Far and away the best and most comprehensive review of this car you can find on RU-vid. Everyone else spends useless time wanking and waxing on about some ridiculous points that have nothing to do with the actual car. Just want to commend you on an excellent job, strong points and no wasted words. Look forward to watching more
Dont forget that reviewers who do a mini review about Trunks in cars like wtf are doing. I once saw a guy talk about the trunk of the Pagani Huarya I was like wtf are you doing
Except for the part where he was completely oblivious about the paddle shifters and the easily-accessible manual mode via the stick shifter. His kvetching over CVT before that fact makes him seem subjective.
The cvt makes it feel like an everyday car with sports car handling. I can see why they did it and it's way better than the four speed auto. I personally would take the manual but the cvt is there for people who want a turbo charged performance but don't want a stick.
and by the way great review! your very interesting to listen to, not boring- i actually enjoy your natural presentation more than even the popular car review guys on youtube.. great job my friend.
I just got a 2020 WRX Limited with the optional STI short shifter and I absolutely love this car. Even the Limited is a bargain if you prefer having the added comfort and tech as I do. The WRX is probably the last old school, affordable, pure sports car you can get. I can't stay out of it since I got it!
Best of all, you can use the PADDLE SHIFTER on this car to shift gears when you need to, along with the easily-accessible manual mode via the stick shifter. You know, something Sofyan was completely oblivious about in this video.
Exactly. The whole way through I was thinking "don't care, I don't drive stick. Can, but don't." Manual is for the track and weekend, automatic is for your commute.
@@ChipperFoxtrotVA There are no "gears" to shift through lmao. It's a CVT. All that happens when you press the paddle is it mimics a shift by lowering the rpms for a second.
Hey Sofyan... next time you launch like that, you need to slip the clutch a little to avoid shock to the drivetrain. So rev it up like you did, then slip the clutch just a little so that the transmission engages just for that split second before letting the clutch go. This loads up the drivetrain and helps to prevent unnecessary shock going through the system like it did when you dumped the clutch. Anyway, I really enjoyed this review and I agree whole heartedly with your statement - "don't be lazy, go get the manual and learn, or don't get this car at all". I mean, unless you're disabled / injured, there is no reason not to get the stick. You can even go through stop-and-go traffic with a manual - I do it all the time and don't even think about it. Learning manual isn't as hard as some people make it out to be. I learned the basics in less than a day, and was already hill starting and learning how to do rev matching within a week. Everything else from there came from everyday experience and listening to what the car was doing. You'll stall, you'll drive jerkily for the first hour or two - but once you figure it out, all that shit just clicks in. It's like riding a bicycle for the first time, your muscle memory learns on its own and it becomes, dare I say it, automatic.
Thanks for the tip! I tried a couple other launches later and figured out how to do it without that initial shock. I just didn't want to do it too much since the car belongs to a friend :) -Sofyan
It really bothers me that nobody who's bashing the CVT has even tried the manual mode using the paddle shifters. Sure you can't do a clutch dump, but aside from launching only 2 things are important: 1) Instant throttle response - you get this as long as the CVT is locked into a specific ratio and not changing ratios as you step on the gas, i.e. manual mode 2) Being in the right ratio at the right time - you get this in manual mode, and shifting is VERY responsive i.e. the ratio is changing as soon as you touch the paddle, unlike 99% of the traditional autos where you tell it to shift, it thinks for a second and then goes. That said, yes the 'full auto' modes (intelligent, sport, S#) are much less responsive because they only shift ratios in response to heavy throttle, which is always going to be too late.
A CVT is actually the only transmission that has ever been banned from motorsports so it is in fact the ideal transmission for racing, so much so that it was considered cheating. It just gets a bad rep because it appears most frequently in cheap, economical cars.
I know plenty of people at my work place who had a leg or foot/ankle injury, which left them stranded and unable to drive their manual car. They had to car pool. Also, I've spoke with plenty of older people at cars and coffee, who were once car enthusiasts, have opt for automatics at their older age. It just made more sense, and they mentioned they still get a joy out of driving their automatic muscle/sports/exotic car. I've learned to appreciate and take joy in driving an auto over a manual (though I don't mind manuals myself, but autos do just makes more sense and is more practical).
Just test drive this wrx with auto transmission. Now i think it depends on who drives the car. All I can say is that I luv it! For everyday driving intelligent mode and for more happy hours go sports sharp in manual mode. Luvu it. Order mine in red with aero pack.
Been waiting for this for ever! Thanks for the honest opinion Sofyan. The fact that you compared the CVT and Manual back to back really helped showcase the difference. Did you try the 6-speed mimicking Sport(S) mode at all? was it better or worse than the Sport Sharp (S#) mode?
