Selwyn_Times: September 21, 2022

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44 Selwyn Times Wednesday September 21 2022
Subaru WRX never fails to impress
THERE’S A STRONG groundswell
of opinion the newly-released,
fifth-generation Subaru WRX will
be the last.
Well, there’s certainly going to
be no more STi versions of the Impreza,
Subaru has made that widely
known, and I guess with the environmentally-conscious
automotive
world we are now living in it could
well be that the WRX doesn’t fit
alongside the new projects that are
leaving Subaru’s factories.
Subaru have entered the world
of electrification, the Solterra sport
utility vehicle is due here early next
year, and by all accounts interest is
high, orders are being taken.
In the interim, the new WRX is
here for performance enthusiasts
to enjoy and, what’s more, it’s here
in two body styles – sedan and
wagon (GT). There is also a manual
transmission model.
That’s not all that’s new, the
engine is a departure from what
Subaru has stuck to for years in
terms of size. Whereas, once the
choice was between 2-litre and
2.5-litre engines, the WRX gets a
2387cc unit marketed as 2.4-litre.
The evaluation car was the
sedan and was equipped with
continuously variable automatic
transmission that Subaru labels
as performance transmission, it
incorporates a drive mode select
system that allows drivers to individually
customise key aspects to
maximise the driving experience.
I’d be happy with just two pedals,
the driveline is quite spectacular
SPORTY:
Four
exhaust
pipes
are the
promise of
something
special
under the
bonnet.
in terms of performance, refinement
and economy – well relative
economy anyway – the WRX is a
hot-blooded fire-breather. True to
Subaru’s method of manufacture,
drive is sent to all four wheels.
The engine/CVT transmission
combination still provides manuallike
performance because there are
eight pre-set gearing points (six
in sport + mode), it is as close to a
manual set-up as it can be, steering
wheel-mounted paddle shifters let
the driver get fully involved in the
ratio change process.
Of course, there are other drive
modes as well – comfort, normal,
sport and eco. I like the system, and
the CVT gearing does nothing to
stifle engine performance.
Even though the engine has less
capacity than previously, power
has been increased by 5kW, it is
now up to 202kW while maximum
torque sits at 350Nm, full availability
is reached between 2000rpm
and 5200rpm. Mixed together,
these outputs mean invigorating,
performance-related motoring.
I think of this engine as being
much like I remember in the STi
model from the previous generation,
it is strong and excites with its
turbocharged boost, it is responsive
and willing.
The quad-camshaft, boxer unit
has a linear flow of power which
doesn’t wilt through the rev band,
it is capable of propelling the WRX
to a 100km/h time of 5.8sec. It
can also accelerate from 80km/h
to 120km/h in 4sec. These are fast
SUBARU WRX: Perfect balance of performance and handling.
times and fit the ethos that is WRX,
it is a genuine sports sedan and one
that never fails to please.
It is also one of the easiest performance
cars to drive, especially in
CVT form. It can be driven as fast
or as slowly as the driver wishes,
it is adaptable in the everyday role
and it is comfortable, especially in
terms of on-board space and suspension
compliance, it is far from
hard underneath.
That fine balance is critical, for
the WRX has handling to envy
as well. The suspension easily
contains body movement in a
corner as well as being composed
when mid-corner undulations are
encountered. I took the test car
through some tricky corners inland
from Darfield. The WRX was quick
and composed on that run, it has
precise steering and directional
accuracy to envy.
A point to mention are the
electronically-controlled dampers
fitted to the tS variant, in sport
+ mode the automatic firming is
quite noticeable, providing increased
performance feel.
Grip in the first instance is supplied
by sticky sport specification
Dunlop tyres (245/40 x 18in), and
with four-wheel-drive seen as a
major grip enhancer the WRX has
natural handling ability. It almost
feels like rear wheel-drive only at
some points, especially forcing out
of a corner, oversteer isn’t likely, but
there is a push that indicates something
special lurks in the driveline.
That is something Subaru has
• Price – Subaru Impreza
WRX tS, $64,990
• Dimensions – Length,
4670mm; width, 1825mm;
height, 1465mm
• Configuration – Fourcylinder
(boxer), fourwheel-drive,
2387cc,
202kW, 350Nm, eightstep
continuously variable
automatic
• Performance –
0-100km/h, 5.8sec
• Fuel usage – 8.5/100km
made a genuine effort to promote,
four-wheel-drive has many advantages,
handling aside, it is a safety
mechanism and a way to engineer a
sports car feel into a chassis.
As you force acceleration from
corner to corner the WRX uses its
mid-range strength to provide a
solid feeling of exhilaration.
All of this performance needn’t
come at the cost of fuel waste,
we still need to be mindful these
are days of soaring petrol costs.
The WRX CVT is still rated with
an 8.5l/100km on a combined
cycle average. At 100km/h on the
highway an instantaneous readout
of 6.1l/100km provided me with an
average of 10l/100km on return to
the dealership.
The new WRX lists from
$59,990. As mentioned the evaluation
car was designated tS, that
simply means it gets a few special
treats – STi steering wheel and
dash logo, and unique wheels.
Along with the electronic dampers
and drive mode select, the tS package
adds $5k. Sedan and wagon
variants list at the same price. Bear
in mind, though, the Government
will take an extra fee from you if
are a purchaser – that could mean
something between $1400 to $3250
required after purchase.
However, in terms of bang for
your buck, the WRX is still a champion,
not only do you get that lively
performance, it has an in-cabin environment
that is full of kit laid out
in a sporty style, something that an
enthusiast will easily relate to.
The technology is state-of-the
art; take the tablet-like central
console, for example, not only is it
large and deep, but the information
it contains is also expansive.
Subaru’s clever Eyesight driver
assistance system has also been
upgraded to provide further safety.
Other features include electric
sunroof, suede seat coverings (also
heated), electric seat adjustment,
keyless entry and ignition, and a
host of other minor fitment too
numerous to mention.
Regular readers will be fully
aware of my affection for the
traditional sports sedan; however,
the WRX is a definite sport sedan
like no other, its four-wheeldrive
system providing a major
point of difference. That means
that I’m even more smitten with
the concept, if only my old hips
allowed me easier access in and
out.
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