What do you reckon, does this new-generation WRX arrive as a fitting continuation of the legendary badge? Tell us below, and read the full review here: www.whichcar.com.au/reviews/2022-subaru-wrx-review-australian-first-drive
I own one picked it up s few weeks ago. I have owned two sti. 2018 STi and a new 2020. Sold it. Bought this. This has no rev hang drives incredibly. It’s a better car In Terms of a better drivers car. It wants you to drive it. I love the sti but it was unfinished. This is far more driver friendly and fun to take out. Plus the engine perhaps won’t break on you as the sti have done to many. But let’s see. I’ve only had it for a few months. Wished they had an Sti version then that would be a differed game. Good review nonetheless.
The new WRX has received hate that isn't consistent. People hate the car for not being sophisticated and modern like a Civic Si or VW GTi, yet they claim the WRX has gotten too soft. People hate the car because it doesn't have the peaky, narrow power band of the last version, but complain it only has a 3 hp increase. People hate the fact that there is no STi this time around, yet this car (according to C&D numbers, it just about as fast as the last gen. STi. People hate the styling, but cannot point to a Subaru (any Subaru) that is well styled. The worst of these hate posts are from those who have never driven any WRX (I'd venture a few don't even have drivers license yet) or would ever buy one. There are ZERO other AWD cars on the market that give you 271 hp and a 6 sp manual for $30k and have the galactic scale catalog of go-fast and appearance accessories that the WRX has. GR Corrola? CTR? Golf R? Try getting any one of them for less than $40k, and the latter two, $45k. Impressive cars all, but none of them are really hot hatches anymore, they lack the AFFORDABILTY quality that defines "hot hatch".
So many stupid comments . Having taken delivery on new model (manual) and having owned the previous model in base trim , this 2.4L is a significant improvement . I’m glad I don’t get idiot tech as I’m fortunate my creator gave me eyes. The torque comes on much sooner and it holds on to red line . Much stiffer and steering is better. It’s not a track car. At 50k all in it had no rival . I live on Great Ocean Road and through wet corners this leaves front wheel drives hitting Armco if they try to keep up. A vastly improved interior and the steering responsive LEDs are bonuses. I like the cladding and got white. I agree the rear lights are not it’s best feature. But I don’t buy this car simply to look at parked. Anyone saying the previous model is better are in the crack pipe. I suspect it had prodigious tuning potential but I like my warranty . I suspect the CVT couldn’t handle much more. I agree it lacks engine noise but an axle back would easily fix. Would you rather hideous piped in noise like BRZ?? I didn’t expect it to be as good as it .. I listened to too many journos online. Rear air vents ??
I have a pre order for the wrx sportswagon TS. I owned a 2009 Wrx hatch and then moved to my current rear drive m135i BMW hatch back in 2014. My circumstance has changed and need an all wheel drive again. Man I will miss my m135i. I test drove the wrx sportswagon TS a couple of weekends ago had to concede I’m now older and need to compromise. The 0-100 via my car app on my iPhone for the wrx sportswagon was 7.6 seconds and for my m135i is 4.7 seconds. I nearly cried but reminded myself I need a family car these days that can go on muddy roads often and cart my sons sporting gear. The CVT was better than I remember especially in manual mode. The driving experience with the wagon in a twisty hilly test drive road was actually good. Not quite as good as the m135i but safe and the mature dad comprise makes it just acceptable.
The boxer sound relies on uneven length headers on the motor and that was not the most efficient way to expel exhaust gases. The latter cars have equal length headers, thats why the sound isn't so great. So you can't really do anything about the sound, unless you make the engine less efficient. Your call.
