Great new looks; even better to drive; hallmark Subaru quality
Tyre noise on coarse-chip roads
‘WRX’ – for performance car fans those letters are steeped in history. Subaru’s all-wheel-drive high-performance vehicle has written a remarkable chapter in automotive folklore during its 20 year reign.
Now the all-new fourth-generation Subaru WRX has arrived exclusively in sedan form with more power, a slick new chassis and new transmissions, including an automatic (last seen in a WRX a decade ago). What about the Impreza you’re asking? Well, while it’s still based on the Impreza, Subaru has ditched that moniker and this car is known simply as the Subaru WRX.
One step down on the ‘raciness’ scale from the STi model, the all-new Subaru WRX still looks the goods with its hallmark bonnet scoop, 17-inch alloy wheels and subtle bootlid spoiler.
Subaru WRX Overview
CarShowroom.com.au tested two Subaru WRX models back-to-back over two weeks. First-up we had the regular WRX with the new eight-step CVT automatic transmission ($40,990) and followed-up with the ‘Premium’ model in six-speed manual form ($43,990).
Over the standard model, the Subaru WRX Premium adds plenty including leather seats (electronic adjustment for the driver), satellite navigation, an upscale Harman Kardon audio system and an electric sunroof.
Styling of the all-new Subaru WRX has curiously attracted some negative comments from hard-core enthusiasts (we like it). Fact is, for the fourth-generation model, Subaru sought greater differentiation from the range-topping STi model so the WRX is a bit more subtle.
On the inside, there’s no denying this generation has taken a huge step forwards over the outgoing Subaru WRX.
Subaru WRX Engine
‘Rex’ enthusiasts are quick to point-out a change under the bonnet in the fourth-generation model – down from 2.5-litres to 2.0-litres. Fear not however because the latest FA-series direct-injection, turbocharged ‘Boxer’ engine has more power and torque and improved driveability thanks to a wider torque curve.
So maximum power is 197kW at 5600rpm and peak torque of 350Nm is delivered between 2400-5200rpm (previous generation delivered 343Nm at 4000rpm). In manual form the Subaru WRX revs to 6700rpm and in the auto to 6500rpm.
That all adds up to significantly better fuel consumption – down by 11 per-cent to as low as 8.6l/100kms (combined cycle).
Of course this 2.0-litre engine is related to the engine fitted to the Subaru Forester – but with significant changes. For starters the WRX mounts the turbocharger under the engine and it also has stronger valve springs, longer chain, roller rockers, a plastic intake manifold and a lightweight exhaust system.
There’s changes too for the Symmetrical All-Wheel-drive system which sees a Viscous Limited Slip differential for WRXs fitted with the six-speed manual transmission or a Variable Torque Distribution arrangement for those using the eight-step Lineartronic CVT automatic.
Subaru WRX The Interior
It’s a personal thing but we’ve always found Subaru WRX to offer an optimal driving position. Same with the all-new fourth generation model – it’s the combination of steering wheel adjustment (rake/reach) seat (electronic in the ‘Premium’ model) and pedal position which somehow delivers a ‘no-compromise’ spot-on driving position for our average-sized drivers.
That said, the latest WRX does provide extra travel and more height adjustment for the driver so taller folk will probably find extra comfort too. And, as usual for Subaru those front seats are nicely bolstered for support in high-speed manoeuvres.
As we mentioned earlier, the interior of the all-new Subaru WRX is a massive sea-change for Subaru in terms of design and material quality (even in the non-leather standard model). That combined with the larger glasshouse provides a much more open and airy feel inside than the previous generation.
‘Rex’ fans will also immediately pick the new-design dashboard and instrument cluster – a nice, modern look with a 3.5-inch colour LCD display. Premium models score a nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
The latest Subaru WRX is also 25mm longer in the wheelbase than the outgoing generation and this has pleasingly seen extra legroom in the rear. Not enormous by any measure but better.
Luggage space too has grown to 460-litres.
