Geneva show: Subaru stretches Viziv concept to Tourer

SUBARU’S latest Viziv concept has been uncovered in full at this week’s Geneva motor show, this time in Tourer form that is expected to foreshadow the new-generation Levorg wagon likely to come in the next few years.

Like its show car forebearers, little has been revealed about the Viziv Tourer concept, but Subaru’s new wagon wears a similarly sculpted front fascia with slim headlights, large hexagonal grille, gaping air intakes and bonnet scoop.

However, the side profile and rear are drastically changed with the inclusion of a rear hatch.

The tail-lights are still C-shaped, but the rear diffuser and exhaust outlets are toned down to give less an impression of a sportscar and more of a family load-lugging hauler.

A roof-mounted rear spoiler can be glimpsed, while the Viviz Tourer retains the chunky wheelarches and large 20-inch hoops as before.

Measuring 4775mm long, 1930mm wide and 1435mm high, the Viziv Tourer concept is longer, wider and lower than the current Levorg that comes in at 4690mm, 1780mm and 1485mm respectively.

The wheelbase in the show car is also 80mm longer at 2730mm.

With the current Levorg essentially an elongated version of the WRX, it stands to reason that the Viziv Tourer is closely related to the WRX-previewing Viviz concept revealed during last year’s Tokyo motor show.

The new-generation version of the WRX is expected to materialise next year based on Subaru’s new Global Platform that already underpins the Impreza small car and XV small SUV, while the next Levorg is also expected to follow suit.

Subaru is also playing up the safety aspects of its new vehicle, with prominent EyeSight safety systems installed on the roof.

“In anticipation of widespread future deployment of automated driving technologies, advanced driver-assist functions combining the next-generation EyeSight system with other devices have been installed in the car to reduce driver fatigue on long journeys and enable active enjoyment of driving with peace of mind,” according to Subaru.

Symmetrical all-wheel and a boxer engine is also confirmed in the concept car by the Japanese manufacturer, but stricter emissions standards will likely mean more refined powertrains in production form.

The existing Levorg uses either a 125kW/250Nm 1.6-litre turbo four cylinder or 197kW/350Nm 2.0-litre borrowed from the WRX, both sending power to all four wheels via a continuously-variable automatic transmission.