Is this still cheap fun? (Subaru WRX RS manual 2022 review) 

Hello, from the US. I just got this car in the same color as yours called Sapphire Blue here. It drives like a dream, has plenty of space to be a daily driver, and has the cladding to protect the paint from driving on dirt roads, snow, or wet asphalt. This is one of the few cars that actually looks good when it gets a bit dirty in my opinion. Sporty? Check! Capable? Check! Fun? Check! If you prefer form over function then this car might not be for you, but just about every design cue on this car has a functional reason for it. I’m loving my Wrx so far.

Thanks for the honest report young fellah - I’ve owned 10 Subarus of all types including WRX GC8 and two XT Foresters - I preferred the full cladding of my 1997 Forester as it protected the body work while navigated narrow bush tracks and gave a rugged can do appearance - the new WRX with full cladding looks fantastic and I think the revised body shape is well balanced and sporty - I would opt for a hatch/wagon in the new white sporty version and add wheel well cladding because the budget spec WRX wagon looks quite sanitised without the plastic trim.

You guys have WAY more options than we do in the states. We don’t even have auto folding mirrors… There are only three true models in the states; base, premium and limited. No wagons for us. also, the headlights that steer with the wheels are only available on the top limited trim here. That’s maddening!!

Exactly my point! Love driving a sporty manual car but I am getting too old for it. Even the cops ask if the car I’m driving is mine and not my son/daughter’s when I get pulled over 😬

WRX hasn't been based on the Impreza for a while now. It is on a platform that is shared with Forester and Outback.

You made an error mate, the mirrors fold automatically when you exit, you can turn that feature on and off in the settings.

Test-drove the sedan today and completely agree with your comments about the business of the suspension. The power and cornering were fantastic - but I could see the ride and comfort getting old pretty quickly.

Looking at these a year on now, I've noticed that they still haven't adapted the extra safety systems to the manual, and they have also removed the Harmon Kardon option from all but the top model, so if you want a manual, you have to make do with the standard Subaru 6 speaker system. I would have really liked AWD for the frequent inclement weather we have where I am, but the BRZ is looking like the far better option (I don't need the back seats).

Good review. I have the Limited version (US) in crystal Black Silica. I wouldn't paint any of the cladding even though if it came factory painted. Its a sedan/rugged/performance all in one. The cladding is a perfect addition to all of that

It was always going to look better in person than it ever did in photo's. Can't wait to get my Wagon. Actually I'm surprised at Toms dozy CVT response in his review. Compared to what we could have gotten, I reckon its pretty sharp

Good honest review. Sounds like the last gen, underdamped oversprung. Hard seats and terrible brakes. My recommendation is to buy a second hand BMW 340i. Faster, more comfy, better fuel consumption….better car by a mile.

I think older drivers should simply adapt their own physical fitness to suit sports cars with hard as nails suspension, rather than the other way round. Who cares how old you are, you should be able to handle a rough ride with no problems.

I test drove the WRX Sportswagon in TS trim and ordered one. The adaptive dampers in the wagon works well. The CVT was also better than previous models. I don’t care if it’s called a Levorg of WRX Sportswagon… Undertired and slow compared to my current BMW M135i…

If only that info screen was just a little bigger.

Chiming in from Japan, I have the new Levorg here and looking to also get a WRX (s4) or perhaps an older model STI. The product manager needs to be fired because as you mentioned, it makes no sense to have a “premium” model with no 6 speed option. Funnily enough Japan doesn’t even offer a manual transmission, and seems like they won’t because apparently they can’t get good gas mileage from the MT over the CVT. 🤦🏾‍♂️

The rear is really awful, hopefully they’ll sort out with a facelift in a year or two

Love the cladding!

When you show the fuel consumption in reviews you should note the RON. Given current petrol prices it's more relevant than ever.

If I hadn't bought one the last 2021 STI I'd absolutely get a WRX RS Manual in that colour, and just budget for a set of Bilstein dampers.

Great review. I’m looking forward to my new wrx rs in manual when it finally arrives. The Rex is still the best bang for your buck. Good luck keeping up with an old bloke like me in the wet , in a front wheel drive car 😂

2023 WRX you are right, wish it was little softer because this chassis is stiff, yep plenty grip in corners but feel every bump and seats are not that comfortable

No wireless Apple car play! My 2004 Holden has apple car play!

