Fifth-generation Subaru WRX lands in NZ
A sedan and wagon are available in the Subaru WRX range. Photos: Subaru NZ
Subaru New Zealand has launched its fifth-generation WRX, which has more power, greater handling precision, and a bold new exterior styling mark.
Becoming an overnight sensation in 1994, Subaru’s performance car has been a firm favourite over the following years and has now been reimagined for 2022. Increasing its appeal, WRX has been refined and is now available in a broader model range.
The fifth-generation Subaru WRX has two body styles – WRX 2.4T sedan and WRX GT wagon – with two model variants for each: WRX 2.4T sedan Premium and WRX 2.4T tS and WRX GT wagon Premium and WRX GT wagon tS.
The new WRX GT wagon will stand as a model in its own right, with both the WRX 2.4T sedan and WRX GT wagon featuring unique specifications tailored to their respective audiences.
The cabin features stylish black upholstery with red stitching and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Subaru of New Zealand’s Managing Director Wallis Dumper says: “The last time we launched a new generation WRX in New Zealand was in 2014. This 2022 launch and the all-new WRX have been much anticipated by both the Subaru of New Zealand team and of course the Kiwi WRX enthusiasts – many of whom have already pre-ordered their WRX.”
Dumper says that the decision to bring the wagon variant to market was made as the WRX GT wagon and WRX 2.4T sedan have been designed as distinct vehicles to cater for different Kiwi buyer groups.
“The WRX 2.4T sedan, for example, is a car built by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. It’s a performance car with aggressive styling that proudly carries the WRX heritage, while the WRX GT wagon offers subtle and sophisticated styling as well as utility without compromising on its WRX performance credentials,” he adds.
The all-new WRX 2.4T sedan also incorporates a number of performance-inspired exterior design influences including air outlets located on the trailing edges of the front wheel openings, side garnishes and a lip-style boot spoiler.
Like its predecessors, this latest-generation WRX features bold styling promising exciting driving; its aggressive appearance starts at its prominent hexagonal grille, spilling over the wide, low-set front bumper and flowing back into its bulging fenders.
Black body trims sport side garnishes on the sedan’s front and rear fenders and prominent side sill spoilers feature a hexagon-patterned aerodynamic texture designed to reduce air resistance.
The cabin features stylish black upholstery with red stitching and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. WRX 2.4T Premium and tS sedan are trimmed with Ultrasuede upholstery while the WRX GT Premium has leather and the WRX GT tS has Ultrasuede trim.
The WRX has prominent hexagonal grille, spilling over the wide, and low-set front bumper.
A new cockpit design features an intuitive layout with highly visible and readily accessible instruments and controls.
For the first time in its history, WRX uses the new Subaru Global Platform which has been designed to both enhance the car’s responsiveness by enabling sharper handling and add comfort by reducing unpleasant road vibrations and shaking.
It features full inner-frame construction for high body and chassis rigidity and gives the all-new WRX about 14 percent more front lateral flexing rigidity and 28 percent more torsional stiffness than its predecessor.
Under the bonnet a new, more powerful direct-injection, turbocharged 2.4-litre, horizontally-opposed four-cylinder Boxer engine delivers 202 kW of power at 5600rpm and 350 Nm of torque from 2000 – 5200rpm. Power is up five kW over the outgoing model and while torque output remains the same, it is produced lower in the rev range, generating high torque from low engine speeds.
The new WRX offers buyers two transmission choices; a precision six-speed and exclusive to the 2.4T, a close-ratio manual or the Subaru Performance Transmission with Sports Shift Control for rapid-response gear changes for automatic models. The tS variants have Drive Mode Select which allows drivers to change the car’s on-road characteristics to suit their own preferences. Drive Mode Select features a variety of driving modes that change WRX’s driving dynamics and character. An ‘Individual’ mode allows full driver customisation.
Electronically-controlled dampers debut on the WRX tS models to enhance the already sporty handling while refining ride quality. A new dual-pinion electronic steering system reduces steering resistance, for a smooth and linear steering response.
Dumper says this latest generation of Subaru’s performance classic has been hugely anticipated by WRX car fans everywhere.
“When the first-generation WRX was launched back in the early 1990s it became an instant hit, and a must-have, aspirational vehicle.”
“It was a rare car, one that immediately achieved immense motorsport success and was able to bring that same rallying and racing DNA to the road at an affordable price.
The all-new Subaru WRX pricing starts from $59,990* for both the WRX 2.4T sedan and the WRX GT wagon.
Under the bonnet is a new, more powerful direct-injection, turbocharged 2.4-litre engine.
