Speedo is pretty easy as just a converter that changes km to miles.
Electronic dash still say km/h but it is then mp/h. Same with the odometer. Things like current fuel economy etc measured in km/l are then m/l.
So you just need to in your head times it by 4.54. and you get miles/gallon.
Language settings will convert both dashes to English from Japanese quite easily. Didn't work out a way to actually change the voice though.
Head unit you might want to think about as mine doesn't have a lang settings so looking to get something else.
I actually went for the STi in the end. The difference at auction wasn't so great and although same engine, it does look a lot nicer both in and out and has a few additional other features on top, like 8 gears.
Nice.
I have a 1.6 GTS UK spec currently. Just switched over from an Impreza GB270 and much though the Levorg is a nice machine, really miss the responsivess of the GB270.
So was the Levorgt STI I was interested in. Had thought about getting it from Australia in order to deal with langauge issues but sounds like the JDM is easier to convert if English option there and dials already in distance/volume rather than that other EU/AU weirdness. Simple maths thereafter as you say.
Plus better spec and cheaper I expect.
Was wondering what it is like compared to the 1.6:
1. does it sort the huge lagginess of the CVT out? If I slam the peddle down, there is a 1 sec delay before anything much happens on the 1.6, I or S mode make no difference.
2. how early does the torque kick in? One of the nice things about the 1.6 is plenty of torque from <2000 rpm. Makes up for any slight turbo lag. Turbo lag doesnt bother me on my previous 7 or 8 manual Scoobs as I have control over revs but with the dippy CVT I wonder if it might feel worse if torque comes later on the 2.0 unit? Is the S# mode "too jumpy" as Aussie reviewers seem to think?
3. does the steering on the STI have better feedback than the UK cars which are pretty numb. STI model is supposed to have "revised steering" wonder what that is? Just the clamp stiffener (already added that myself) or also bushes, ratios and other adjustments?
4. Are the Blistein shocks better for UK roads, not even sure what shocks the stock UK model carries but it can be pretty wallowy at times in the back and crashy up front.
Did you say you had posted photos of it up somewhere btw?
And mind if I ask how much the IVA would be for an STI import?
Sorry about the inquisition! - just cant believe I have found someone who has successfully imported one, as I have been trying to figure out the issues for a while now. Years ago I brought in a Legacy GT-specB through Litchfield Imports, didnt quite work out to be what I expected and didnt want to mess up with the Levorg STI either by having the wrong expectations.
I have gotten used to the Levorg now and do enjoy driving it. Will never be a nimble little Impreza but it is not meant to be. Just want it to (a) be more responsive to my pedal and (b) give me more precise steering feedback. Having a less wobbly suspension would be nice too but not a must.
I'll try and answer your questions but some I won't know.
I think the AU version is detuned from memory. JDM is 300/300. Aus model is "I think" less.
I guess the voice would be a Sheila though as opposed to a Japanese Lady. Everything is now in English. Bar the Audio Head/Unit. which is a Jap market Panasonic.
>> Was wondering what it is like compared to the 1.6:
>> 1. does it sort the huge lagginess of the CVT out?
It has 3 modes. I - Intelligent. S - Sport. S# - This is when it has 8 gears. more boost, lower revs for turbo spinning up (I think), stays in gears longer, much much more responsive than I or S mode.
Plus bear in mind it has something near to 295bhp from the 2.0l Lump.
If I compare it to my Hawkeye though it does feel laggy. But that has 380 ftlb torque which comes in around 2000rpm.
I don't really like the CVT even in manual mode with the flappy gear stuff. But that's me. I just prefer manuals.
>> 2. how early does the torque kick in? One of the nice things about the 1.6 is plenty of torque from <2000 rpm. Makes up for any slight turbo lag. Turbo lag doesnt bother me on my previous 7 or 8 manual Scoobs as I have control over revs but with the dippy CVT I wonder if it might feel worse if torque comes later on the 2.0 unit? Is the S# mode "too jumpy" as Aussie reviewers seem to think?
I'm not sure it is turbo lag. It's more the boot down function of the CVT I would think. I don't think it's too jumpy. Think they are being extremely picky. But perhaps their model is different in that it loses 30bhp and 50Nm of torque?
Maybe the map isn't as refined?
>> 3. does the steering on the STI have better feedback than the UK cars which are pretty numb. STI model is supposed to have "revised steering" wonder what that is? Just the clamp stiffener (already added that myself) or also bushes, ratios and other adjustments?
Good point. I find the steering too light for me. But again maybe it is what I'm used too and comparing it too. It reminded me of the wife's previous car, a Cooper S. I think it's electric possibly. Perhaps that is why.
>> 4. Are the Blistein shocks better for UK roads, not even sure what shocks the stock UK model carries but it can be pretty wallowy at times in the back and crashy up front.
Probably not had it long enough in all honesty to provide a good review on it's handling. It's not a patch on my Impreza STi and leagues behind the Evo.
But I'd say it rides the bumps better than both of those. Much much better. Does it wallow. No not really. But I've not really stuffed it into any bends yet. So how it really handles I'm not so sure. It does feel a bit heavy though. But's it is. And it's an estate/wagon.
>> Did you say you had posted photos of it up somewhere btw?