Just got my WRX and done just over 400kms andI am averaging 8.8L/100K _(Canada)_ _Though I am babying it until it is broken in._

Is it the same brakes as the last WRX? They look the same and they were downright shocking.

I was really excited before it’s release as I intended to trade my MY18 Premium Rex in….and then they released this monstrosity. It’s unbelievably confused, it’s part WRX, part XV and part Outback and totally overpriced. Reviewers haven’t touched on it much because it changes from state to state in Oz, but in SA a TS WRX is about $63500 out the door….my WRX was $52500…I’m sorry to those that love it and have purchased it but there is no way you have $11000 more car than me. Oh and mine gets 7.6/100 with a mix of city and highway driving, each morning to work over 35Km

Driven overnight to the Westfields movies approx 30km to the shopping centre from work, manual is quite stiff overall as the top range. Stiffer than previous VA chassis, gear shift throws is alot longer but wouldn't recommend a short shifter either. Manual should have gotten electric dampers to dampen overall comfort cause you can feel every bump on the road. Manual really need SI mode like STI, for a everyday car driving to and from work I would not get one but I would prefer VA STI instead as a daily. Automatic version of the WRX Sedan / Sportswagon is definitely more ideal and feels like Volkswagen Golf R changing settings on the spot, the suspension dampers are a game changer. Steering and power response is way smoother, lighter in I/C mode but S/S+ is more responsive in a linear pattern and sharper. But can be quite aggressive when it sometimes down shift a gear with a slight stutter but kinda normal for a CVT as its more chain driven

I really regret selling my modded '91 Liberty RS... although I'm getting close to 50 now and I'm probably too old to enjoy it the way I used to.

I am in the market for a small manual sedan, so my options are fairly limited. I took the new CVT WRX for a test drive and it was fine, but a bit too much like driving our 2019 Outback to be too exciting. I expect the manual is more engaging, but perhaps a Mazda 3 G25 GT might provide a better everyday experience and I could keep the extra $15,000 for the WRX in my pocket?

So close to being a good product. So just needs adaptive dampers in the manual, painted option for the side garnish and some better brakes.

On the other hand the GD/GG WRX were quite different, so the idea the WRX wagon 'should' still be called Levorg doesn't really make sense. Plus, last time I checked, New Zealand also gets the WRX sportswagon, so two countries!

Brilliant review as always - makes me go for a BRZ instead for ride as a certain age now where the ride is important and is what can make my Megane tiresome- give all models same specs and tyres and add adaptive dampers and manuals for the 3 trim levels and both body types if want to sell more 👍🤪

Love the channel guys. Audio was off with this one though (unusually) - too much clipping.

That suspension. Ugh! That fuel consumption in a modern vehicle! You must be joking! Makes a Dodge Phoenix look economical!

Rear air vents only available in CVT model??

I had a BRZ with that same stupid mirror switch where you had to press the switch to fold in the mirrors. The worst was when you switched off the engine then had to start it again to fold the mirrors if you had forgotten to do it first. The rear lower panel is too solid and could've done with some other imprints in the plastic and the lack of a boot handle to lower the lid is cheapness to the extreme. Your comment about that is the same as mine. Finger marks on the paint work to close the bootlid - aghhh.

Ive never heard a car reviewer say, 'steering wheel is too thick', although i have felt that myself on numerous new cars these days

I could care less about how it looks doesn't look that crazyly changed, More pleased with the rigid subframe and chassis and the extremely modifiable engine you could blow out, I think people will come around to this and see it as a blank canvas that has so much potential this is an off-roading machine as well now not some lowered concrete street scraper

Great review mate.

what color is this? it look so much better in this color

Great review.

Looks wise, gone are the glory days of the iconic Colin McRae WRX :(

The worst part of the new WRX is the horribly large center console screen.

I wonder if making the front stiffer by adding a strut tower bar will re-introduce the steering feel.

I know a shoe and watch guy when I see one.....

Sooooo much black plastic! It almost looks like they are trying to save money on paint! As for the car it seems a bit confused on what it is trying to be. It doesn't really sit comfortably as the performance flagship of the Subaru range any more. The upcoming Carolla GR is going to run rings around this and Subaru can't be bothered to make an STI model to compete against it.

Hey Nathan, we've ordered an RS sedan as our next family car. As ride and sharp handling is important to us, should we get the GT sportswagon instead? No Harmon Kardon on the sportswagon is almost a deal breaker at this price point.

