King WRX reigns
STRAP yourself in for the fastest “Rex” to hit the Australian market.
The fourth generation Subaru WRX is poised to be launched...and stand back, it’s going to be quick.
Unveiled last year, the high-horsepower WRX has dedicated fans who have been eagerly awaiting the successor to the current version, which debuted in 2008.
The cabin is roomier than the previous WRX, with more rear legroom and boot space. Subaru has upgraded to softer-touch materials throughout, including on the new flat-bottom, leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The steering wheel’s grip shape is easy to hold, with a small diameter for improved operability and tactile feedback, making for a more appealing driving experience.
There's also a new 11cm display screen for the rear camera, climate controls and other functions.
New safety features include a driver's knee air bag, located under the steering wheel.
Once again, Subaru is powering the WRX with a new high performance 2.0-litre Horizontally-Opposed Direct Injection turbo engine.
The boxer powerplant promises vastly improved performance over the superseded 2.5-litre model.
It produces a maximum 199 kilowatts at 5600rpm and 349 Newton metres of torque from 2000-5200rpm, while maintaining high environmental performance.
Transmission choices include a six-speed manual or continuously variable automatic – when driving in the D-range, selecting “Sport# (S#)” mode in “SI-Drive”, switches to eight-speed shifting.
The wheelbase is enlarged by 25mm, expanding rear leg room. This gives new WRX more elbow and shoulder-room, without changing total body width.
The bottom end of the A-pillar is extended 200mm toward the front, and the wing mirrors mounted on the door panels. A new quarter window is added and the dashboard and door window sills are lower.
Front and rear door opening dimensions are enlarged, making entry and exit much easier.
Boot space is expanded and made easier to use by adopting fold-down rear seats, with a large opening and 60:40 split.
Stiffening both body and suspension, while optimising suspension geometry, has both quickened steering response and raised the cornering limit. In addition, Multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control and Active Torque Vectoring are added for even more predictable and enjoyable driving.
Many hours of in-depth suspension tuning has produced a flat yet comfortable ride.
Electric power steering, together with more rigid steering gearbox mounts, helps improve fuel efficiency while producing a more direct steering feel.
Prices and full specification details have yet to be announced, but the Rex will be officially launched at the end of this month.