2016 SUBARU WRX
Subaru’s latest WRX and
WRX STI performance sedans have only been on sale for about a year, but already
the automaker is giving the fast four-doors some upgrades. The changes all
center around the WRX and WRX STI’s infotainment and safety rosters, with every
model now getting Subaru’s latest Starlink infotainment system with a 6.2-inch
touch screen, a backup camera, and Bluetooth.
Make it big, and make
it boxy; that's the ethos of the new WRX's styling, at least at the front end
where the air intakes have never looked quite so massive, or the fenders quite
so pronounced. Subaru says the deep front air dam and grille aren't the only
pieces swapped out to make it so: the WRX has its own hood, fenders, bumpers,
and lighting to distinguish it from the Impreza. Key details include the more
deeply set (and functional) hood scoop, LED low-beam headlights on upgraded
models, and new 17-inch wheels, standard. Somehow, with all that in place, it
all still reads a bit dull - not nearly as compelling as the extravagant
mechanicals that lie beneath the skin. The STI gets a big wing out back,
although for 2016 the STI Limited can be optioned with a low-profile trunk
spoiler that should call a little less attention to the car.
Inside, the WRX claims
about an inch more of wheelbase, which translates into more interior space in a
cabin that's also better-finished than in the last-generation Impreza and WRX.
In the WRX, sport seats are specified and are covered in grippy upholstery. A
power driver seat is an option, and so is leather upholstery, in case they're
absolutely required for your next rally. Versus the last WRX, the new car gains
almost two inches of rear-seat leg room, and a bit more trunk space. The STI gets
slightly nicer trim as well as a light-up shift knob.
Drawn from over 40
years of intelligent performance, the unique SUBARU BOXER® engine has pistons
that move side to side, cancelling out each others vibrations so it can run
smoother and more efficiently. This horizontal layout also offers better
balance while delivering a maximum transfer of power.
The WRX features a
268-horsepower Direct-Injection Turbocharged 2.0 litre engine, producing
maximum power and torque. This engine also delivers 258 lb-ft of torque across
a flat plateau from 2000 to 5700 RPM, and it produces a higher total output
across a wider range.
The WRX is available
with a Sport Lineartronic® transmission with 6- or 8-speed manual modes and
paddle shifters. It perfectly blends the convenience of an advanced automatic
transmission with the ability to manually control shifts for ideal control.
The WRX features quick
ratio electric power steering for sharp turn in and excellent on-center feel.
It reacts in as little as 100 milliseconds to steering inputs, giving you
precise control of cornering lines.
The track-tuned
high-performance suspension on the WRX features aggressive spring and damper
rates, large front and rear anti-roll bars and higher performance summer tires
for tremendous grip and control. WRX Premium and Limited models also feature
inverted dampers.
The stiff unibody,
provides a solid basis for body control and helps the suspension perform
optimally, while also reducing interior noise.
These are the variants
and prices :
WRX: US$27,390; price
rises by US$300 relative to the 2015 WRX, thanks to the new 6.2-inch Starlink
interface.
WRX Premium: US$29,690
(plus US$1200 for the CVT automatic); price rises by US$400, and there are new
18-inch wheels with summer tires. Premium buyers can opt for a 7.0-inch
Starlink screen with navigation, a nine-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system, and
two USB ports for US$2100—so long as the manual is selected.
WRX Limited: US$31,190
(plus US$1200 for the CVT automatic); price rises by US$400, and the Limited
continues to distinguish itself from other WRXs by way of a leather interior,
an eight-way power driver’s seat, and LED low-beam headlights. Those who opt
for the automatic can also order the EyeSight safety technologies (plus
proximity key with push-button starting, navigation, and a Harman/Kardon
nine-speaker audio system) for US$4095, while stick-shift buyers can get the same
kit minus EyeSight for US$3100.
WRX STI: US$35,490; price
rises by US$200, still comes standard with dual-zone automatic climate control,
heated front seats, heated door mirrors, and windshield-wiper de-icer. Just as
on regular WRXs, the STI gets a standard backup camera and the 6.2-inch
Starlink display. Buyers may add a US$2600 package that includes a proximity key
with push-button starting, navigation, and the fancy nine-speaker audio system.
WRX STI Limited: US$40,790; price rises by US$1500, but newly standard equipment includes blind-spot
monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, proximity key with push-button starting,
navigation with the larger Starlink screen, and the Harman/Kardon audio.
Leather, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and a power moonroof remain
standard, leaving pretty much the only buyer choice to a low-profile lip
spoiler or the classic full-bore rally wing.
