2020 Subaru Levorg in Detail: Could the New WRX be Powered by a 1.8L Engine?

The Subaru Levorg prototype is expected to heavily influence the next WRX.

Subaru remains fairly tight-lipped about the new generation WRX, but this week's preview of the next Levorg wagon gives us a better idea of ​​what to expect from the brand's next all-wheel-drive sports car.

Given that the current Levorg and WRX share the same platform and 2.0-liter engine, it goes without saying that a lot of what appears on the former will also make it to the latter.

So the newly developed 1.8-litre turbocharged boxer petrol engine shown under the hood of the Levorg prototype at the Tokyo Motor Show this week could very well be the next new WRX powerplant.

The current FA2.0 20-litre turbo-petrol unit puts out 197kW and 350Nm of torque in both existing models, but it's understandable that tougher emissions regulations have forced Subaru to downsize.

While the Japanese marque has yet to reveal production numbers for the new 1.8-litre unit, Subaru says the engine "combines acceleration and environmental performance at a high level" and is economical.

"excellent dynamic quality with high torque".

The power and torque will likely match the output current, if not better.

As expected, the Levorg follows the Impreza, XV, Forester and Liberty in the transition to Subaru's global platform, which will reportedly increase body rigidity and reduce overall weight.

The new Levorg and WRX will likely continue to use the same platform.

While the next Subaru model to transition to the new platform will be the Outback, the WRX and more powerful WRX STI should be next in line and could spin out of control sometime next year.

In terms of design, the WRX is likely to be very similar to the Levorg prototype, at least from the A-pillar.

The hood notch, sharp headlights and chiselled front bumper indicate that the next WRX will retain many of its iconic aesthetics.

Subaru will also introduce semi-autonomous technology on the new Levorg with what the brand calls a "high resolution map and vehicle locator" that works using GPS data to anticipate the road ahead for a smoother ride.

However, it is currently unclear if this standalone technology will appear on the WRX.

In the meantime, next-generation EyeSight advanced driver-assistance technology is likely to appear in a sports car that now includes a surround-view monitor.

The new Levorg will be launched in Japan in the second half of 2020, which will likely push back its arrival in Australia to 2021.

As for the new WRX, Subaru could introduce a performance model next year for a late 2021 launch.