Rally-bred icon arrives
More power, greater handling precision and new exterior styling mark the arrival of the long-awaited fifth-generation WRX.
Becoming an overnight sensation in 1994, the performance car has been a firm favourite since then and has been reimagined for 2022.
The fifth-generation Subaru WRX has two body styles – the WRX 2.4T sedan and WRX GT wagon.
There are two model variants for each. These are the 2.4T sedan Premium and 2.4T tS, and the GT wagon Premium and GT wagon tS.
The new WRX GT wagon is a model “in its own right”, with the 2.4T sedan and GT wagon featuring unique specifications tailored to respective audiences.
Wallis Dumper, Subaru of NZ’s managing director, says: “The last time we launched a new-generation WRX was 2014. This 2022 launch has been much anticipated by our New Zealand team and Kiwi WRX enthusiasts, many of whom have already pre-ordered.”
Dumper adds the decision to bring the wagon variant to market was made because the WRX GT wagon and WRX 2.4T sedan have been designed as distinct vehicles for different buyer groups.
“The WRX 2.4T sedan is built by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. It’s a performance car with aggressive styling that carries the WRX heritage, while the WRX GT wagon offers subtle, sophisticated styling and utility without compromising its performance credentials.”
The all-new WRX 2.4T sedan boasts performance-inspired exterior design influences, such as air outlets located on the trailing edges of the front-wheel openings, side garnishes and a lip-style boot spoiler.
Inside, the cabin features black upholstery with red stitching and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
A new cockpit design features an intuitive layout with highly visible and readily accessible instruments and controls.
The instrument layout features prominent tachometer and speedometer displays directly in front of the driver with the engine temperature gauge and fuel gauge respectively integrated into the rev counter and speedometer faces.
A high-resolution, multi-information display with easily recognised colours ensures high visibility between the two main dials. The large tablet-like 11.6-inch central touchscreen for the infotainment system makes for easy operation of key systems. These include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, satellite navigation, vehicle settings and air conditioning.
All grades come with a standard kit that includes an 11.6-inch central information display, eight airbags, vision assist with blind-spot monitor, lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert, dual-zone climate control air-con, 18-inch alloys, self-levelling LED headlights, steering-responsive headlights and LED front fog lights.
For the first time, the WRX uses Subaru’s new global platform. This has been designed to enhance responsiveness by enabling sharper handling, and adds comfort by reducing road vibrations and shaking.
It features full inner-frame construction for high body and chassis rigidity. It gives the all-new WRX about 14 per cent more front-lateral flexing rigidity and 28 per cent more torsional stiffness than its predecessor.
A more powerful direct-injection, turbocharged 2.4-litre, horizontally opposed four-cylinder Boxer delivers 202kW of power at 5,600rpm and 350Nm of torque from 2,000-5,200rpm.
Power is up by five kilowatts on the outgoing model. While torque output is the same, it’s produced lower in the rev range to generate high torque from low engine speeds.
There are two transmission choices – a precision six-speed and, exclusive to the 2.4T, a close-ratio manual or the Subaru performance transmission with sports-shift control for rapid-response gear changes for automatic models.
The tS variants have drive-mode select. This allows drivers to change the car’s on-road characteristics to suit their own preferences. An “individual” mode allows full driver customisation.
Electronically controlled dampers make their debut on the WRX tS models to enhance the sporty handling while refining ride quality. A new dual-pinion electronic steering system reduces resistance for a linear steering response.
The sedan’s overall length is up by 75mm and its width has grown by 30mm. There’s increased shoulder room front and rear while increasing rear-seat legroom.
Measuring 4,755mm overall, the all-new WRX GT wagon is 85mm longer and 35mm taller than its WRX 2.4T sedan sibling. The wheelbase is 20mm longer than that of the superseded fourth-generation WRX and it is 160mm longer. Overall width is 1,795mm and the cargo floor length – with the back seat raised – is 1,070mm.
The all-new WRX’s impressive ride and handling qualities are managed by an independent suspension layout featuring MacPherson-style struts at the front and double-rear wishbones.
Braking is handled by large, power-assisted ventilated front and rear discs. Low-profile Dunlop SP Sport Maxx sports tyres on 18-inch alloys are standard across the range.
Dumper says the latest generation of Subaru’s “performance classic” has been hugely anticipated by WRX fans.
“When the first-generation WRX was launched in the early 1990s, it became an instant hit and a must-have, aspirational vehicle,” he adds.
“It was a rare car, one that immediately achieved immense motorsport success and was able to bring that same rallying and racing DNA to the road at an affordable price.
“The latest generation incorporates this rich history and lives up to the legend. It puts a smile on every driver’s face each time they go for a drive. The catchphrase, ‘they don’t make them like they used to, but we still do’ is appropriate for this model.
“This next-generation WRX 2.4T cements itself as the best bang-for-buck driver’s car with phenomenal balance and control. With the addition of the GT wagon, this latest iteration takes that practicality one step further.”
Pricing starts from $59,990 for the WRX 2.4T sedan and WRX GT wagon.
