It's rally time, CVT-style in new WRX
The 2015 Subaru WRX falls in what we road testers like to call the intriguing category, as Subaru tries to distance its WRX rally car from being an Impreza variant. No longer will it be called the Impreza WRX, same as its wilder sibling, the WRX STI. It's a good move for Subaru, as the Impreza nameplate doesn't evoke sportiness, but the WRX brand has a young and sporty following on which the company can build.
There are two big changes to the WRX that might go against my above comments and that's doing away with a hatchback option and adding a continuously variable transmission as an option. This might seem ludicrous, but focusing on a sporty sedan and factoring in new customers by offering an automatic might be the right play after all.
The WRX is available in three trims: base, sport package, and sport-tech package, but for this test drive, I'm provided the top-of-the-line sport-tech version with the new CVT that Subaru calls its Sport Lineartronic transmission.
Outside of its boxy frame, the WRX doesn't share much with the Impreza. Subaru has done a nice job in sportifying (yes, I make up my own words) this WRX with a massive hood scoop, flared front fenders, intimidating eagle-eye headlights, edgy lines, and angled cuts throughout the body, finished with quad exhaust pipes.
Inside, I see both pros and cons. Let's start with the positives. Subaru has vastly improved the interior, moving away from its previous dull feel. In the limited trim, you're treated to soft-touch materials and a bit of upper-tier style. The seats get red stitching that can also be found on the gear shifter and flat-bottom steering wheel. Its chrome pedals shine brightly and add that exhilarating touch.
The 2015 Subaru WRX falls in what we road testers like to call the intriguing category, as Subaru tries to distance its WRX rally car from being an Impreza variant. No longer will it be called the Impreza WRX, same as its wilder sibling, the WRX STI. It's a good move for Subaru, as the Impreza nameplate doesn't evoke sportiness, but the WRX brand has a young and sporty following on which the company can build.
There are two big changes to the WRX that might go against my above comments and that's doing away with a hatchback option and adding a continuously variable transmission as an option. This might seem ludicrous, but focusing on a sporty sedan and factoring in new customers by offering an automatic might be the right play after all.
The WRX is available in three trims: base, sport package, and sport-tech package, but for this test drive, I'm provided the top-of-the-line sport-tech version with the new CVT that Subaru calls its Sport Lineartronic transmission.
Outside of its boxy frame, the WRX doesn't share much with the Impreza. Subaru has done a nice job in sportifying (yes, I make up my own words) this WRX with a massive hood scoop, flared front fenders, intimidating eagle-eye headlights, edgy lines, and angled cuts throughout the body, finished with quad exhaust pipes.
Inside, I see both pros and cons. Let's start with the positives. Subaru has vastly improved the interior, moving away from its previous dull feel. In the limited trim, you're treated to soft-touch materials and a bit of upper-tier style. The seats get red stitching that can also be found on the gear shifter and flat-bottom steering wheel. Its chrome pedals shine brightly and add that exhilarating touch.
The con has to be the 6.1-inch LCD screen, which should be more user-friendly. The audio and navigation buttons are some of the tiniest I've seen, and are hidden to the left of the screen. The back-up camera is hard to find situated above the entertainment console, and unfortunately it's too small to fully feel confident.
One has to remember that the WRX is a sedan, which could get lost in its rally style. When it comes to comfort, the WRX holds its own versus its competition. Whether you're sitting in the front or in the back, there's plenty of room to relax and enjoy this sometimes smooth and sometimes launching ride, depending on your driving style or mood.
That leads us straight to the goods - the driving, the real reason why people flock to the WRX marque. Under its new aluminum hood, the WRX has a 2.0-litre direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The horsepower numbers only increased by three compared to the 2014 model, but the improvement in speed and power is found in the torque, as it increases 14 lb-ft and is available earlier in the power band.
Instant acceleration occurs when you press your right foot down on the throttle, jolting you past that intersection. If you're not ready, it will catch you by surprise.
If you prefer a more spirited drive, the WRX comes with SI-Drive mode, allowing you to employ paddle shifters to hold it in pre-selected "gears," taking full advantage of that redline. This is the best mode to drive the WRX in.
Even with the CVT, you can push the sedan and enjoy its impressive handling that allows you to throw it into certain corners and stay balanced, thanks to its stiffer chassis. Steering is quicker due to new electric-steering assist that doesn't feel too artificial.
The Subaru WRX is a driving enthusiast's car, plain and simple. It finds ways to extract that inner driverin all of us, even in sedan form and with a CVT that starts at $31,295.
