Test drive: The 2022 Subaru WRX is wild

Subaru’s lineup is primarily comprised of family-friendly SUVs, however the model does prefer to get slightly wild generally.

Together with the redesigned BRZ coupe that lately went on sale, Subaru has an all-new WRX sports activities sedan coming to showrooms this spring.

The Impreza-based compact has been the beating coronary heart of Subaru’s efficiency facet for the previous three many years and enters its sixth-generation as probably the most potent model of the rally-inspired mannequin but.

The all-wheel-drive WRX is constructed on a stiffer chassis than the outgoing mannequin and contains a bigger turbocharged flat-four-cylinder engine with 2.4-liters of displacement that’s rated at 271 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Indicative of its fanatic attraction, a six-speed handbook transmission is customary. Round 85 p.c of the earlier version’s patrons selected it over the non-obligatory CVT automated, considered one of which stays accessible on the 2022 mannequin beneath the Subaru Efficiency Transmission branding that mimics the operation of an 8-speed gearbox. The handbook additionally will get barely higher gas financial system than the automated – 19 metropolis/26 hwy v 19 metropolis/25 hwy — which isn’t normally the case in fashionable vehicles.

Closing pricing hasn’t been introduced, but it surely shouldn’t be rather more than the $28,420 that the 2021 WRX began at.

Among the many styling parts that assist set the WRX aside from the Impreza are outstanding black wheel arch covers that look extra like what you’d discover on an off-road SUV, with the entrance ones vented to enhance the aerodynamics of the car.

Inside, the WRX options pink accent stitching, a contact of carbon fiber trim, a flat-bottom steering wheel and sport seats. It’s solely barely bigger outdoors and in than the automotive it replaces and stays very a lot a compact, in contrast to some opponents which have grown into close to midsize vehicles in recent times. The second row seating space is accommodating, however not exceptionally spacious, and rear headroom is tight.

A big tablet-style show fills the middle of the dashboard and is used for many features, however is flanked by bodily quantity and tuning knobs together with rocker buttons to regulate the temperature. Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration are included within the infotainment system.

A brand new prime of the road GT mannequin provides much more aggressive Recaro entrance seats and computer-controlled adjustable shock absorbers, by my check automotive was a mid-level Restricted trim with the six-speed.

The clutch is agency and the stick’s throws are longish and notchy, however direct. A collar launch for reverse makes parallel parking slightly awkward, however the WRX was very a lot designed for being pushed ahead.

There’s a simply trace of entertaining turbo lag whenever you slam the accelerator earlier than the torque kicks in and powers you away with some authority, however not an excessive amount of. The WRX is fast, however not scary because the all-wheel-drive system places the ability down with out a lot slip to rocket you away from a cease.

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The steering could be very attentive to even the smallest inputs and the platform neat and tidy because it follows it via curves. I took it on a twisty gravel highway within the spirit of its rallying background and had an absolute blast even on the low-profile, all-season road tires it was geared up with.

The journey high quality is a bit stiff for a day by day commute, however the visibility supplied by a low belt line and enormous home windows is unbelievable and the WRX shines on contemporary, easy pavement. One disadvantage of going with the handbook, nonetheless, is a scarcity of digital driver aids for boring freeway journeys.

Not like the automated that comes with Subaru’s full EyeSight bundle –automated emergency braking, lane-keeping help, adaptive cruise management, and so on. – handbook vehicles make do with a blind spot monitoring system.

That most likely gained’t be a problem for the WRX’s audience, which is a small, however loyal area of interest that must be very happy with the most recent installment of their favourite driver’s automotive.

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2022 Subaru WRX

Base worth: $29,000 (EST)

Sort: 5-passenger, 4-door, all-wheel-drive sedan

Engine: Turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four-cylinder

Energy: 271 hp, 258 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed handbook

MPG: 19 metropolis/26 hwy