Subaru’s WRX Introduces Affordable, Sophisticated Performance

The all new WRX has not lost its “best bang for buck” tag, even though it has a much more sophisticated ambiance to distance the car from its “boy racer” past. The fourth generation WRX is available in two models, both featuring the new Direct Injection Turbocharged two litre engine, first revealed 12 weeks ago, and comes with a choice of two transmissions. And Subaru’s 2015 WRX is the best handling version of the pocket-rocket icon yet.

The WRX now has a more responsive, fuel efficient new generation 197 Kilowatt FA Boxer engine with 350 Newton metres of torque from a low 2400rpm, which has 1 percent more power and two percent more torque than the old 2.5 litre engine. Importantly it is 11.5 percent more economical and CO2 emissions are down 13.8 percent. And for the first time there is an automatic WRX, featuring the very latest in Subaru transmission technology – an 8 speed manual paddle-shift Sport Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (SLT) which can also be used fully automatically in urban traffic. A conventional manual gearbox now has six speeds. Whatever the gearbox, the power is transmitted to the road through Subaru’s rally proven Symmetrical All Wheel Drive.

Despite all the added technology and more comprehensive specification, the price of entry to WRX is less than when then original version launched 20 years ago – from $48,990 for the standard specification manual model. The Subaru Lineartronic car is $49,990. More comprehensively equipped Premium models add $5000. But value, performance and technology do not come at the price of safety. In fact, new WRX is super-safe – in line with the entire Subaru new car range, it has a five-star rating for occupant safety from the highly respected and independent Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).  It also received “good” pedestrian and whiplash ratings – and WRX’s overall ANCAP score of 35.85 out of a possible 37 makes it the highest ranking Subaru yet, in a range already renowned globally for its structural integrity.

New WRX offers a new level of handling and road holding with fully re-tuned suspension, stiffened structure, upgraded brakes, quicker steering ratio and Active Torque Vectoring. Roomier inside, WRX introduces a new age of soft-touch high-quality interior surfaces, giving it a sophisticated yet sporty cabin ambience. Entertainment is taken to a new level on Premium variants with the introduction of a harman kardon® sound system, with Fujitsu Ten head unit. Both models have Bluetooth capability with Auxiliary and USB ports. Significantly greater use of high tensile steel produces both handling and safety benefits and combined with stiffer suspension, it means an even more thrilling WRX drive experience.

Push button start with smart key technology is also a new feature on WRX Premium. Bigger brake discs with greater fade resistance add to WRX’s famed sure-footed performance. The brake package includes ABS, EBD and BA. Vehicle Dynamics Control complements the braking system. WRX maintains Subaru’s commitment to five-star occupant safety, adding features including a driver’s knee airbag taking the total count to seven, reversing camera and even better visibility, with wing mirrors located on the doors, reducing blind-spots.  New generation WRX is available as a sedan-only in seven colours.

Combining all these amazing new technologies, we can see greater sales growth potential with WRX as a sedan,” said Wallis Dumper, the Managing Director of Subaru of New Zealand. “Now that we can supply a Subaru Sport Lineartronic model with paddle shift manual operation it gives us access to a new area of the market with the added value of All Wheel Drive as a significant point of difference.” Mr. Dumper said most of the WRX’s obvious competitors had automatic models, with some not even offering a manual option. “And the higher standard specification and the luxury equipment in the premium model make it even more attractive for buyers who want a performance car and creature comforts as well, but offering the Lineartronic model now gives customers a sure footed All Wheel Drive buying option compared to competitor front wheel drive only options.”

Both models include climate control air conditioning, remote central locking with an immobiliser and alarm security system with Datadots, cruise control, a trip computer, electric windows and mirrors.  The driver has a height and reach adjustable steering column, which is leather covered along with the hand brake and gear selector. There is a sports body kit with rear diffuser and subtle boot mounted spoiler. The split folding rear seat allows the boot luggage capacity to be expanded. Standard features on the Premium model include leather upholstery, sunroof, satellite navigation, rain sensing wipers, dusk sensing LED headlights and a power driver’s seat.

Fuji Heavy Industries, the maker of Subaru vehicles, says WRX draws on the development concept of “pure power in your control.” Mr Dumper said the best WRX chassis yet delivers an ideal balance between power and control. “It will be fun to drive for a broader range of drivers and in a broader range of settings – giving it broader appeal. We knew right from the start we had something special being engineered as the test track comparison car was a Porsche Carrera S.” “Subaru drivers are a diverse group who can’t be defined by an age or a postcode. They all have one thing in common, their attitude towards life. They want to live a bigger life full of rich experiences and choose Subaru as an enabler of that lifestyle. This new WRX has a “First Class Fun” attitude and will appeal to many.”

For more information, please visit the website at http://www.subaru.co.nz/wrx

For further information, please contact Subaru of New Zealand public relations - John Coker at (09) 296 0115; (021) 537 250 or email coker.jd@xtra.co.nz