Subaru WRX review: Rex Resurrected

Manila, Philippines –

Subaru’s WRX has always been a hot favourite among boy racers, but the latest version aims to appeal to a broader range of customers too

The WRX is back?

Yes indeed. After a prolonged absence from our shores (the previous model was only offered in top-spec WRX STI guise), Subaru is bringing back the WRX to Singapore. You can almost hear Ah Bengs up and down the country whoop in glee now.

Oh no. Does that mean I’ll see plenty of these cars distastefully modified and being a menace on our roads?

Perhaps. But if Subaru has its way, it wants to put an end to that.

Really?

Yes. You’ll notice that the new car has dropped the Impreza moniker, and is simply tagged ‘WRX’ now. According to Mr Tetsuo Fujinuki, General Manager of Vehicle Research at Subaru, the reasoning behind this is because the WRX is distinctively different from the current Impreza, with a separate body and chassis set up. They clearly want a greater differentiation between the two models, and make the WRX name a brand of its own, disassociated from the Impreza.

Also, Subaru has no intentions of re-entering the car into the World Rally Championship (WRC), the series that propelled the original WRX into worldwide fame back in the 1990s and undoubtedly captured the imagination of many current owners and drivers. Mr Fujinuki cites the change in regulations in the series as a marked disadvantage for the WRX, given that most of the current rally cars are based on compact hatchbacks such as the Volkswagen Polo and Citroen DS3. This would make the bigger WRX an extremely uncompetitive entrant in today’s WRC championship.

Okay, but how does that stop Ah Bengs from buying them?

Subaru touts the new WRX as a more refined and better all-round everyday performance car than its predecessor, shedding some of its ‘hardcore-ness’ that has defined the car over the years. That means a quieter drivetrain and better-built interior.

According to Mr Glenn Tan, Executive Director of Subaru’s local distributor Motor Image, the WRX will be actively marketed to local buyers who are currently considering an entry-level European car, such as a BMW 1 Series and Audi A3. He also cites cars such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Scirocco as major competitors, given that the WRX’s traditional competitor, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, has now been given the axe.

Besides, it would require a fairly well-off Ah Beng to be able to afford the downpayment of a new WRX anyway. Estimated pricing is said to be around the $180,000 mark, including COE, when the car goes on sale here in May. We’re sure there will be some who can afford it (we shall not question where they get the funds), but they will definitely be in the minority.

So, does that mean the WRX is more ‘atas’ now?

Perhaps. We were only given a very short drive in the new WRX at its press launch in Manila, but initial impressions is that the car is a lot more refined and quieter than before. The car steers nicely and seems to offer pretty good performance too, but frankly the jury is out until we get a full, proper test drive on local shores.

Practicality wise, the WRX is as normal a sedan as you want it to be. It seats five, has a commodious boot, and a pretty decent interior that’s well laid-out, if a bit dull and uninteresting.

Hmm, okay. Anything else I should know?

If you only possess a Class 3A license, then you’ll be glad to know that the WRX comes in automatic form, with a Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission version available alongside the six-speed manual. Motor Image expects the CVT model to take up the majority of WRX sales locally, given most Singaporeans’ aversion to manual cars.

Power comes from a 2.0-litre direct injection turbocharged Boxer engine that produces 268bhp and 350Nm of torque, good for a 0-100km/h sprint time of 6.3 seconds (6.0 seconds for the manual), and a top speed of 240km/h. That’s very fast indeed.

Great. So I won’t look like a clot driving the new WRX around then?

We can’t guarantee that.

NEED TO KNOW: Subaru WRX

Engine 1,998cc, 16V, turbocharged, flat-four

Power 268bhp at 5600rpm

Torque 350Nm at 2400-5200rpm

Gearbox Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Top Speed 240km/h

0-100kmh 6.3 seconds

Fuel Efficiency 8.6L/100km

CO2 199g/km

Price To Be Announced

Availability May 2014