Because it was mostly Toyota. They called on Suburu for the engine, because flat engines sit nice and low, and the rest is history. Ordered a 23' BRZ myself.
My 2021 Subaru Legacy Touring XT with the 2.4 turbo (260 HP, 277 lb feet of torque) and a CVT does 0-60 in 6.1 seconds too. Nothing about it is performance tuned.
@@cgreenfield6655 Not sure about the stats on those but I suspect you're right. A 2009 WRX would absolutely spank this new one, I think those did 0-60 in the high 4s. Strange marketing choice to axe the STI and give us a watered down WRX.
They are going for effortless power and while nice--is not enough for an enthusiast.I just had a Mazda CX-30 turbo and just traded it in for a Kona N.But this should have been fster considering it is now a solid 40k plus car--its in stinger GT money for that price.
I like the earlier WRXs and STIs from the days when the EVO was it’s main rivalry. Subaru is slowly killing this thing off just like Mitsubishi did with EVO and Ford did with the 350hp Focus RS.
I just bought one, also have 2 bugeyes and a 2011 STi hatch. This brand new one wipes the floor of the others easily. It's so much better in real world use, sure it's ugly but hey it's a Subaru lol
I remember in 2004, John Davis and the motorweek team lamented the lack of a radio in the 2004 subaru wrx. now in 2022, they have a giant tablet that is an even worse infotainment because it lacks physical buttons for all hvac and media controls.
@@trapt29 Same here. Everyone crapping on it is unlikely to actually have one. It's a blast to drive and she gets right up and goes in inclement weather!
@@MonacellaGuitarProductions it is a blast to drive for sure. On the new global platform it’s mor refined and adult like. I love my ceramic white and the contrast with the black accents.
I got a grey 2022 wrx last week. Grey does match up with the cladding color. I LOVE this car. I did get CVT after driving a 5 speed Forester for 10 years… Lots of tech with CTV. SO fun to drive. Suspension is a bit harsh. My only criticism but I can live with that. Base model info screen is fine. idrive/sport/sport# feature works. The body of the car shifts sideways when you fire it up. It growls. It goes. What’s not to love?
Happy to report that the suspension will loosen up enough after break in. I’m 1700 miles into my black premium and I’m just infatuated. It’s a shame people will write this car off for stats on paper and pretending every wrx has been a work of art. This reaction happens every single generation. I threw 20mm spacers on the stock 18’s, vortex generator and the black performance grill. After getting it back from ceramic coat, I think those mods did wonders for the aesthetic. While Plastic might not have been the way to go, I appreciate the contrast and function over painted fenders where most of the abuse kicks up against anyways,
unbelievable! Just test drove one and I couldn't believe if felt slower than my wrong wheel drive stock mk7 GTI! I am no joking! Look for the tets drive. Few good positives! No body roll, near zero turbo lag and a actual very quiet cabin. That's about it and that mpg doesn't make it any better. Subaru just killed it!
I’m not surprised it felt slower than a GTI. The EA888 motor makes effortless power everywhere. The Subaru FA24F makes more power 271 hp vs 210/220 hp but feels lethargic and flat (no pun intended lol)
@@thrillhousecycling7260 I somewhat do. In our training materials, they are really getting us ready for electric. They put the minimal effort required into the new WRX, so they can focus on the new Solterra and the electric STI.
@@calvin- Thanks for this - that's more or less been my hunch. Minimal R&D funnelled into next/last generation of a very old school ICE car, funds diverted elsewhere for electric. It's a shame, but not unexpected. Hyundai (and to a somewhat lesser extent, Toyota) seem like the only two companies really pumping cash into cool ICE performance cars in these final days (brand building for the N and GR divisions, I suppose). Hopefully that electric STI brings something interesting to the table... but not holding my breath.
@@martinr8278 I doubt he would want to disclose that online when he just criticized the new wrx. We all know how fanatical some subie fans can be. Don't want them trying to do something stupid like trying to track this guy down and harass him. I doubt they would, but you never know these days.
Many cars require a shift to 3rd before 60. MW doesn’t typically subject their test cars to a 6,000 rpm clutch drop like Car and Driver (that’s why I love them lol). 6.1 sec is more indicative of a 5-60 street start. Grenade the clutch and a 4.8-5.3 is probably possible on your way to the dealership to replace the clutch.
Looks well but in today’s market it doesn’t stand a chance, you can get a Toyota Yaris 1.6 (3 cylinder) with 260 bhp plus most two litre hot hatches come standard with 300 bhp - it’s a shame but too little too late !
Reality: No transmission is loathed more by enthusiasts than a CVT. Subaru USA: The community has spoken and we deliver. The range topping WRX geared towards enthusiasts is available exclusively with a CVT and has an MSRP of $10-12K above Base and Premium models.
Few people on the internet do not speak for the majority of us Subaru owners. I've owned 8 Subarus with the CVT. Currently the 22 outback wilderness. I've put hundreds of thousands of miles on that transmission without fail. It's the best in the business. It's the future of auto.
