Perth drivers who have lately visited Subaru’s new vehicle dealers can have noticed a little excited about the new Subaru WRX. Since its announcement, this limited edition vehicle has piqued the interest of petrolheads. The Subaru WRX was a watershed moment for Subaru and automobile culture. Subaru’s success in rallying placed the brand’s logo on the global map, introducing a new performance style to automotive culture.
It demonstrated that you don’t have to be a supercar to be fast, and you don’t have to be slow to be economical and practical. The cherry on top was an all-wheel-drive system capable of handling loose terrain, much like the rally vehicle. It is now available as a different model from the Impreza, but the formula remains the same, which includes a tonne of utility, an all-wheel-drive system, and a turbocharged boxer engine.
What Are the Features of the Subaru WRX?
The Subaru WRX returns in 2023 with no major revisions. Subaru says they have fitted rear-seat head restraints for all three sitting positions and increased those straps to meet safety regulations that reduce whiplash in the event of an accident.
Performance, Engine, and Transmission
A turbocharged flat-four-cylinder 24-litre motor powers the WRX. Its 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque are routed via a conventional six-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Each WRX features an all-wheel drive, as is customary.
Those who choose the automatic transmission, which paddle shifters may also operate on the steering wheel, could select between three driving modes. The automatic-only GT variant also has adaptive dampers. Summer performance tyres are also offered on 17- or 18-inch wheels. We drove the WRX and were impressed by its better ride and enhanced refinement than the previous version.
Real-World MPG and Fuel Economy
The EPA rates the WRX at 21 mpg with the optional CVT automatic transmission and 22 mpg with the manual gearbox. The automatic WRX GT and six-speed manual WRX Limited test cars scored 28 mpg on our 75-mph highway fuel efficiency route.
Cargo, Interior, and Comfort
The interior of the Subaru WRX is similar to that of other recent Subaru models, except for red contrast stitching and carbon fibre-like embellishments. There’s a steering wheel with a thick rim, a flat bottom, and a set of analogue instruments. The GT specification level has a substantially bolstered Recaro front seat upholstered in micro suede. The trunk is accessible from the vehicle’s interior through the 60/40 split-folding back seat.
Connectivity and Infotainment
Every WRX has a touchscreen infotainment system, although the basic model has a 7.0-inch display, while all later trims have an 11.6-inch vertically oriented show. The system is mainly controlled by touch, while there are some physical controls for the temperature system and sound. A Harman-Kardon sound system with 11 speakers is also offered. Other standard multimedia amenities on the WRX include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Security and Safety
Subaru assures that safety is its priority. As a result, the WRX comes standard with Subaru’s latest EyeSight Suite, which includes the EyeSight Assist Monitor, reverse automatic braking, lead vehicle start alert, manual speed limiter, lane centring control, pre-collision throttle operating solution, pre-collision braking, autonomous emergency steering, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure prevention.
It also has side and front-impact beams as standard, seat belt warning, hill-descent and hill-start assistance, parking sensors, height-adjustable seat belts, door ajar warning, vehicle stability control, steering responsive headlights, ABS with EBD, traction control, high beam assistance, and seven airbags.
Do Tobaccos Inspire the Subaru WRX’s Colour Scheme?
Many vehicle fans have never seen live motorsport with direct tobacco sponsorship. The iconic gold and blue design associated with Subaru sports automobiles originated with the UK-based State Express 555 tobacco brand, which is still prevalent in Asia. Subaru’s rally vehicles were sponsored by State Express 555 from 1993 to 2004; however, when the sponsorship faded, Subaru preserved the colours and changed the emblem with its own.
When you see images of Subaru rally vehicles from that period with the number 555 replaced by three crescent moons, it is from an event when cigarette advertisements were not permitted. According to Subaru, around 25% of Subaru WRX cars on the road are painted in Global Rally Blue. The hue has changed over time, and it is currently known as WR Blue Pearl in its most recent incarnation, despite being an STI-specific tint.
In Summary
When buying a vehicle, the Subaru WRX is a good option for an economical sports sedan. The WRX is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with enough power to speed up the vehicle. It’s elegant and enjoyable to drive along curving roads, and its standard all-wheel-drive system assures traction even in adverse circumstances. These latest vehicles could be suitable to all the caprices you want to do and the places you want to visit.