The WRX can drive with spirited performance and precise handling, creating that perfect drive without being too excessive. On the other hand, it can be a family sedan that could be chosen over a Ford Focus ST, because of that CVT. Subaru has managed to eliminate the fun hatch and focus all of its attention on the ride, making this WRX the most exciting one yet.
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One has to remember that the WRX is a sedan, which could get lost in its rally style. When it comes to comfort, the WRX holds its own versus its competition. Whether you're sitting in the front or in the back, there's plenty of room to relax and enjoy this sometimes smooth and sometimes launching ride, depending on your driving style or mood.
That leads us straight to the goods - the driving, the real reason why people flock to the WRX marque. Under its new aluminum hood, the WRX has a 2.0-litre direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The horsepower numbers only increased by three compared to the 2014 model, but the improvement in speed and power is found in the torque, as it increases 14 lb-ft and is available earlier in the power band.
Instant acceleration occurs when you press your right foot down on the throttle, jolting you past that intersection. If you're not ready, it will catch you by surprise.
If you prefer a more spirited drive, the WRX comes with SI-Drive mode, allowing you to employ paddle shifters to hold it in pre-selected "gears," taking full advantage of that redline. This is the best mode to drive the WRX in.
Even with the CVT, you can push the sedan and enjoy its impressive handling that allows you to throw it into certain corners and stay balanced, thanks to its stiffer chassis. Steering is quicker due to new electric-steering assist that doesn't feel too artificial.
The Subaru WRX is a driving enthusiast's car, plain and simple. It finds ways to extract that inner driverin all of us, even in sedan form and with a CVT that starts at $31,295.
The WRX can drive with spirited performance and precise handling, creating that perfect drive without being too excessive. On the other hand, it can be a family sedan that could be chosen over a Ford Focus ST, because of that CVT. Subaru has managed to eliminate the fun hatch and focus all of its attention on the ride, making this WRX the most exciting one yet.
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FACT FILE
2015 Subaru WRX
Trim level: Sport-tech
Price as tested (before taxes): $36,795
Freight/PDI: $1,650
Configuration: front engine/ all-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder/ Continuously variable
Power/torque: 268 hp/ 258 lb-ft
Fuel (capacity): Premium (64L)
Fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 11.0 city, 7.9 hwy
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 10.7 over 280 km
Warranties: 3 years/ 60,000 km (basic), 5 years/100,000 (powertrain)
Competitors: Ford Focus ST, Mazdaspeed3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Volkswagen Golf GTI
Report Card (out of 10):
Styling: 7 – The WRX has the sporty look, but still a little too pedestrian.
Performance: 8 – This is why you're buying it. It's a driver's car.
Handling: 9 – It's perfectly balanced for its power.
Equipment level: 8 – Has many extras that you would need.
Fuel Economy: 5 – You're always going to want to push it, so will be hard to keep this low.
Comfort (front): 7 – Don't feel cramped and fitted with nice leather upholstery.
Comfort (rear): 7 – Can fit two adults comfortably and ample leg room.
Storage: 7 – Cargo is on the average sedan scale.
Price: 7 – For a speedy all-wheel drive sedan, it's tough to match in price.
Overall: 8 – A well-rounded driving enthusiast’s car.
2015 Subaru WRX
Trim level: Sport-tech
Price as tested (before taxes): $36,795
Freight/PDI: $1,650
Configuration: front engine/ all-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder/ Continuously variable
Power/torque: 268 hp/ 258 lb-ft
Fuel (capacity): Premium (64L)
Fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 11.0 city, 7.9 hwy
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 10.7 over 280 km
Warranties: 3 years/ 60,000 km (basic), 5 years/100,000 (powertrain)
Competitors: Ford Focus ST, Mazdaspeed3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Volkswagen Golf GTI
Report Card (out of 10):
Styling: 7 – The WRX has the sporty look, but still a little too pedestrian.
Performance: 8 – This is why you're buying it. It's a driver's car.
Handling: 9 – It's perfectly balanced for its power.
Equipment level: 8 – Has many extras that you would need.
Fuel Economy: 5 – You're always going to want to push it, so will be hard to keep this low.
Comfort (front): 7 – Don't feel cramped and fitted with nice leather upholstery.
Comfort (rear): 7 – Can fit two adults comfortably and ample leg room.
Storage: 7 – Cargo is on the average sedan scale.
Price: 7 – For a speedy all-wheel drive sedan, it's tough to match in price.
Overall: 8 – A well-rounded driving enthusiast’s car.
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