@@teabag3854 I've had NO ISSUES with mine, with shifts being suitably crisp for highway traffic situations. HOWEVER, I'm thinking that the 'future of auto' transmissions may be dimmed by direct drive electric motors.
I waited 3 years for the new sti to come out and when they announced no sti would be produced i went out and bought a gtr. Too bad Subaru didn’t keep its word on making them.
Only thing i can think is there will be a performance variant (I know they aren't bringing an STI out) because otherwise, at this point, 14.6 quarter mile is slower than even the new BRZ/GR86, the once might WRX is now just a quick Impreza. I am sure the 2.4 is a better upgrade to the inconsistent 2.0, but jeez, as a previous owner of a 2005 STI and a 2018 WRX, ive no interest in this new WRX.
...but you still need to launch the car like you hate it and beat the living daylights out of it from there...heritage is one thing, but continuing (wrc glory) heritage is something else. The new car has potential, but you have to work really hard, almost too hard, to get its heritage performance. This road car is far from a rally car, very far.
I got 5.3 with a hard launch after I broke it in (1000 miles). So much smoother than the previous gen throughout the range. I also average 27 in mixed driving. I'm happy with it, and I've had 2 previous gens. It's more grown up as I've grown up.
Still baffled why Subaru chose to not bring an STi version of this car to the market. Especially when Gazoo Racing and Nismo look likely to have a big year or two ahead of them. Perhaps with a lot of wishful thinking they will bring an STi BRZ to the US market to help fill the void.
Had an Outback for over 11 years, powered by the EJ25 engine. The only gripe I had with that car was the oil consumption got to be so bad that it fouled the cat. Twice. Enough for me to cut bait with that car, and it was immaculate and extraordinarily maintained over that time. Now the Outback isn't even available with a stick (as mine was), and I'll not be back because of this ONE option that's no longer available. Pity, as it was otherwise a great car.
Excellent point on the lack of manual option. It's this reason why nearly four years ago I bought a clapped out 09' outback with a 5 speed. I'm maybe the the third of fourth owner and I've had just about everything under the hood done to it, head gaskets,timing belt,water pump, drive shafts, viscous coupling and more. I like driving stick and this car has just enough ground clearance and the ability to two my 14 ft. aluminum boat to a tidal boat landing. I use for work to go clamming and I even load it up with firewood. I treat the car like a Tacoma! Unfortunately she does burn oil, about 1 and half quarts every 3k miles between oil changes and that's using conventional oil. Doesn't make a ton of power but it's a fun practical car to drive that can be lightly offroaded and never gets stuck. I hate the fact that it will eventually have to be replaced with something that has a auto transmission. Just pathetic but I guess that's the way society is heading.
This is a very complementary review…as usual with MotorWeek. I’m on my 3rd WRX, currently a 2021 Limited, and IMO Subaru missed an opportunity to upgrade this current generation. Maybe just maybe we’ll see some more tweaks for 23-24…hopefully so.
@@JDMHaze This thing eats the VAs easily. I just upgraded from my 2019 WRX to this, also have multiple others in my other garages. So last night I raced a 2021 STi and we were bumper to bumper until about 110mph, after that I started to walk away because of better aero I assume. This morning on the way to work I raced a 2018 VA WRX and walked away right away. Hands down, stock for stock this is the best performing WRX ever made. But yea, it's ugly and I love that haha
@@JDMHaze This thing eats the VAs easily. I just upgraded from my 2019 WRX to this, also have multiple others in my other garages. So last night I raced a 2021 STi and we were bumper to bumper until about 110mph, after that I started to walk away because of better aero I assume. This morning on the way to work I raced a 2018 VA WRX and walked away right away. Hands down, stock for stock this is the best performing WRX ever made. But yea, it's ugly and I love that haha
Yeah they kept the analog gauges because Subaru is too lazy to evolve this car into something amazing. Too lazy to paint the trim pieces, don’t give me that off-road bs excuse either. They’re too lazy to make significant changes to their engine, 3hp increase, exact same torque, outdated interior, seats have carryover GR/GV WRX font stitched on headrests, shifter is the exact same. Goes to 0-60 at about the same or slightly slower than the last. Price went up, highest trim is 40k+ and CVT only. Worse MPGs now down to 19 city and premium only requirement. Wheels are horrendous as is the stock ride height. There’s more but it’s just a long list of why this car sucks ass and that’s coming from someone who’s owned 3 wrxs and one last gen STi.
As a WRX owner, what a major disappointment! 6,000 rpm redline is a joke. A 6.1 sec to 60 mph, that's barely better than a Civic si. With the crappy styling, you would think the boosted 4cyl would be weapons grade. It is frightening that Japanese manufacturers are so behind the Germans' on performance.
They're behind everyone right now. Americans and Koreans are leading the charge on affordable, yet amazing cars. The Europeans are still owning the premium market. Japanese car brands just seem to be shitting the bed lately imo. The new z is cool, but even that apparently has somewhat disappointing performance numbers.
You'd almost have to get this car in a dark color so the plastic cladding doesn't stand out so much. This doesn't really look like a "rally" car.. more or less a confused civic.
