The WRX just got better!; brilliant to drive; spacious inside; all-paw technology
New looks haven’t received unanimous approval (we like it); we had to give our WRX back
Subaru WRX fans the news is all good – the all-new model is here with better looks, a better drive, six-speed manual transmission and more grunt. And for the first time in a decade there’s an automatic transmission – an excellent eight-step CVT with steering wheel paddle shifters.
Better still, the price is down by $1,000 – from $38,990.
It’s exactly 20 years since the first Subaru WRX was launched in Australia (March 1994) and since then 38,684 examples of Subaru’s high-performance star have been sold ‘Downunder’. We’re talking an automotive icon here with motorsport success some manufacturers can only dream of – three World Rally Championships and ten consecutive Australian Rally Championships.
Subaru WRX Overview
Two things you won’t get in Subaru’s newcomer: an ‘Impreza’ badge (the WRX is now a stand-alone model) or a hatchback version. Yep it’s a sedan only (in the previous generation, sales of the hatchback only amounted to around 10 per-cent).
What you get are great new looks inside and out, more interior space, a new turbocharged 2.0-litre ‘Boxer’ engine, new-design suspension and a more rigid chassis.
Subaru has launched the all-new WRX in two models – the standard version and the upscale ‘Premium’. In terms of specifications, the Subaru WRX Premium is quite the bargain with extras such as leather seats (eight-way electronic adjustment for the driver), satellite navigation, eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio and an electric sunroof.
The full lineup is:
WRX manual $38,990
WRX automatic $40,990
WRX Premium manual $43,990
WRX Premium auto $45,990
Subaru WRX Engine
Subaru’s latest 2.0-litre FA-Series direct injection turbocharged ‘Boxer’ engine, as seen in the current Forester XT, makes its WRX debut in the all-new model. Changes mean the WRX version is more powerful and more responsive.
Compared to the version fitted to the Forester, the WRX engine revs to 6700rpm (manual) or 6500rpm (auto), has stronger valve springs, longer chain, roller rockers and a plastic intake manifold. As well, the turbocharger is mounted immediately under the engine and there is a short, light-weight exhaust system.
Maximum power is 197kW at 5600rpm and peak torque of 350Nm is delivered between 2400-5200rpm. Subaru WRX fans will know the outgoing model was rated at 195kW/343Nm for its 2.5-litre engine.
Just as good is the fuel consumption – down by around 11 per-cent to 8.6l/100kms (combined-cycle).
Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system sees two different versions - Viscous Limited Slip Centre Differential for manual transmissions or a Variable Torque Distribution in Lineartronic CVT auto models.
The CVT could well be the best we’ve driven with three operation modes. It’s an eight-step CVT with stepped shifting under hard acceleration in both ‘I’ or ‘S’ models (but six-speeds under less than 40 per-cent throttle) and eight-speed stepped shifting and manual mode (steering wheel paddle shifters) in the S# (S-Sharp) mode which also brings a sharper throttle response.
Subaru WRX The Interior
Subaru has given the all-new WRX and all-new cabin which we reckon is Subaru’s best. Lots of soft-touch features and better quality materials combine with a lower dashboard and larger glasshouse to provide a much improved overall ambience.
Front sports seats are excellent (leather trim in ‘Premium’ models) and have extra travel and more height adjustment for the driver compared to the outgoing model.
Instruments are all-new and the latest Subaru WRX debuts a centre dashboard multi-function display screen with switchable displays which can provide excellent graphic representation of turbocharger boost pressure, fuel consumption and a calendar amongst the plethora of information available. This is also the screen for the standard reversing camera.
There’s also a new instrument cluster for the driver with great-looking metallic-type surrounds for the red/white displays and a 3.5-inch colour LCD display for other information like cruise control (also a digital speedometer – an excellent idea in a performance car). And a special word for the all-new three-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel with a flat bottom – another Subaru WRX first and it’s a ripper.
‘Premium’ models add a 440W, nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
Rear seat passengers enjoy space and legroom noticeably superior to then outgoing WRX (thanks in part to the extra 25mm in wheelbase length) and a 20mm higher hip-point.
