Subaru WRX: A rally icon

Rally around the best, the longest and the most fun, with the iconic rally car, the Subaru WRX.

I use the word “icon” very rarely, just because of the status symbol that goes with it. Regardless of your input of the word “icon” being associated with positivity or negativity. in this Grasso’s Garage review, it’s neutral, but just that of iconic.

Subaru felt it necessary to slide into the calendar this week with its iconic WRX. The fifth generation WRX is a rally-bred machine. It’s specifically designed for that offroad, sedan quality all-wheeldrive fun.

Although the exterior gets some changes, for the “not so great” in our opinion, it seems that Subaru thinks otherwise, offering plastic, nonbody colored fender flares which are just not rally-worthy. Although we get it, others are doing it and Subaru has to keep up somehow, as its WRX and other models following, keep coming back for more no matter what.

Paired in 2022 with nice upgrades, the WRX gains the Subaru Performance Transmission, which shifts faster and smoother. An 11.6 inch Starlink Infotainment tablet style information system and dual-pinion electric power steering are just a few of the great new additions, to say the least. Our six-speed transmission made it really fun to drive and paired with the 271 horsepower 2.4-liter Boxer turbocharged engine, it made it that much better. We revved it right up to 5,000+ RPMS when we could to get the real feel of the boxer engine and we loved it.

Wrapped in Ignition Red (or Pull Me Over Red as most call it), the WRX was quick on its feet, comfortable and great to drive. It was a real headturner, generating instant fanfare as they haven’t seen them in public yet, causing the appreciation ooze meter to go bonkers.

For the rally-type vehicle, we get it, we really do, but for the everyday cruiser, grocery getter, we don’t. I know that the WRX and its long history of buyers love to tune them and trick them out, but for the 2022 version, I don’t think it has the exterior appeal that one would expect on a WRX. Comfort and power yes, economical, sure, looks, not so much. We expect the release of the WRX soon and hope the pricing is in line with recently released updated generations.

Grasso’s Garage is here for you! Are you in the market for a new car? I would be happy to provide my honest input. All you have to do is email me: marc.grasso@bostonherald. com.

Subaru WRX

MSRP: To Be Determined

Price as tested: Not available MPG: 19city, 26highway, 23.2 as tested

MARC GRASSO — MEDIANEWS GROUP The Subaru WRX is a cool car sure to get your heart racing, as well as the rest of your body as you rev the engine and get ready to test your need for speed.