It's Layback time: New Subaru Levorg Layback is the lifted WRX Sportback wagon we need in Australia

Subaru has revealed yet another lifted version of one of its existing models, in the same way the Crosstrek and Outback are lifted versions of the Impreza and Legacy.

Dubbed the Levorg Layback in Japan, the new Subaru is essentially a lifted version of the wagon known as the WRX Sportwagon in Australia.

With 55mm more ground clearance than the standard Levorg/WRX Sportwagon, the Layback seems to be aimed directly at the stereotypical adventurous Subaru customer.

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At 4770mm long, 1820mm wide and 1570mm tall it’s about the same dimensions as the standard wagon save for its increased ground clearance adding 70mm to its height.

The Levorg Layback slots in between the Crosstrek and the Outback in terms of size, but don’t expect to see it land in Australia anytime soon.

A spokesperson for Subaru Australia told CarsGuide the Levorg/WRX Sportwagon Layback isn’t on the cards locally at the moment, but hasn’t ruled it out entirely for the future despite it being a Japan-only model for now.

“Currently there are no plans for this model for Australia, as it is currently exclusively for the Japanese market, but we will be keeping a vigilant eye on future developments,” they said.

The Levorg Layback slots in between the Crosstrek and the Outback in terms of size.

Another clue is that the Japanese specification sheet for the Levorg Layback shows the model uses the brand’s turbocharged 1.8-litre flat-four, making 130kW and 300Nm. This engine doesn’t appear in any Subaru model offered in Australia.

Our equivalent to Japan’s non-Layback Levorg, the WRX Sportwagon, runs a 202kW/350Nm 2.4-litre version of the engine, instead.

Locally, buyers will have to settle for a standard WRX Sportwagon if the body shape is their goal, or a Crosstrek if a relatively entry-level lifted crossover is on the shopping list.