I received my 2023 WRX manual in December and have had some time to get to know it. As someone who has owned AWD performance cars from other manufacturers (Mazda, Mitsubishi etc) I have found the rigidity, corner stability and all round grip class leading in a stock car. The grip is so good it makes the engine feel underpowered, like there isn't enough HP to get beyond the handling limits. Some may feel this is a good thing though. It isn't slow, but it isn't amazingly quick either. Fortunately there are plenty of after market companies jumping straight into the new WRX, researching and developing all the modifications you could ever want. For $50k drive away, the base model manual has everything you need, and the bits you miss out on (Harmon Kardon Stereo, leather seats etc) are really not that great and many would upgrade them anyway (especially the stereo) Ultimately, I have zero regrets and can't wait to bump up the power a bit (20% increase is as easy as a retune), upgrade the speakers and add a small sub (10 inch). I feel that is all it needs to be near perfect. Cosmetically, it is attractive enough to me, but some wider wheels with maybe a 20mm drop would really set it off.
It's a nice car. The Premium level in US is pretty much the best one. 6MT. Above premium is a waste of money, if I'm not using auto anything--braking, lane keep, etc.
Cant believe Subaru didn't accentuate the boxer "rumble" exhaust note ......given the competitions pops and bangs you get from a Hyundai i30N for instance this is a lost opportunity to give the WRX a fun factor.
Manual misses out on adaptive cruise. Instant pass in 2022. I’m a wrx tragic. Owned 4, 3 brand new. I’m a family man now and want some fun. We have cx9 for family duties. The price has gone up massively, which I’m sure is Subarus way of positioning the $75k+ STi when it inevitably drops. But for now we have the wrx in different specs. It needs to be quicker. If it wants the splash it made in the 90s we can’t be getting hosed by a golf, which feels more premium in every way. Currently a Tiguan 162TSI owner, it needs to offer a real boost to get me (back) onboard. Looks good. Hate the planned obsolescence front number with black plastic for the inevitable colour change in the 0.5. And as a potential wagon buyer, no guards and Corolla rims?! Great, great review my man.
Nice review Alex, personally the more I see of the new Rex the more frustrated I am with Subaru and their truly abysmal effort for this gen. When other car companies are creating a cheeky snap, crackle and pop! from their exhaust systems, Subaru decides that what we really want from our compact sports is a sweet hair dryer sound. Yet most frustratingly they are offering a negligible increase in performance, an interior that already looks 5 yrs old, an exterior that only a mother could love but have the nerve to demand a 10%+ price increase…..for what? Full disclosure I’m an MY18 Premium owner who was super excited to swap out prior to its release…..so disappointed.
those snap / crackle / pop hyundai exhausts are dumb. I don't like the new WRX either, but would still prefer that since at least it's more tunable. There is still a strong modding scene (in terms of parts, mods, development etc) for Subies. Hyundai modding scene is crap / non-existent in comparison.
The Subaru all wheel drive is superior to the offerings from competitors. Perhaps the VW is as good. For me the turbo outback with its ground clearance is what I’m going to purchase.
When I ordered my 2021 STI I pondered a lot if it was the correct decision. The plastics can be painted in and looks fine once that happens. But after seeing and sitting in both the sedan and wagon it just doesn't feel like a WRX. The high middle console, Volvo air vents and large display just feels like any other mid size sedan. The old model has more character, like the cog looking surrounds in the instrument cluster gauges or featured as separate boost LCD display. I am glad I got the previous generation, if I wanted lots of tech and a quicker car with no soul, I would have got a Audi.
Likely great resale as well since you've likely got the last pure petrol STI. I suspect there will be demand for them when the electrified one comes with the next generation.
it won't sound like it used to because of all the emission standards and noise standards factory has to comply with. Trust me though, slap a catback titanium full exhaust and everything opens up.
you mention the rear seat, knee room, and toe room maybe lacking a little head room but looking at you sitting there, where is the mention of what appears to be lacking, under leg support, the angle of your body (legs) in relation to the rear seat cushion does seem to be something that most people of the same height (like myself) would have an issue with if you were to be seated correctly (as in thighs touching the seat base) how is the leg room then?
I've driven both back to back. If you want a clutch, so you can give it a kick or clutch in to handbrake turn, the manual is your only option. Otherwise, the cvt is great, the gear changes are really sharp and fun to drive swiftly. Anyone you know will be able to drive it in a pinch. There's a lot to like about the cvt.
