Easily one of the most highly awaited new models of the year, Subaru has unveiled specifications and details of the all-new WRX.
Debuting as potentially the last internal combustion only powered model, the WRX incorporates styling from the Viziv Performance Concept as per the marquee’s Dynamic x Solid styling language, additionally with cladding on the bumpers and around the wheel arches in crossover fashion. Based on the marquee’s Global Platform, the WRX measures 4 670 mm in overall length, 75 mm longer than the previous model, with its wheelbase increasing by 25 mm to 2 675 mm.
Wider by 30 mm at 1 825 mm, but lower by 10 mm for a height of 1 465 mm, the WRX is, nonetheless, said to be more spacious than before, with boot space rated at 423-litres with the rear seats up. In crossover fashion, Subaru has added cladding around the wheel arches and the bumpers. Its new platform contributing to a 28 percent improvement in torsional rigidity and 14 percent in front rigidity, Subaru has also fitted the WRX with upgraded brakes, a rear stabilizer bar mounted directly onto the body and a lengthened suspension stroke claimed to improve stability as well as ride comfort.
Made largely out of aluminium and riding as standard on 18-inch alloy wheels, the biggest departure from the old model comes in the shape of the interior, whose redesign comprises new materials, faux carbon fibre inlays and a restyled flat-bottom steering wheel. For the Southern African, two derivatives are offered; base and its ES with standard equipment on both being the new 11.6-inch Starlink infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a ten-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, heated front sport seats with the driver’s chair being electric, Active Torque Vectoring, keyless-entry, Auto High Beam Assist, a sunroof and push-button start.
Reserved for the ES is Subaru’s EyeSight system, consisting of a new dual-camera system, Pre-Collision Braking, Emergency Steering Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Prevention, Traffic Sign Recognition, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning and Driver Attention Alert. Also standard is a memory function for the driver’s seat, alloy pedals and paddle shifters, Adaptive Dampers and the SI-Drive mode selector with five settings; Normal, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual. With the end in 2020 of the long-serving 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre EJ flat-four engines, motivation for the WRX comes from the turbocharged 2.4-litre FA unit used in both the North American and Ascent.
Powering the new BRZ and Toyota GR 86 in normally aspirated form, the unit produces 202kW/350Nm delivered to all four wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, or in the case of the ES, a new CVT dubbed Subaru Performance Transmission. No performance figures were divulged. Both models are available in a choice of eight colours; Ceramic White, Sapphire Blue, Ignition Red, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Solar Orange Pearl and the trademark WR Blue Pearl as well a five-year/150 000 km warranty. A three-year/75 000 km maintenance plan comes standard.