I get what you are saying: I have an older Legacy sedan (and I love it). This looks like a 'sporterized' version of that. (So, I would probably buy one.) I would need the automatic transmission because my legs have proven to be too short to operate the clutch for every iteration of this model.
One error. The SPT is their new CVT which they're doing everything they can to avoid calling a CVT. Though I have heard good things.. It's still a CVT.
@@Turbolious - And those screens will then play ads when you're at a stop light, unless you stump up $19.99 per month for the Subaru "Premium ad-free Experience..."
Yep and how exactly can this be a great review at only 6 min. long?...all these posters on here gushing over John Davis reviewing their favorite car and just skimming over the details...I don't get it. This car review is lacking a lot.
5.4 to 5.6 secs 0 to 60 in my 300lb lighter 22 base model with those amazing dunlop sport maxx 600a tires. Half the boost psi than the outgoing? You choices for 30k. Dodge rt, civic si or this. You choose
This is slightly disappointing. My 22 Outback XT Limited does 0-60 in 5.8 and I average 26 mpg, easily over 30 on the highway, it takes regular 87 octane gas, and it’s the same price. 🤷🏻♂️🙈
Subaru is incapable of creating an attractive vehicle all on their own, this thing looks terrible just like the rest of their lineup. The WRX used to be something, now it's just expensive and underwhelming.
you can look up the retro motorweek review of the 2002 wrx. this one is slower to 60 and the quartermile, but has a higher trap speed. LOL, this is why i bought a golf r, 20 years and almost zero advancement, the interior isnt even nice to make up for the stagnant performance numbers.
The time lost in the VB is entirely in 1st gear, 0-20mph-ish, because you can't get boost in first gear anymore to protect the clutch. Older WRX's (before the VA was retuned in...2019?) limited boost in first gear, but would still give you around 10psi. If you look at the instrumented testing C&D did, the 5-60 time beats any other WRX and is closer to the GR Corolla than the power/weight would indicate. No matter how hard I accelerate from a standstill, I've never seen the VB leave vacuum in first gear. Then it will give me almost 13psi in 2nd and 3rd before limiting it to around 10psi in 4th.
So they redesigned the car with a bigger engine and more power yet it is slower than last generation or even my WRX from 2004, they make it unattractive especially with the rear tail lights they stole from previous generation Honda Civic and it is more expensive. Yet when it does not sell they say people just don't want to drive manual transmissions anymore. What a disappointment. Great video as always thanks for the great work.
As someone who JUST sold his beloved 2007 Subaru Forester XT Sports Turbo 5 speed, let me just say that Subaru is QUICKLY going backwards. My nephew bought a 2021 WRX and he's the type of guy who literally checks tire pressures like every other day... He's a maintenance nut. Imagine his surprise when within 10,000 miles the turbo had seized along with the engine requiring a whole new block. Was he drag racing it or driving like an idiot?? Nope, he was just driving to work. Granted the ride and build quality on the newer Subarus is outstanding but their mechanical stuff is just garbage. Sad.
Haters gonna hate. That being said, this is more a lateral move from the previous generation WRX. It's also a much nicer car to drive and the throttle mapping is more user-friendly. We sold through our first available batch in less than a week.
@@Turbolious that's awesome! I'm a little nervous to do that without a tune. My Mazda speed was turbo back exhaust catless, top mount, purple drank tuned for e30. I'm just enjoying the ride for now I might do a couple mods on the future.
@@DylanVBWRX yep. I drive these solely for the AWD. I live in northern Canada where there is 3 feet of snow, couldnt care less about a 0-60 in a straight line. People are naming a bunch of vehicles that are supposedly “faster” than this, but none of those cars would make it out of my driveway in the winter.😂
People don't know or have forgotten what the orginal GC8, or even the GDA platform for that matter, were all about. They were small, simple, characterful sporty cars. They had long travel suspension, a fruity exhaust note and gobs of personality. The head gasket issues asside, they were rock solid reliable as long as you didn't push the boost too much. They weren't the fastest but could attack a rough bumpy road and be glued to the surface regardless of what was thrown at them. In Rally form, these same vehicles could allow a transmission removal in 12 minutes! They were designed to be punished and take abuse. I enjoyed modifying my wrx over a span of 15 years and still have it. I enjoy driving it still, especially now as cars are so boring. But people like me cannot support an entire product line and subsequent models were slowly gutted of what made them special imo.
Good review disappointing car as Subaru clearly held back what could have been a great last generation. I noticed you guys got the color that hides the the plastic the best.
@@martinr8278 most of my cars have been Subarus and I’ve had two WRXs, I’ve also gone to Subaru events such as Boxerfest multiple times and I love Subarus. I think I qualify as a true enthusiast even if not everyone agrees with my opinion. 😊
Anything fun to drive usually has poor mpg so I won't harp on them for that. Especially since this will still get better milage than my 2016 STI. I think the problem here is that it isn't keeping up with the power gains of the average road car over the last 20 years, and with no STI version this time around, modifying the car is the only way to break into the 300 horsepower range. A spot where pretty much every modern sports car should be.
You have one? I believe a comment like that would only come from someone who owns a Subaru, not by just watching a video and commenting on things they don’t know
