Subaru’s latest portfolio addition to the South African market isn’t a mundane, family hauling SUV. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Here is the pricing and specs for the new WRX.
There are iconic motorsport liveries and then there is the blue and yellow Impreza equipped with golden rims on each corner and an even more iconic engine rumble that dominated the early 2000s rally scene. Well, there is good news for those that have a soft spot for this lineage of sedan since the new WRX has been unveiled for our local market.
And it will retain its rumble although with emissions regulations strangling exhaust systems it may not have all of the visceral sound from those straight-piped rally icons of yesteryear. What it does have, pulsing for a heart, is the new turbocharged 2,4-litre 4-cylinder horizontally-opposed Boxer engine which is capable of a maximum 202 kW, five more than before and torque of 350 N.m. This is all an impressive evolution from the original WRX (World Rally eXperimental) nameplate that first heralded the Japanese brands motoring successes in 1992.
We were first to sample the new WRX on local roads, read about our impressions here.
The new WRX can be purchased in two derivatives throughout the lineup; either a WRX Manual or the WRX ts ES which employs an 8-speed Subaru Performance Transmission which is touted to be up to 50% faster at shifting than before. This also includes the Si-Drive Performance management system that allows drivers to tap into the multi-faceted driving mode setup of the sports sedan. For those that don’t care about these frivolous numbers and enjoy the third pedal, the WRX Manual will have the Boxer motor coupled to a 6-speed manual gearbox.
On the outside, the new WRX is now 1 465 mm tall, 10 mm shorter than before while its length of 4 670 mm means it has increased 75 mm and a 30 mm width measures in with a total of 1 825 mm. The front fascia, particularly the multi-functional LED headlights, draws inspiration from the Hawkeye model of 2006 while the iconic roof scoop with top-mounted intercooler remains a staple for the sports sedan.
Moving away from the clean, single coloured body from before, Subaru have now lined the wheel arches and lower extremities of the car with black plastic trim to possibly entice customers interested in crossover SUVs. The rear sports four exhaust tips flanking an integrated diffuser and rear spoiler. Our market will receive 5 split spoke 18-inch rims with 245/40 rubber.
On the inside, the new WRX boasts a tablet inspired portrait infotainment system which measures in at 11,6-inches. Not only does it display entertainment and navigation but vehicle-related functions too. Buttons still exist in the interior to control volume and HVAC controls. Music from Android Auto or Apple CarPlay screen replication are transmitted through a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The rest of the interior is fitted with plush materials like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminium paddle shifters on the WRX tS ES model.
In addition to Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system, the new WRX also includes Vehicle Dynamics Control, Active Torque Vectoring, ABS, EBD and ESC which aid in optimum traction and handling.
The EyeSight® Driver Assist System standard on both derivatives in the WRX range includes safety features like Pre-Collision Braking system, Autonomous Emergency Steering, Lane Departure Prevention, Adaptive Cruise and Steering Control, Traffic Sign Recognition and an Intelligent Speed Limiter.
Subaru WRX line-up and pricing
Subaru WRX 2.4DIT Manual R759 000
Subaru WRX 2.4DIT tS ES CVT R859 000
Each Subaru WRX model is sold with a 3 year/75 000 km Maintenance Plan and a 5 year/150 000 km Warranty.