@@sickamickanico Well that's good to hear. The auto/CVT seems the better choice as you get more safety tech. I just worry about the lag and how be well it be shifts compared to the manual. But I keep hearing the new Subaru CVT is actually pretty good.
@@dreaminofthedrive5343 I pre-ordered the base model manual sedan on the day pre-orders open (dealer says I won't get it till July.. probably). So I can't say how either drive. But I do know from all the reviews and assessments I've seen from US mod sites that the FA24 is seriously under-tuned with only 202kW/350Nm output. The reason is primarily because the CVT cannot take anymore power (especially torque) than this. Which means if you plan to mod your vehicle and tune it, you really only have the option of the manual.
Random question, do you think you can get the 245 tyres from the sedan on the wagon or would you need the beefier quarter panels from the sedan as well?
Prices aren’t accurate add 5k min stock. I m not confident Wheels magazine reviews are that objective, I’d love a candid review. I’ve just priced the ts with minimal trim (I’d expect on there for the price already , added 4K. Including the arbitrary dealership price 67k + titanium exhaust this is more than an sti without the tuning - kind of a big rip off
hahahaha just a few mods will transform this car, 2023WRX 6 speed. 1st oil change new exhaust, 2nd oil change, BW short shifter wow..Steering wheel upgrade nice, Perrin intake stock tune wow cool noise also. next is lift and wheels
No more boxer rumble because of the equal length headers needed for the twin scroll turbo. It's been this way since the MY15/FA20 engine was introduced. However Subaru has given up on the enthusiast, they just want to sell Karen mobiles.
Yes, I admit I am a combustion engine guy. I consider a car a car if there is rumble of the cylinder/rotors, the suction of the carburators, the pop and the growl of the exhaust, otherwise it's just a washing machine for me. Buuut, imagine Evo making a comeback with an electric motor. (raised eyebrows)
Had one pull up on my 06 hawk at the light. He gave me the ol wanna go look and thats as close to passing me as he got. Looks like a corolla butt f#$%@# a civic tbh. Turned onto a real retirement car fr
Was very very lucky to get a Subaru WRX STI spec R MY 2020 I'm not a very big fan of this new generation WRX. Sounds like this new generation WRX has equal length headers, when I test drive one about 6 months ago. It was even the manual version I tested. This new generation WRX doesn't feel like a performance car at all to be honest, just feels like a regular manual car now 😥
Just drove an auto version of the new WRX TS $62,000aud($44,000us) drive away price. It felt so limp and soft, its also so quiet, what happened? My old Camry Sportivo was far more fun and aggressive on launch. For the price, this car is nowhere near my 370Z, so disappointed. I thought it was a joke but the new V6 Camry would smoke you, if you are in this new WRX.
no wireless connectivity kills it for me. It's 2022...... extremely dumb decision. and not enough buttons. pretty pathetic design for something that is held in such high esteem. I mean it's not that terrible, but for a modern WRX? yes it's terrible.
The STI is already gone and I’m afraid the WRX isn’t that far behind. Not enough buyers are interested in sedans these days. Which brings me to the Forester. Subaru’s best seller. Chuck in a turbo and some go quick bits and price it reasonably and Subaru will have a winner on it’s hands. As long as they ditch the CVT 😖
Both the BRZ and WRX are so popular that the waiting period is up-to 6 months. I pre-ordered a WRX manual sedan in early April. They tell me it won't get here till July. So there is still a market for performance sedans, and they're selling every last one they can build.
Sorry to be the bad news bear, but, the WRX is not selling like hotcakes. Your 6 month delay is due to the world wide chip shortage that all car companies are suffering.
Who are you kidding? This looks just as terrible in person. Plus it performs worse than the outgoing WRX in every metric. Step backwards. Shame we can't get an honest review at Wheel a
You’re off your head mate it’s terrible …plastic wheel arches wtf , I own a my 19 wrx premium and I will not be buying a wrx civic Subaru WRX needs a new designer
