I remember how excited performance junkies were back in the early 2000s when Subaru announced
that the hottest Impreza was finally coming stateside.
Jump ahead nearly 15 years and the premise of the WRX remains the same – never very
attractive nor overly concerned with cabin accoutrements; this all-new 2015 model is
still about the drive.
2015_SubaruWRX_056Now available only in a 4-door bodystyle, the WRX is a unique offering…an
all-wheel drive, high-performance compact sedan whose closest competitor is the aged
Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart.
It’s a niche segment with other similar entries opting for a hatchback design.
But there’s a cult following of World Rally Championship wannabes attracted to the prospects
of whipping the WRX through a rock-strewn mountain pass.
And other than the rear-drive BRZ, the WRX and its even higher performing offshoot the
WRX STI represent the pinnacle of Subaru sportiness.
They key differentiator for the WRX is all-wheel drive, beloved by some for its ability to
go fast in any conditions, bemoaned by others for not possessing frolicsome rear-wheel drive
attributes.
But there’s no arguing that the WRX is a punchy, glued to the pavement driving experience
any enthusiast would consider fun.
And this latest iteration not only continues the legacy, it advances it.
Every owner of a next generation sports car wants it to be faster and handle better, of
course and this WRX really delivers on that latter part of that expectation.
A more rigid body, stiffer suspension, gripper tires and the addition of torque vectoring
across the front axle deliver more precise and confident handling with less understeer.
You can really place the nose of this car just where you want it.
And though the spring and damper tune is firmer the shocks do a beautiful job of taking the
edge off the rough stuff.
When safely tackling my favorite public driving roads, I prefer the added assuredness of all-wheel
drive and this 2015 model is even more willing to slice and dice, possessing new electronic
power steering that feels as dialed in as ever permitting the kind of go-for-it curve
hugging handling found in few other cars…it’s that good.
Its low center of gravity and 50:50 all-wheel drive power split keep drama out of the equation.Of
course, to be this entertaining a car needs the right powertrain and Subaru introduces
a new turbocharged 2.0-liter Boxer 4 mated to a new standard 6-speed manual – though
a CVT is offered for the first time.
The previous 2.5-liter engine is now reserved for the STI.
Smaller but smarter, this 268 horsepower motor uses chain-driven camshafts, dual variable
valve timing, a twin-scroll turbocharger, more boost and a higher compression ratio
to bring on more torque at a lower RPM – 258 pound-feet.
If you kill it you can turn out 0-to-60mph runs in the high 4s while still in 2nd gear.
There are 3 traction control settings.
The stick shift has short throws that click affirmatively into gear and an appropriately
weighted clutch pedal, but with a touchy throttle and turbo jumpiness it’s not the easiest
car to drive smoothly around town.
It’s also quieter than before as long as these sticky Dunlops don’t meet the wrong
type of road surface.
And with the use of an aluminum hood and other measures, the curb weight has increased only
60 lbs. despite a 1” longer wheelbase.
Gas mileage also gets a sizeable bump to 21mpg city/28mpg highway, on premium however.Now
the review could end right here.
This is the midtrim WRX Premium with a couple of nominal options priced at $29,641, 90%
of which goes to performance engineering because the cabin is an old school Subaru afterthought.
It’s better than before but that’s not saying much.
The radio lacks volume and sounds dreadful, the upper display can’t even accommodate
a full title and notable features are few and far between.
This car has heated seats, auto climate control and HD radio, and the sport fabric holds you
nicely in place, but nothing about this including several shakes and rattles says $30,000.
More like “welcome to an early 2000s Mazda Protégé.”
Subaru sells the WRX as a value-priced alternative in the segment but if you want a side of stuff
to go with your fast you’d better look elsewhere or at least upgrade to the Limited.Drive one
and you’ll fall in love.
A longer term relationship though will require just the right match.