Iconic and rally bred. Immediately recognisable, the WRX continues to carry the torch as Subaru’s efficiency sedan. Examined right here in RS trim, with a handbook transmission, this specific instance was actually model new.
With simply 9km on the clock, we had been tasked with not solely working it in, however placing it by way of its paces. Fortunately, throughout our time with the all-wheel drive providing, Sydney threw down some correct moist climate.
That meant we weren’t going to be chasing peak efficiency out of its 2.4-litre 4 cylinder engine. The WRX RS sits in the midst of the general lineup, however is the best specified with a handbook transmission.
We are able to nonetheless hear the boos from those that would quite have this gearbox over the automated Lineartronic in greater grades (the spec B and different restricted run variants being the exception).
Externally, the black plastic cladding across the wheels that got here with the newest incarnation of the WRX stays. We expect it really works (or just blends in a bit extra) on the darker color shades.
We’re the primary to confess the rear bumper seems to be prefer it’s had an excessive amount of Botox although, and a few contrasting body-coloured parts wouldn’t have gone astray. To be truthful, very like earlier fashions, that develop on you, we’ve come to understand this one too.
The entrance headlights are trendy, glossy and small in contrast with the massive grille dominating the apron. This helps the WRX look aggressive and mature. The aspect profile exhibits off a big glass home with darkish gray and understated, refined 18-inch alloys.
The rear options the brand new look ‘lava’ styled tail lights and quad exhaust retailers. A really refined spoiler sits on the boot however this reviewer thinks a bigger design could possibly be a pleasant contact. It could be a bit cliche, however our check automobile was draped in WR Blue.
Subaru proceed to supply an honest palette of alternate options like black, white and a darker shade of blue, or for many who wish to stand out just a little extra, there’s Ignition Purple and Photo voltaic Orange.
Inside, the seats are comfy and supportive, which we’d count on from a automobile of this nature. Entrance passengers achieve just a few niceties right here with what Subaru dubs ‘Ultrasuede’ trim and electrical adjustability. There’s crimson distinction stitching and WRX logos within the headrests.
The sprint retains a few of its analogue devices within the gauges, which isn’t any dangerous factor. The centre is taken over with Subaru’s new 11.3-inch portrait infotainment display, which comes loaded with loads of native apps.
You possibly can decide to attach wi-fi Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to make use of your most popular music and navigation functions. Whereas giant and responsive, we nonetheless discovered ourselves distracted when it got here to accessing completely different options by way of the interface whereas driving.
At evening, we struggled to discover a dimmer to scale back the display’s brightness. Some fundamental local weather management buttons are positioned both aspect of the display for comfort, in addition to some knobs for the radio.
There’s no cellphone charging pad, and we discovered the area for a tool is ever so barely too small for contemporary choices. There’s USB-A and C ports up entrance to maintain the juice flowing. What shocked us although was the inclusion of a single CD participant underneath the centre armrest.
We dusted off some outdated CD’s and gave them a play and located the system had no downside with burned discs crammed with digital mp3 information. Audio is performed by way of a 10-speaker Harman Kardon system, full with a subwoofer. It’s positively first rate.
Rear passengers rating quantity of legroom for a automobile this dimension, though for some odd cause they miss out on rear air con vents, in comparison with the automated variations. Even with the inclusion of a sunroof, headroom doesn’t really feel compromised.
The entrance and rear outer seats are heated, with three tether factors and two ISOFIX anchors. Cargo area involves 411-litres from the automated opening boot, however the lip is just a little excessive, making a slender opening.
When the boot flings open it tends to shake the entire automobile for the occupants inside. Folding down the rear seats opens up storage to about 1430-litres. Again up entrance, the 6-speed handbook shifter and handbrake are conveniently positioned too.
Each have , stable really feel about them for assured driving. The clutch chunk level is a bit excessive (a WRX trait), which brings us to the on-road expertise. There’s little or no to cover the WRX’s sporting credentials. The trip and suspension are a bit on the firmer aspect.
There’s a slight exhaust word that’s most likely first rate sufficient however might all the time be just a little bit louder. Brakes are good for stable discs and commonplace calipers. Once more, being a mid-tier automobile there’s nothing particular about these options, with fans crying out for an STi model.
They’ll need to accept the tS Spec B we talked about earlier. The all-wheel drive setup and total package deal permits for loads of confidence within the bends. The WRX chews up mountain passes with ease and beckons so that you can do higher with every go round.
It’s rewarding however you understand the automobile is able to extra – and whenever you’re finished, and have to settle again down, it does the identical and will get you dwelling comfortably. A reverse digicam is included, in addition to a digicam pointing on the entrance passenger wheel to keep away from curbs.
The decision from neither is nice, and there aren’t any entrance or rear parking sensors for further help. Subaru affords a regular 5-year limitless kilometre guarantee and 5-years or 75,000km capped worth servicing, with 12 months roadside help.
Whereas efficiency sedans are a dying breed, we’re grateful that Subaru has continued to supply a WRX. The RS handbook supplies good worth for its drive away worth from $58,542, however we are able to’t assist however need extra.
For many who desire a enjoyable, handbook expertise, the WRX RS nonetheless delivers, whereas having the ability to comfortably transport the household, and do the procuring run. You’ll find out extra on the Subaru Australia web site, or by speaking to your native dealership.
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Our check automobile was supplied by Subaru Australia for unbiased assessment functions.
