THE ALL-NEW Subaru WRX and WRX Wagon are now in the Philippines. Exclusive country distributor Motor Image Pilipinas (MIP) debuted the twin models at an event attended by Subaru car clubs, bank partners, and members of the media.
In a release, MIP said that the latest WRX models “join the equally fresh second-generation BRZ coupe to make Subaru’s 2022 sports car lineup truly thrilling for petrolheads who wish to drive something special.” Said Tan Chong International Limited Deputy Chairman and Managing Director Glenn Tan, “The all-new WRX is here to ignite your senses. From its stunning exterior and premium interior, to the sporty sound and powerful performance of its new 2.4-liter turbo boxer engine, the invigorating smell of the exhaust and the exciting handling, the WRX gives a raw driving experience that makes burning rubber fun. I am very confident that both the all-new WRX and WRX Wagon will totally ignite your senses, and remain crowd favorites that are much-loved by Subaru enthusiasts here.”
On the outside, the new WRX models embody the “Dynamic x Solid” design philosophy of Subaru through a bolder reimagining. The WRX is 75mm longer, 30mm wider, and 10mm lower than the outgoing model. It also adds 25mm to its wheelbase, at 2,675mm. Meanwhile, the WRX Wagon is a full 65mm longer, 15mm wider, and 10mm taller than the outgoing Levorg. It gains 20mm in its wheelbase (2,670mm).
Both models rise on the newest version of the Subaru Global Platform, with full inner frame construction and expanded application of structural adhesive to greatly improve the car’s rigidity. According to the automaker, the torsional stiffness of the chassis is up by 28% for the new WRX and 44% for the new WRX Wagon.
A version of the all-new WRX’s styling was first seen at the Viziv Performance Concept at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show and the Viziv Tourer Concept at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show.
The Viziv’s “forward-thrusting body with low center of gravity,” “dynamic flare of the muscular fenders,” and “bold glimpse of the exhaust in the rear bumper” now appear in the production of WRX.
The WRX gets a hexagonal grille, with its honeycomb pattern repeated neatly above the fog lamps. The grille is flanked by sleek LED headlamps with Subaru’s C-shaped light signature. The classic WRX trademark, a functional scoop, is still present — feeding fresh air to the intercooler of the turbocharged boxer engine. On the sides, fender extensions visually convey the all-wheel-drive power, and blacked-out lower sections to accentuate the road-hugging stance. Subaru affixes 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 245/40 high-performance tires onto the WRX.
In the rear, there are two pairs of exhaust tailpipes, and a fog lamp in the center. A boot-lid spoiler, trunk garnish, and LED combination lamps with their magma-inspired lighting effects complete the “Tokyo turbojet” look.
The WRX pays stylistic tribute to rallying — especially through its flashy special color Solar Orange, while the WRX Wagon is purveyed as a classy sports tourer, available with a choice of chic white paintwork, either Ceramic White (both body styles) or Crystal White Pearl (wagon only). Design differences between the WRX and WRX Wagon include the sedan’s dramatic black cladding, more elaborate main grille, and four muffler tailpipes instead of two. The WRX Wagon rides on 225/45 R18 tires.
The most noticeable aero measures on the bodywork of the WRX are the side sill spoilers and rear spoiler, along with the air outlets behind the front fenders and on the outer corners of the rear bumper. The air outlets eject the air vortex from inside the wheel housings and rear bumper, respectively, for better airflow and increased stability. Also assisting with this are the air slits at the forward edge of the front wheel arches.
The Subaru WRX models receive a turbocharged FA24 boxer engine with 2.4 liters of swept volume. The horizontally opposed four-cylinder, 16-valve direct-injection unit is said to be engineered to provide exceptional driving enjoyment for road and track alike. The main mechanical changes are the increased displacement (from 1,998cc to 2,387cc) and a superior turbocharger — still a twin-scroll, but now with computer-controlled valves for the wastegate and air bypass to enhance the turbo’s efficiency. The engine produces 275ps at 5,600rpm and 350Nm at 2,000rpm to 5,200rpm. It provides ample torque from low crankshaft speeds and vigorous acceleration across the rev range, with the powerful output tapering moderately as the tachometer needle approaches the 6,100rpm redline.
Two transmissions are available for the WRX. The sedan variant gets either a six-speed manual or souped-up eight-speed Lineartronic CVT, while the wagon variant, in keeping with its “super cruiser” character, is only available as an automatic. This old-school option is paired with a viscous-coupling locking center differential to split the torque evenly, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, unless there is slippage which would make the system transfer the torque to the appropriate wheels for maximum traction. The Lineartronic CVT, workhorse of the Subaru model range, has become a racehorse in the new WRX.
Inside, the WRX retains the D-shape steering wheel, but the inner circumference of the wheel now has a flat area for better grip by the driver’s hands, the leather wrap has racy red stitching, and there is a carbon-effect “WRX” ornament decorating the central spoke.
The instrument cluster adopts a classic two-gauge layout, with the tachometer on the left and the speedometer on the right. Between the meters is a 4.2-inch high-res LCD combination display for crucial driving-related information, accessed through the cluster of buttons below the left spoke of the steering wheel. A digital boost gauge which records the peak psi value can be called up for some entertainment.
The new WRX gets an 11.6-inch touchscreen display, which collects and manages the infotainment, climate control, vehicle settings and other important functions in a user-friendly manner. This new-age Subaru system is also used to great effect in the regional flagship model, Outback.
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, voice recognition and front dual USB ports are available for connectivity.
WRX CVT variants are equipped with EyeSight version 4, Subaru’s unique driver assist technology that relies on innovative stereo cameras. Significant improvements to the hardware and software make this state-of-the-art safety system even more helpful as an attentive “co-driver.”
Available on indent order are the top-spec WRX tS and WRX tS Wagon, which fully realize their high-performance potential with Drive Mode Select.
The all-new Subaru WRX and WRX Wagon are now available for order, with pricing as follows: WRX M/T (P2.508 million), WRX CVT (P2.658 million), WRX tS CVT (P2.808 million), WRX CVT Wagon (P2.558 million), WRX tS Wagon CVT (P2.708 million). For more information, visit www.subaru.asia/ph/en/vehicles/wrx/ or call +632-8880-9898.