Boot space is also up by 40-litres to 460l.
Subaru WRX Exterior & Styling
When it comes to exterior looks, we’re huge fans of the all-new Subaru WRX. We think it’s aggressive without being ‘bogan’ and modern without ostracizing.
At the front there is a sporty nose/grille surrounded by stylish LED headlights (halogen high beam) and large lower air-vents integrated with the fog-lights. The bonnet scoop is noticeably lower and better integrated into the overall look than the superseded model.
The side view is dominated by the thinner A-pillars, all-new front quarter windows, door-mounted exterior mirrors and new-design 17-inch alloy wheels. And of course the hallmark wheelarch bulges.
The rear sees a tapered look, under-bumper diffuser and very stylish LED rear lights. The aero ‘shark fin’ aerial is a sporty addition.
Subaru WRX On The Road
Subaru says the latest WRX benefits from continual evolution for the brand’s ultimate performance sedan. ‘Power’ and ‘Control’ were the underscores to that engineering work which benchmarked cars like the Porsche 911.
It was all about flat ride, steering response and maximizing rear tyre grip. There’s no doubt this is the best WRX chassis so far, benefiting from 40 per-cent better torsional rigidity and 30 per-cent better bending rigidity (body roll reduced by 20 per-cent) and a quicker 14.5:1 steering ratio (plus in a tactile sense that smaller, flat-bottom steering wheel).
As well, spring rates are 39 per-cent stiffer, anti-roll bars are thicker at 24mm and the transverse link rear bushings are 10mm lower.
Subaru WRX Program General Manager Masuo Takatsu was in Australia for the media launch and he proudly pointed-out the new four-door sedan’s ‘turn-in’ response is better than the BRZ sports car. After a full day driving the all-new Subaru WRX over some of the roads used for Targa Tasmania in the State’s north-west, Carshowroom.com.au agrees – this thing is phenomenal!
At speed, you really notice the flatter ride and crisper turn-in and Takatsu-San’s stated objective of making the WRX feel like its pivot point is the rear-end (with the exception of the Nissan GT-R, many AWD cars feel ‘understeery’.
We drove both CVT and six-speed manual versions in Tassie and, as we said, the eight-step CVT in ‘S#’ mode is probably the best we’ve used. Combined with the sharper throttle response, the quick manual changes via the steering wheel paddle-shifters mean performance drivers will not be compromised with the auto (which of course is easier to live with in the weekday commuter crawl).
That said, over those superb Targa Tasmania roads we did prefer the six-speed manual version of the Subaru WRX. For some reason we felt slightly better torque response in medium engine speed situations.
And here’s the thing: despite the flatter ride, extra stiffness and crisper all-round dynamics, the Subaru WRX did not jar the fillings from your teeth over bumps and on secondary roads. Suspension specialists at European brands take note.
Subaru WRX Challenges
We like the look. Some of our colleagues didn’t. What do you think WRX fans?
Subaru WRX Verdict
Attention Subaru Australia: deliver a new WRX to the Carshowroom.com.au garage immediately…this is a car we’d love to own.
We’ve always liked the WRX technology (turbocharged ‘Boxer’ engine and all-wheel-drive) and the latest model has the very latest in those departments.
But where Subaru has really delivered is in the looks, the chassis and the interior.
Without doubt the best Subaru WRX to date…and that’s an achievement given some of the crackers which are part of the model’s 20-year history.
Subaru WRX The Competition
Deletion of the hatchback version removes some of the Subaru WRX’s most direct rivals (we’re thinking Renault Megane RS and Ford Focus ST).
Mitsubishi’s Lancer Ralliart ($39,990) is a bit underdone under the bonnet (177kW/343Nm) and isn’t the full-on Evolution model, but it too has WRC heritage. Getting a bit long in the tooth these days.
While it doesn’t have the 20-year heritage of the Subaru WRX (in Australia anyway) the Skoda Octavia RS is a good thing and worth a look.