I recently got the WRX 2017 Limited myself and learned how to drive stick on it cause i HATED the feel of the CVT when test driving. I've driven stick previously for ~ 20 miles so i had an understanding how to drive stick, but maybe not as much as i should have when i drove it home on some nasty hills, but I know you didn't have the stick for long and would love to comment saying the Hill Assist system was a godsend to learn that 'difficult clutch' as you described.
Whoo... great job comparing the CVT - in fact brilliant to do what most wouldn't - drive the CVT and give your honest opinion, beginning with an open mind.
Between the Redline Review of the Subaru WRX and subaruwrxfan's Subaru WRX Premium review, these two videos are my favorite overview of the WRX. I'm currently driving a 1998 Honda Accord, been with it since just before my high school graduation in 2014. It'll be 3 years after graduating from tech school next May, and I'm looking into either the WRX or the Civic SI. Haven't looked as much into the SI as I have with the WRX, but I'm looking forward to testing this bad boy out!
Not that I took the time to scroll thru all the comments, but it seems like people have already tired of complaining about Subaru not making the hatchback version anymore. C'mon people, has your adult a.d.d. gotten the best of you ? Its only been about 2 years since they stopped making the hatch version. Bring back the hatchback model Subaru !
I always like the WRX, I was watching the video until I realized it was cvt, which I thing is the proper choice if you have to daily deal with traffic (as in my country), or as you say, if you don't know how to drive a manual transmission. I think if you want performance, go for the manual. Excellent video Sofyan, I always like your reviews. Keep it that way. Greetings from El Salvador
i actually booked to test drive the cvt as i wanted to keep the wife happy but all the things you said was exactly what i was thinking .NO cvt! just doesn't seem right .Il buy the 6spd .Great review too love your honesty
I have a 2015 legacy limited and the interior is leaps and bounds nicer than this. Its kind of a let down how bland the interiors in these are considering its an entry level sports car 😔
I agree with you, cvt is not the best choice if you want performance, it's ok to deal with traffic, if you like to have fun driving on a curvy road, manual is the proper choice.
He just forgot about those paddle shifters attached to the steering wheel, along with the manual mode easily seen on the stick shifter. You'll have to wait extra time before he gets to that part! XD
Actually, the CVT is wonderful and this video person really misses that fact. Otherwise, great video. Opionion only - but try the cvt....one traffic jam in your life....and you will understand. Day to day, the shifting of the paddles is perhaps faster....really. Eyesight is amazing. And, add better paddles and voila...more of a ferrari feel. :) Do S# in manual mode with a dvt and you lose nothing with CVT (or S). Not sure the comments are really fair.
You were incorrect when you said the Toyota Prius uses a CVT. It uses a power split device which Toyota dubs the e-CVT. It uses planetary gears and combines the input of the electric motor(s) and engine to produce a single output. It behaves like a CVT in 99% of situations but it actually does have gears.
CVT, dual clutch, paddle shifters are great for 2 things: Race tracks and texting while driving. Both of which you don't do on a regular basis (race track) and should never do (texting while driving)
24:15 - 25:40 is the entire reason I am interested in this car. You let the car drive itself in traffic, and then when the road clears, you chuck it into a turn and enjoy a country road. If you can find a better daily driver than this for under $40k, I'd like to know. If you really need to row your own, find a cheap NB Miata for the weekend. I plan to.
a better daily for under 40K? how about a Bug-eye STi for less then 11K oh and dont even get me started on the Corolla XRS, Ford Focus 3rd gen, Subaru Crosstrek, V6 Camry, V6 Accord (V-tec YO), a Mazdaspeed 6/3. Shall i Continue?
TechJunkie none of those have full speed adaptive cruise. I congratulate you on living in a place where traffic isn't slowly killing your desire to drive.
I technically don't have a license but I have driven plenty of times and I've never used cruise control, but in the end you like the Subaru WRX and I like a Ford Fusion 1.5 with a 6 Speed manual
TechJunkie look, kid. I respect your taste in cars. I like a miata with a six speed on a curvy road. But when you have a full time job and your 30 mine drive every morning and afternoon consists of inching forward every few seconds, you'll appreciate the value of a car that can handle that for you, but still have some semblance of fun on those Canyon roads when the weekend comes. That was the entire point of my post and what I'm trying to suggest to everyone in here who can't see past two pedals on this car.
Was waiting for this review!! aww I just hope you reviewed a manual. Wanted to know what you thought about its transmission and the rev hang :/ Trying to decide between WRX manual or Accord v6 manual.
That really depends on how you're planning to use this car everyday. If you plan to regularly use the back seats, we'd recommend the WRX. If you need AWD and are okay with a car that rides harsher and is louder, the Subaru is the better choice. However, if you want something more refined with a quieter interior and softer ride, the Accord coupe would be more ideal. The Honda won't handle as well and the lack of a limited slip diff really makes it difficult to put that V6 power down. The Accord is more of a relaxed highway commuter car that can go fast in a straight line, while the WRX is more focused, sharper but is a bit harder to live with everyday if you are constantly on the highway or drive frequently on broken pavement from the stiffer ride and noisier cabin. Both are roughly even in a drag race though. Test drive both and see which one you prefer most. Good luck!