Not sure what car you’re driving. I drove the same car & apart from a smooth drive I didn’t experience any of the things you claim.

A highway angled car and it doesnt have adaptive cruise! Plus a 2.4 and has lower numbers than some 2L Euros while max torque still starts 500rpm higher. This engine is so 2000 still Subaru.

Wow. 50k seams like a very tall ask for a ecconmy car draped in plastic with false key blanks and a 200kw 13lt/100km consumption. Struggle to see the target demographic for this car. Makes the outgoing BMW140i seem a bargain.

The fuel consumption is pretty shocking TBH... would be interesting to see how part throttle mapping tables could be leaned out a little. They will definitely be weapons with tune and exhaust though, most of the rev range is just 8psi

Nice shoes mate!

I sold my 2013 86 because I ran out of room having 3 kids, I was hoping in time there’d be some sort of new car targeted at those who like driving but need a bit more space/comfort and offer it manual. I think owning two cars - a drivers car and a commuting/kid car seems to be the answer based on what manufacturers are doing to their performance models. But that’s just not viable for many of us. The Hyundai N cars seem to be the only performance cars which don’t break the bank and have that balance of sport and comfort when you need it. That is if you can handle having the front wheels doing all the work… My response to comments on Nathan - I really like hearing a seasoned petrol head’s personal opinions on cars like this. I think I’m capable enough to disagree with what he says about some things and still enjoy/take value from the review. I could not (and do not) do a better job so keep up reviewing the less popular models, and plaster your opinions all over RU-vid till your hearts content. Still waiting on that Mazda sp25 or x20 manual review though.

Subaru product planners just don't seem to get it quite right. Nevertheless, one for the more mature boy racer who can handle the bumpy ride.

The ground clearance is better than last gen va wrx

What does RS stand for?

It looks like the manual WRX wouldn’t be able to get a 5 star safety rating as it misses out on the safely gear of the auto. Hmm… Are you going to review the top spec sedans or the wagons ?

I prefer WRX sports wagon name over the levorg (grovel)

What's an rs?

First and think the Wagon looks better

Fuel consumption in my 2022 auto on the open road is 7.2 litres per 100, so don’t be quite so quick to suggest that this vehicle is thirsty.

No adaptive cruise control... K.

why does the steering wheel feel like complete crap? it feels cheap and like hard plastic. whata joke

Eh, I'd say this gen of WRX is worse than the 3rd gen with the 'beige corolla' vibes to it.

Looks decent. About the size of the Gen4 Liberty now.

in my opinion, the issues you are pointing out aren't issues at all. they give us a car and you "journalist " start pointing out shit that normal people wont give a rats ass about ... we buy it we live with it or we change it . the old man that buys this car is going to be fine with it , the young guy will change every thing... the wheels(in the bin), the seats( in the bin) from the things you say is somehow an inconvenience won't be used or used quite fine by the owner. how the public works is simple , looks first( it gets us wanting it ) price ( an we afford it ) performance \ practicality none of us buy a car cause it has tec features "safety" features are turned off depending on the owner ,sometimes left alone cause it's not noticeable. reviewers are the ones to blame for the shit cars we have today . complaining about shit the owners dont give a fuck about .

I can't find why the manual model has such a significant difference in terms of fuel consumption from the CVT model.

Buy a Octavia RS wagon instead. I did, and I have owned two Rexies. CVT pfffft!

Not sure why the people at Subaru let the design get this far. That is one ugly looking car. The amount of cheap looking plastic on the exterior is next level

Rear tail lights inspired by Acura NSX, but looks awful 🤣

Well, that is utterly hideous. More Elantra than WRX. Subaru must have a mission statement to make each new model uglier than the predecessor.

Jeez, what a fugly, expensive and underwhelming car. It's like Subaru designed it with the goal of achieving poor sales.

looks like the HONDA civic from back

hyundai have passed them

This thing still looks like car from 2010

Rather an older model STI than this plastic junk

Crap. Looks plastic fantastic. Subaru doesn't have the money to keep up with today's competition. And it's really starting to show. Subaru was once a enthusiast toy now it can't find buyers. No thanks.

Lost all the boxer sound

what is this "cheap fun " crap, $50,000 + is not cheap fun in anybodies book!

Let's be honest WRX has never been a pretty car.

That fuel consumption is terrible for 2022.

Subaru's lost their way badly..

Horrendous

Im in

Impatiently waiting for my 2022 WRB Premium to come in august 🥲