Subaru WRX Driving Review
Which ever way we look at it, certain people have certain ideas and opinions about certain brands. The same applies to cars and manufacturers. I have to reveal a little secret, and as a motoring journalist it is one I probably shouldn’t reveal, but I think honesty is the best policy so here we go…when I thought about Subaru, I associated it with dicing, drag racing and a ‘pimp my ride’ kind of thing. I wasn’t far off, Subaru is known for its race cars, but what I didn’t see coming, was just how much I would love the WRX I recently got to test drive.
It arrived in all its red glory, looking pimped and aggressive. I thought, “Oh dear, as a blonde somewhat ‘poppie’ looking woman, what am I going to look like driving around in this all week?” Well, once the engine started up and I drove off, I didn’t care. In fact, I wanted people to see me. I was instantly surprised at how much I was enjoying driving this car. I was comfortable, the ride was smooth and boy was it fun to drive. I had to have a good hard look at myself in the mirror and have a stern word with myself about preconceived ideas.
It was just over 20 years ago that Subaru launched the WRX and since then it has had a somewhat cult following in this country. It was born out of the World Rally Championship (WRC) and has since become an icon in this regard. It is the previous generations that have left me with that ‘pimp my ride’ idea but Subaru have toned things down on this new model. It still boasts the bonnet scoop and boot spoiler but has a more grown up look about it for me.
As you step inside the cabin you instantly notice the improvement in perceived quality and again, that grown up feel is there. The first thing I noticed was how comfortable I was. The seat is electrically adjustable and the steering column can be adjusted manually for rake and reach. It has full leather upholstery with red stitched accents. The standard features list on this model is so extensive that there is no factory fitted options available. Think automatic wipers, an electric sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, sports body kit, keyless access and push-button start, a 6-speaker multimedia audio system with USB and auxiliary connectivity, voice control, Bluetooth, a rear view camera, cruise control, automatic climate control, and a multifunction steering wheel amongst others.
The standard safety features list is as impressive with a 5-star ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) safety rating with features including ABS with EBD, seven airbags and Isofix anchorage points to make baby seat connection simple and easy.
The WRX is powered by a 2,0 turbocharged engine that boasts direct injection and produces 197 kW of power and 350 N.m of torque. It is quick! It sprints from 0-100 km/h in 6,0 seconds (6,3 seconds in the auto) and has a top speed of 240 km/h. It is mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or to the Sport Lineartronic (auto) gearbox. I got to test the auto and let me tell you, this CVT is impressive to say the least. The gear shifts are superbly quick with minimal lag and exceptional power delivery. I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did. And for a bit of added fun there are manual shift paddles.
The Subaru WRX comes standard with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 3-year/75 000 km maintenance plan.
The manual is priced at R449 000 and the CVT at R469 000.
Having spent a week with the CVT model and not wanting to part with it when my fleet manager arrived to collect it, I knew I had become an instant Subaru fan.