2022 Subaru WRX Sportswagon in, Levorg out as Japanese brand's performance wagon model to take on Golf R and Skoda Octavia RS

Subaru will once again offer a more practical and family-friendly version of its WRX sports car with the WRX Sportswagon confirmed for launch in 2022 as a replacement for the Levorg.

Due to hit Australian showrooms at the same time as the new-generation WRX in the second quarter of next year, the WRX Sportwagon also shares the same engine and all-wheel-drive set-up as its sedan sibling.

The good news is this means a 2.4-litre turbo-petrol Boxer four-cylinder engine that is good for 202kW/350Nm, but the bad news is that the Sportswagon will be relegated to Subaru’s continuously-variable automatic transmission with eight stepped ‘gears’.

Sorry three-pedal fans, the six-speed manual isn’t on offer for the WRX Sportswagon.

If this formula sounds familiar, it’s because Subaru pulled the same trick in 2014 when it took the engine and underpinnings from the then-current and sedan-only WRX, stretched out the body to wagon form and called it the Levorg.

The Levorg was also an auto-only offering.

The second-generation Levorg was unveiled in late 2018 and went on sale in Japan late last year powered by a newly-developed 1.8-litre turbo-petrol engine.

Of note is the fact that the WRX Sportswagon looks identical to the Levorg on the outside – both featuring C-shaped headlights, a bonnet scoop, dual exhaust outlets and wraparound tail-lights – and does not wear the 2022 WRX’s chunky black-plastic exterior cladding and D-shaped tail-lights.

Subaru’s EyeSight advanced driver safety systems will also be fitted as standard to the WRX Sportswagon, as well as auto-equipped WRX sedans, which includes forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking.

A drive-mode selector will also be available on higher end variants of the WRX which are fitted with electronically controlled dampers and steering.

Other features available on 2022 WRX and WRX Sportswagon include 18-inch wheels, a 11.6-inch multimedia touchscreen and front sports seats.

The first- and second-generation WRX models were available in wagon form, while the third-gen model was also on offer as a hatchback.

From 2014, Subaru began marketing the WRX as a standalone model instead of the high-performance variant of the Impreza, and was exclusively available as a sedan.

Subaru Australia boss Blair Reed said the new WRX body style should appeal to buyers wanting a more practical performance car.

“The WRX Sportswagon offers Australians an additional version of this performance machine with enhanced practicality for everyday use,” he said.

“We’re confident the all-new WRX and WRX Sportswagon will continue to build upon the performance model’s rich heritage as it ushers in a new era of style, technology, razor sharp handling and exhilaration.”