2018 Geneva Motor Show: Subaru Viviz Concept Tourer teased

SUBARU has teased a wagon-styled concept car ahead of a full reveal at Geneva, hinting at a potential replacement for the Subaru Forester SUV, or even more likely, the next-generation Levorg wagon.

Called the Viziv Concept Tourer – in line with a number of recent concepts that have spawned into the seven-seat, US market-only Subaru Ascent large SUV and what’s still believed to be an upcoming WRX or STI-badged sports car – the concept features a long roof and tall tailgate, both classic wagon hallmarks.

Few details are available ahead of the concept’s 2018 Geneva Motor Show launch early next month, but the single image shows a radical departure from the traditional wagon form we’re used to seeing on Subaru-badged cars.

The most noticeable are tail-lights integrated into the tailgate similar to a number of European premium brand designs, particularly with their SUVs – a clue that points to a new-generation Forester.

The tailgate also sits flush with the rear bumper, hinting that Subaru has worked hard to yield more interior space from the physical size of the concept car.

The rear window, meanwhile appears to be smaller than either the current-generation Forester or Levorg, hinting that weight reduction – glass is much heavier than either metal skin or plastic – is a high priority for any future models. Its shallow depth and more rounded styling again hints at Levorg rather than Forester. Likewise, the rear quarter window that identifies this as a wagon indicates a much narrower glasshouse than what Subaru has traditionally featured in its SUV range.

Meanwhile, the linear LED tail-lights hint at a low, wide design rather than the taller units you’d expect to see on a taller SUV-based platform. Yep, no more arguing, we're going with Levorg.

The wagon-only Subaru Levorg is a strong seller in Australia despite the severe supply restrictions that limit its sales reach. Last year, it accounted for more than 1200 of the Japanese car maker’s annual tally, indicating some buyers still find the idea of a traditional wagon appealing.

The Forester, meanwhile, is the brand’s best-selling model in Australia.