He does review a manual, albeit briefly towards the end. I would pick the WRX everyday over the Accord V6 coupe if you value driving enjoyment and AWD more.
How ? I mean I don’t know much about tuning or cars in general lol but the WRX seems appeasing. I want to get the WRX and just add an exhaust and intake.
Okay, are you guys upset because it's a cvt or just an auto in general? Because, CVT is more efficient than the standard automatic transmission. Engineering Explained has a pretty good video on it.
the CVT has so much potential, however. I agree, the CVT has such a boring feel, but if they just made them for higher torque and power applications, and get rid of that initial lag off the line, it could theoretically be the fastest transmission out there.
I'm glad he review a manual transmission in the middle of his video. I wasn't about to watch the whole thing cause the CVT doesn't do this car any justice.
Excellent overview. Well spoken, very professional, very descriptive, large range of chosen spoken words, intelligently presented, accurate information. Just really well done. Thanks for the vid.
Except for the part where he was completely oblivious about the paddle shifters and the easily-accessible manual mode via the stick shifter. His kvetching over CVT before that fact makes him seem subjective.
He said Harmon Carmen stereo and referred to the car as an sti because he can’t stop talking for 12 seconds. He’s clearly not well informed and just filling the air with words.
The manual is soo much better than the cvt in this car. Its not a bad transmission tho. Driving home from work sometimes I wish that I had the cvt cuz you definitely will get a mini leg workout with the clutch.
Nice video, I test drove the CVT end up getting the M6 if my commute was 2 hours of traffic as is common in the DMV area probably would have gotten the CVT.
lol people acting surprised about the cvt even though it's been out for over a year. I guess yall aren't really in the know and are just posers. and from what I've seen from different owners actually like the cvt and say it performs well.
I traded in a 5MT Impreza Sport for my WRX CVT. Great car, it is an awesome daily driver, and the CVT is totally fine. If you are not tracking it, get whatever you want, I would not trade for a 6MT personally, I can drive a stick, I just don't need to and enjoy my car for what it is.
No one who is a car enthusiast enjoys a CVT. They are great in certain circumstances and can be good for economy but they are in no way entertaining to drive
+Onoff314 'cept me, and most other WRX CVT owners. But keep making universal statements if it makes you feel good, you don't have to be right all the time.
Like I said, you can have your opinion, but you can't speak for those of us who own them. Who has better qualifications to speak about them, you who test drove one or me who has 20k driving experience with one? Oh, you are an anonymous internet pro, you obviously should speak for us...
I use to really want a WRX, but I lost all interest in this model when Subaru dropped the hatch variant. Also, I'd just *never* buy a CVT, ever, especially in a performance oriented vehicle.
Watching this , I do see the difference between the manual transmission versus automatic, but somebody like me I would get the CVT one because of the excellent features but also the CVT helps with better gas mileage and doing to that I have straight highway to and from work but heavy traffic at times so me personally would do CVT automatic
I really think CVTs can be useful and very efficient transmissions if they get developed further, but for now there's just too much of a delay - and what's the point of simulating shifting from a conventional automatic? If Subaru really wants this a performance car, offer it with the usual manual and DCT, or at least a conventional 6 or 8 speed auto until they can make the DCT more performance oriented. Though with cost savings, shared parts, how much volume they do on their "normal" cars, it'll probably never happen
You think $36,000 is expensive? Try $70,000 for a ESX STI "Red Dragon" at a San Francisco peninsula area Subaru dealership. They also price their WRXs at around $35,000, and the STIs at $40,000!
The CVT isn't really that bad tbh. Very responsive in S# mode; crap in I or S mode. I owned a 2016 WRX CVT for 3 years. The only problem was that it was HARSH. If you live in an area with lots of pot-holes (i.e. any where there is a lot of snow), this thing will destroy your ass and back. Traded it in for an Acura TLX A-spec (that Sofyan also reviewed). Absolutely love it.
The BRZ is definitely still the more fun car because of the rear-drive and lighter feel. The WRX is fun but in a different way, the AWD allows it to claw its way out of corners whereas the BRZ will drift its way around them so easily. The WRX is way more practical and you could use it all-year round with the right tires. Both are fun in their own ways, personally, I would love to see the WRX motor in the BRZ :) -Sofyan
I kind of like Subarus but they are going the completely opposite way they should with WRX's and STI's, in my opinion. They should still have a hatchback and should never offer a cvt. Do they realize how much cars they'd sell if they offered the hatchback again?
