Multi-variant Subaru WRX range imminent

A GOVERNMENT website has revealed that Subaru will offer its new WRX with the choice of manual or continuously variable transmissions, in five trim grades, and in sedan and Sportswagon body styles when it goes on sale next year.

Certification documents accessed via the Australian government’s infrastructure portal show approval has been granted to WRX, WRX RS, and WRX tS variants in both body configurations, a 202kW (at 5600rpm) and 375Nm (from 2000-5200rpm) direct injected and turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine paired to a six-speed manual or ‘eight step’ CVT; the latter standard issue on high-grade Ts variants.

Subaru says it has increased engine displacement and fitted the turbocharged with an electronically governed wastegate and air bypass valve to further improve responsiveness and acceleration of its prized performance model. An official 0-100km/h time has yet to be published, however based on the performance improvements shown, we expect a number within the high five-second range.

Built on the new Subaru Global Platform, the new WRX offers increased safety, improved dynamics, and reductions in NVH, Subaru says. It will retain the model’s lauded symmetrical all-wheel drive system as standard across the range.

The new platform also gifts the new WRX with the latest safety technology. Along with seven airbags the WRX will feature Subaru’s revised EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, the system including an expanded camera viewing angle, software improvements, and the addition of an electronic brake booster to “improve braking responsiveness and performance in panic stops”.

The safety suite also includes an upgraded Lane Departure Prevention system said to provide “smoother and more natural assistance”, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centring technology, and Automatic Emergency Steering that works in conjunction with the pre-collision braking system (AEB) at speeds under 80km/h.

Suspension duties are taken care of by a McPherson strut arrangement up front while the rear scores a more advanced double wishbone set-up with the physical suspension stroke being extended in all four corners to better deal with poor road surfaces.

“The WRX Sportswagon offers Australians an additional version of this performance machine with enhanced practicality for everyday use,” Subaru Australia general manager Blair Read said previously.

“The WRX Sportswagon will be a model in its own right, with both the sedan and Sportswagon featuring unique specification tailored to their respective audiences.

“We’re confident the all-new WRX and WRX Sportswagon will continue to build upon the performance model’s rich heritage as it ushers in a new era of style, technology, razor sharp handling and exhilaration,” he concluded.

While the finer specification and pricing details are yet to be confirmed, Subaru has confirmed that LED headlights and an 11.6-inch infotainment system will be included on all variants while bucket front seats are also set to be available, most likely in higher-spec versions.

The outgoing Subaru WRX sedan range sees the entry-grade variant priced from $40,990 with a six-speed manual transmission, the CVT attracting a $3000 premium. Premium variants are priced at $47,390 and $50,590 for 6MT and CVT versions respectively, while the STI range is pegged from $52,490 through to $62,440 for the EJ25 Final Edition. All prices are exclusive of on-road costs.

The fifth generation WRX is slated to arrive in Australia towards the middle of next year, Subaru Australia set to announce pricing and specification details of the range closer to the models’ local launch.