The 2022 model looks more dramatic and is 10 mm lower than its predecessor while also being 75 mm longer and 30 mm wider – the additional dimensions not only adding to its street cred but also providing measurably more interior room.
Subaru’s signature bonnet scoop and hexagonal grille remain unchanged, but it now sees multi-functional LED, Steering Responsive Headlights (SRH) in place along with air outlets at the trailing edges of the front and rear wheels to minimise any trapped air.
Signature bonnet scoop remains... Phew!
At the rear, the bumper houses an integrated diffuser and the immediately recognisable spoiler.
Wheels for the South African market come in 18-inch sizing wrapped in 245/40 contact rubber.
The 2,4-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-charged horizontally opposed Boxer petrol engine delivers 202 kW (+5kW) at 5 600 r/min and a wide torque band of 350 Nm between 2 000 r/min and 5 200 r/min.
Two derivatives are on offer – the WRX Manual and the WRX tS ES. The manual version is joined to a 6-speed gearbox. The WRX tS ES derivative brings with it the newly developed 8-speed Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT) that is up to 50% faster than before.
Subaru's WRX tS ES derivative is also fitted as standard with the Si-Drive Performance Management system that allows drivers to tap into the multi-faceted driving mode setup.
The new Subaru WRX is designed, engineered, and built on the Subaru Global Platform and has an increase of 14% in front lateral rigidity and 28% torsional rigidity. The chassis and grip levels are further enhanced from an increase in the rigidity of the suspension mounting points and longer suspension stroke.
Inside, is a new 11,6-inch infotainment system, although the system retains physical buttons for operating volume and temperate control.
It features Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth in addition to a built-in navigation programme that is standard across the locally available WRX range and both models are available with a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
The seats are redesigned to offer a balance of comfort and support and there is an 8-way powered driver’s seat with additional lumbar support.
Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive is complemented by sensor-based systems within Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), a suite of safety systems. These include Active Torque Vectoring, anti-lock braking, EBD and ESC.
Passive safety inclusions are a new body sub-structure that uses high-tensile strength steel sheets placed in strategic locations to absorb maximum energy in front, side or rear collisions. Inside the passenger compartment, occupants are protected by eight crash bags, including a driver's-side knee bag.
The WRX tS ES derivative comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight 4.0 Driver Assistance System that, offers a Pre-Collision Braking system, Autonomous Emergency Steering, Lane Departure Prevention, Adaptive Cruise and Steering Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Intelligent Speed Limiter.
Pricing:
Subaru WRX 2.4DIT Manual
| R759,000.00
|
Subaru WRX 2.4DIT tS ES CVT
| R859,000.00
|
Each Subaru WRX model is sold with a 3-year/75 000 km Maintenance Plan and a 5-year/150 000 km Warranty.
