Subaru’s new WRX goes on sale in South Africa

The fifth generation Subaru WRX has gone on sale in South Africa and continues the Subaru philosophy around ultimate performance and ultimate safety. The new WRX is based on a new Subaru Global platform and features a brand-new 2.4-litre Boxer engine paired to either a manual or automatic transmission and boasts a variety of premium features including a vertically orientated 11.6-inch Starlink display.

The 2022 Subaru WRX combines an assertive stance with a refined approach to their fluidity of motion styling concept. Subaru’s new design philosophy ensures a striking silhouette by boldly fortifying all angles of the car’s exterior. Subaru’s signature bonnet scoop and hexagonal grille takes centre stage while LED headlights compliment the wider, more aggressive stance. Along the side, garnishes emphasise the low centre of gravity while air outlets behind the wheels allow dirty air to easily escape.

The rear bumper integrates a diffuser that further mitigates aerodynamic drag by stabilising the airflow as it exits from under the car, while a characteristic rear spoiler rounds off the typical Subaru styling. Wheels measure 18-inches and are available in three different designs finished in dark-gun metallic finish, two-tone black and machined steel and matte grey.

Under the bonnet

Under the bonnet is a familiar horizontally opposed Boxer turbocharged petrol engine that now measures 2.4-litres in displacement. Torque delivery now happens much earlier in the rev range with peak performance pegged at 202kW at 5 600rpm and 350Nm between 2 000 and 5 200rpm.

The WRX is available in either a manual or CVT derivative. The six-speed manual gearbox features efficient gar machining and damping sheets that decrease vibration and offer a dynamic, yet refined driving experience. The WRX tS ES derivative offers a great combination of performance and luxury thanks to a newly developed eight-speed Subaru Performance Transmission, which offers an improvement of up to 30 percent in upshifting time.

The Subaru WRX tS ES derivative also features the Si-Drive Performance Management system that comprises three driving modes.

Inside story 

Taking centre stage inside is the 11.6-inch Starlink that acts as the hub for a wide range of entertainment and vehicle related functions such as Subaru’s SDrive mode select. The high-resolution tablet-style screen recreates the operational premise of modern smart devices for intuitive and safe system navigation. Split-screen functionality can show two classes of information simultaneously. Apps can be moved and configured based on preference and ease of access. Physical buttons for volume and climate control remain to ensure distraction-free driving. Starlink offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality as well as built in navigation. All models feature a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

A flat-bottomed, leather wrapped steering wheel features multifunction buttons for the controlling of critical functions. An eight way powered driver’s seat features additional lumbar support while all seats are clad in luxurious soft-touch Ultrasuede, which is comfortable and resilient.

Five-star safety

The Subaru WRX features a comprehensive suite of safety considerations as well as a variety of active and passive safety systems.  A low centre of gravity and symmetrical all-wheel-drive gives the driver the best chance of always remaining in control and sensor based systems such as Active Torque Vectoring, ABS, EBD and ESC add an additional safety net.

Passive safety credentials include an optimised body structure. Occupants are protected by eight airbags, including a driver’s-side knee airbag. Subaru’s EyeSight system utilises a built-in dual camera system. Features include a Pre-Collision Braking System, Autonomous Emergency Steering, Lane Departure Prevention, Adaptive Cruise and Steering Control, Traffic Sign Recognition and Intelligent Speed Limiter. If there is a collision risk, the Pre-Collision Braking system will alert the driver. If no action is taken to avoid the collision, the brakes will be automatically applied. If the system detects that applied braking input from the driver or the pre-collision system won’t avoid potential accident, the Autonomous Emergency Steering will assist in preventing a collision. In addition a Driver Monitoring system monitors if drivers take their eyes off the road or show signs of drowsiness and reacts via an integrated buzzer or visual alerts.

Model line up and pricing

Each Subaru WRX model is sold with a three-year/75 000km Maintenance Plan and a five-year/150 000km warranty

Subaru WRX 2.4DIT Manual R759 000

Subaru WRX 2.4DIT tS ES CVT R859 000