Subaru WRX Exterior & Styling
It’s fair to say Subaru’s styling has been criticised in recent times but you can’t fault the folks with the crayons for their work with the fourth-generation WRX. It’s aggressive no doubt but smartly ‘de-tuned’ compared to the racier STi model which gets the hallmark massive rear wing while the WRX features a nicely-styled bootlid spoiler.
However the under-bumper diffuser at the rear is a nod to the WRX’s performance car attributes.
At the front, ‘Rex’ fans will immediately pick the lower air scoop for the bonnet. A WRX hallmark no doubt, but its lower mounting improves forward visibility.
We like the much cleaner frontal treatment – a sporty nose, nicely integrated fog-lights and DRLs, modern recessed headlights and large lower air vents.
Another innovation is side front quarter windows which combine with thinner A-pillars and door-mounted exterior mirrors to provide enhanced visibility. And we like the subtler look for the hallmark WRX wheel-arch bulges and new-design 17-inch alloy wheels.
As a package, the latest Subaru WRX has a more contemporary, upscale look with modern tapering to the rear.
Subaru WRX On The Road
Some of our colleagues have strangely criticised the eight-step CVT Lineartronic automatic transmission Subaru offers with the latest WRX (the first time in a decade you can buy a WRX auto). Not in the car we drove for a week – in fact we’d say it’s one of the best CVTs we’ve driven.
Clever too - operating as a six-speeder when you’re using less than 40 per-cent of the throttle but providing eight-speed stepped shifting or manual mode in the sporty ‘I’, ‘S’ or ultimate ‘S-Sharp’ driving mode (the latter also delivering a sharper throttle response).
Automatic models also gain Subaru’s SI-Drive (Subaru Intelligent Drive) which introduces different throttle modes.
On the other hand, the six-speed manual model works best with plenty of revs on-board (changes can be a bit slow at low speeds).
Regardless of the transmission, over our high-speed mountain roads test loop, the latest WRX showed the benefits of its 30 per-cent extra rigidity, quicker steering ratio and firmer springs and dampers. It corners flatter and feels more rear-biased when turning in.
While the manual transmission model seemed to deliver torque better in the mid-range, the flip-side was the CVT auto in ‘S-Sharp’ mode with immediate response when shifting up or down – brilliant!
Subaru WRX Issues
While the work of Subaru’s suspension engineers in calibrating the WRX’s set-up during testing at the Nurburgring is to be congratulated - firm and sporty without being too harsh – tyre noise was noticeable on changing road surfaces.
Subaru WRX Verdict
Just a casual glance at the sales charts and the myriad of WRX blogs tells you Subaru has a winning formula in the WRX. Wisely the all-new model builds on this tradition.
We like the new looks inside and out and we reckon Subaru has again nailed the driving dynamics (well the turbocharged 2.0-litre ‘Boxer’ engine and that supremely developed all-wheel-drive chassis provide a sensational starting point).
Behind the wheel is where the all-new Subaru WRX proves itself. This WRX has a chassis which is altogether more mature and sophisticated - Subaru has managed to bring more refinement without losing the ‘pointiness’ and high-speed balance which have always been WRX standouts.
And while it’s not the lowest-priced vehicle in this category, when you add all of the WRX together there’s no doubt value-for-money is another strong point.
In short the WRX is a car we’d buy.
Subaru WRX The Competition
Hatchback or sedan…that’s the question now that Subaru has ditched the hatchback WRX (the sedan has accounted for 90 per-cent of WRX sales). So looking at similar sedans…
Mitsubishi’s Lancer Ralliart, while not the piping-hot Evolution version, is good value at $39,990. You get 177kW/343Nm from Mitsubishi’s turbocharged 2.0-litre, all-wheel-drive and a nice six-speed sequential transmission. Lancer has been around for a while now.
From Europe there’s the Skoda Octavia RS which is very sharply priced from $36,490 to $39,790. In petrol form, the Octavia’s 162kW 2.0-litre engine is a tad short of the Subaru WRX’s 197kW but there’s no doubting its good looks, space and Volkswagen pedigree.