I had some pics of it in the docks in Japan. I meant to take some the other day once I'd washed it but got sidetracked. Next time we have some sun, could be ages as we're in Cornwall, I'll take some newer ones and post up.
Mine has the aero kit additionally so it looks pretty nice. Well I think so.
>> And mind if I ask how much the IVA would be for an STI import?
I had mine imported via Torque GT down this way. Only thing they had to do was A) convert speedo and B) put new tyres on as it has some sort of snow tyres on it.
Standard IVA cost. £199 I think from memory.
>> I have gotten used to the Levorg now and do enjoy driving it. Will never be a nimble little Impreza but it is not meant to be. Just want it to (a) be more responsive to my pedal and (b) give me more precise steering feedback. Having a less wobbly suspension would be nice too but not a must.
It's enjoyable to drive. as you say it can't compete with an Impreza STi. It's way more comfortable and the cabin is so much more modern and luxurious. The leather looks much better in real life than the pics by the way. We tend to drive it in I mode anyhow.
Next time I'm out in it I'll switch it to S# mode and see. And once we have some better weather, Sunday maybe, I'll take some newer better pics.
Steering I don't think you'll like. I reckon it is probably the same as your UK car. I've not driven one so can't really compare but it sounds similar to me.
Suspension though, with Bilsteins, and they look the same or very similar to my my Hawkeye and Evo actually, is pretty good. It seems to share a lot with the WRX/STi. so maybe suspension components are interchangeable? But we quite like it as it is. We have the other cars for more performance related spirited drives.
Brilliant, thanks for the detailed info.
Yes I also much prefer my manual hawkeye too, but a back injury meant I couldnt operate the clutch pedal properly so need an automatic for a couple years till it heals. Hate the flappy pedals too, though the CVT is nice and smooth. It's a pain I have to put up with for a while yet. Guess I should be glad that at least Subaru offered such an option.
Strangely I prefer light Japanese steering. I find the UK levorg a bit too "german" (=heavy) for my delicate wrists :-) Though being so numb on feel I guess that may be a good thing. Probably why the german brands do it on their VW_BMW_Audi numb-steer panzers.
Overall I find the Levorg a bit too reluctant to corner versus my hawkeye - it's not just the size it's the heavy self-centering steering.
Was in Newquay for a week early Sep on a family break, wish I had dropped by then to have a look at your motor... :-(
Lucky to have an import specialist on your doorstep, will give TorqueGT a bell once I have figured out my plan then.... any excuse to come back to lovely Cornwall tbh.
Thanks for the detailed info.
I did post a detailed reply but for some unkown reason it is still sitting for a moderator to awake from his/her slumber.
So brief summary here. :-(
I also much prefer my hawkeye manual but cant operate a clutch pedal right now cos of a back injury so am glad at least Subaru offered a competent alternative in a wagon car here in the UK.
And I prefer a lighter Japanese style steering over the germanic heavy steering of the Levorg so maybe the JDM STI is a bit more suited to what I had in mind (although if it is numb feeling, light isnt good either). I find the Levorg a reluctant cornerer because of the heavy self-centering steering (more than the extra weight of the vehicle). I felt the move to an electric rack affected the feedback more than the weight as that can be artificially set in electric and must have been a Subaru choice.
Lucky you have a local specialist, shame I didnt know - was in Newquay for a weeks holidays early Sep shouldve jumped in and had a look. Will reach out to them directly. Any excuse to visit lovely Cornwall again.
Thanks for the info it has been incredibly helpful.
Thanks for the detailed info.
I did post a detailed reply several times but for some unknown reason it is still sitting for a moderator to awake from his/her slumber.
[update - it seems there have been a number of bot attacks and the scoobienet auto algorithm has been dialled up to block people - so have been instructed to try again for the umpteenth time]
So brief summary here. :-(
I also much prefer my hawkeye manual but cant operate a clutch pedal right now cos of a back injury so am glad at least Subaru offered a competent alternative in a wagon car here in the UK.
And I prefer a lighter Japanese style steering over the germanic heavy steering of the Levorg so maybe the JDM STI is a bit more suited to what I had in mind (although if it is numb feeling, light isnt good either). I find the Levorg a reluctant cornerer because of the heavy self-centering steering (more than the extra weight of the vehicle). I felt the move to an electric rack affected the feedback more than the weight as that can be artificially set in electric and must have been a Subaru choice.
Lucky you have a local specialist, shame I didnt know was in Newquay for a weeks holidays early Sep shouldve jumped in and had a look. Will reach out to them directly. Any excuse to visit lovely Cornwall again.
Thanks for the info it has been incredibly helpful.
Hi, I know this is an old thread but I believe I have the Levorg GT-S from Charlie at Prodrift that was mentioned, I bought it 9 months ago. Very cool to know that there is another imported Levorg in the UK I hadn't found another one ye! Is there any others that you're aware of?
My understanding is that there are a few Levorg GT-S in the UK. Not many, perhaps less than 10. I'm not aware of anymore Levorg STi's however, but obviously there could be some that have been imported but with the exchange rate as it was, I doubt it as way to expensive, but now it's 150 again maybe we'll see some more on their way.
Nice motor samlux, that black grille and those black alloys really look the part!
Is this your first Levorg, or have you already tried a UK model before?
31 January 2018, 08:57 AM
I have a UK Imported GT-S.