So what do you think people who can't drive manual due to disability or injury do? I'm not saying i would get a cvt but i'm not other people who want a fun car but are not fortunate enough to drive a manual.
I'd like to agree with you, and I love hatchbacks too (I drive a hatchback right now), but logically speaking it made sense for Subaru to drop the hatchback. Hear me out. Development / testing / certification are extremely expensive for any car manufacturer, and even more so for Subaru as it isn't a big company. Its money and engineering resources are limited as they are, and spreading them between 4 different models (hatch WRX, hatch STi, sedan WRX, sedan STi) was killing them financially, and it also results in their engineering focus being spread thin between the 4. They were never able to fully focus on one model and bring it to new heights because they simply didn't have enough bandwidth to do it before having to switch to working on the next body style for the WRX / STi. As for certification, well, you have to certify each body style separately even though their drivetrains are similar. I'm talking EPA certification (probably), crash testing, weather testing, traction testing, track testing, etc. That's not even including the issues that the 2 extra models must have been causing on the production line when they have to source different wing spoilers for the hatch WRX / STi, stamp different panels, etc. Therefore, somewhere along the way, the decision was made to work exclusively on the sedan versions of the WRX and STi, and look at how much improved they are compared to the previous models (except for the EJ257 in the STi). They gained much sleeker styling, a way better interior, better handling, better steering, a 6 speed for the WRX + CVT, FA engine for the WRX, etc. I'd love a hatchback STi, but chances are (and based on some leaked product plans), the sedan will keep going until 2023, when the end of production will be for the next gen WRX / STi....
+xItsmeFirex a normal automatic or a dual clutch like many other manufacturers. A CVT that is highly unpleasant does not seem ideal in a "sporty" car, especially when it doesn't even improve fuel economy.
there is absolutely no reason to not get the 6sp manual. I was new to manual cars and I got the 6sp manual anyway, stalled a few times the first week but after that its been smooth sailing. lots of fun.
Auto can be better in terms of acceleration in some situations, it doesn't lose the boost between gears. But yeah CVT's are kinda garbage. They could have stuck a nice 6 speed auto in it and it'd be decent.
The engine has a traditional rumble? Well the engineers changed the exhaust pipe length on this new engine so that it doesn't have the traditional boxer rumble anymore (they did that because they could get more performance out of the engine by changing the manifold).
Yeah, it's an equal length header now, so that the exhaust pulses can be routed more efficiently to the twin scroll turbo (to improve throttle response).
Even though it doesn't really compare, I think Subaru's own Legacy 3.6R Limited is a better deal. Definitely not as fun to drive as the WRX, but more space, better MPG ratings (maybe not in the real world), similar power and features, and less expensive.
This is probably the only CVT transmission that I don't hate. I still prefer manual, but I'll give Subaru credit for making a CVT that doesn't handle like complete trash.
Not many great cars for this price range especially performance oriented that is for a family. Q50? Charger R/T? WRX? GTI? What would you choose just under $40k with an auto?
im glad you did a review of hthe cvt i was very curious on how it performed and it looks pretty poor i was hoping it would be snappy and tight like an altima 3.5 but obviosly not looks like if you want an easy sedan with automatic nissan , want sports get the mazda, but nobody turns down a volkswagen cause its to lush quiet and boring .its because they have terrible reliability and are more expensive. plus with the diesel gate they must have a lower customer satisfaction.
When you said "I have a little surprise for you later on in the video so stay with it". Oh please, don't even have to ask, CVT in a WRX? I was staying from the jump to see how this would work out. lol
You talking about "Subaru going the dual clutch route" is kind of funny considering the WRX is basically an economy car and a transmission like that has no place in this car, and if there even was an option the price would be way high. The CVT works just fine for people that want an automated transmission...
starting to think buying a 30K 2011 335 msport in 2015 was a mistake- might consider a 2016 wrx, looks nice, reliable sport sedan with manual fun trans
Considered the same thing, but my situation was a 32k 2012 335 msport package with 50k miles on it. Little bit faster than the wrx, but maintenance cost is another thing to worry about. At the end, I ordered and picked up my 2017 wrx 3 months ago.
Automatics do have a place for this car. I drive a lot and I’m not interested in driving a manual all the time. Admittedly if I lived in a warmer climate I’d consider it.
Hey Sofyan! Would you be willing to review my 2001 Honda Prelude Base? It's a 5-Speed manual and bone stock! I live in the NoVA area as well! Let me know!
I don't think I've ever seen RU-vid comments this bad. good God people, get over yourselves. and I've also noticed that there's countless comments from people oblivious to the fact that this video also features the manual version
From what I've heard, the 2015 WRX has a weak rear differential and it can't hold as much torque as the stock clutch can, rear differentials break all the time at the drag strip with a tune. does this change with the 2016 models?
