Driving Review: Subaru WRX 6-spd manual
This is not your average family sedan. If you’re looking for something that’s an easy and relaxed drive, this isn’t it. But if you’re looking for something with performance, something that’s visceral and exciting, then keep reading…
The WRX is an icon thanks to its rallying pedigree. Subaru aficionados will be the first to tell you that this car and it’s STI sibling are the halo cars in the line-up. For owners of this car, it’s all about performance. Before we get to that though, let’s see what the styling of the latest model is all about.
Styling wise it is slightly more toned down than the model that it replaces, despite the boot spoiler and bonnet scoop. There’s a more chiselled front end, 17-inch alloys and quad tailpipes that is one of the few give-aways as to what lies at the heart of this car. Inside, there is improved cabin space thanks to a shifted Apillar, while soft touch surfaces give an extra dose of class to the interior. There are leather front seats finished with red stitching. It’s easy to find a comfortable driving position thanks to the electrically adjustable seats and the rake and reach adjustment on the steering column. The multimedia system is carried over from the previous car and has a 4,3-inch screen that gives you access to information such as fuel consumption and how the vehicle’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system works.
Now for the fun part. Under the bonnet is a new turbocharged horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine that has 197 Kw and 350 N.m of torque. While it’s not a giant step up from the outputs of the model that it replaces, it’s still plenty. The car is quick and power delivery is almost instantaneous. Swapping through the six forward gears requires fast shifting and quick clutch work. The clutch, mind you, is stiff and not something you will enjoy in traffic, as I found out. The engine is loud, but there is considerably better NVH than before. There is less road noise, tyre noise and wind noise filtering into the cabin than before. The steering is responsive and you’re always aware of what the wheels are doing. Sharp corners are tackled with ease as the vehicle leans in and pushes out of it without hesitation. It’s quite fun actually.
Overall, while some purists will feel that the WRX has lost some of its rallying charm, I have to say that I really enjoyed the vehicle. It’s sporty, fast and fun when you drive it the way it’s intended to be driven. It can get very tiring though and I was more than happy to park it after a long day.
Price:
WRX MT – R473 700
WRX CVT – R490 900
Written by Kelly Lodewyks