WRX has always been an iconic brand in the world of car enthusiasts. The three letters, which stand for World Rally eXperimental, have inspired passion and excitement since the 90s. Originally part of the Impreza lineup designed for the World Rally Championship, the WRX quickly gained a cult following. In 2015, Subaru decided to separate the Impreza and WRX names, establishing WRX as its own distinct product line. But does the new Subaru WRX GT-S Wagon still capture the essence of its predecessor?
The latest additions to the WRX lineup is the new WRX Wagon. This second generation model, launched in 2023, is the first to utilize Subaru’s Global Platform. Before delving into the technical details, let’s take a closer look at its design.
The Concept Carry Over Design:
The WRX Wagon’s design was initially showcased at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show as the Viziv Tourer Concept. Subaru deserves credit for successfully incorporating the key design elements of the concept car into the production version. As a wagon enthusiast, I must admit that I am biased, but I find the WRX Wagon to be an attractive car.
With tasteful black accents and a prominent hood scoop, the WRX Wagon exudes a mean and sporty look. The well-placed body lines give it a flared-fender appearance without actually having them. From the rear 3/4 angle, the WRX Wagon showcases its long, slim body and squared-off rear end. However, one of the standout design features is the sharp and impressive taillights.
In terms of storage, the WRX Wagon offers a spacious boot. With 492 litres of space with the rear seats up and 1430 litres with them folded down, it surpasses the Subaru Forester’s 505 litres of boot space. Whether it’s groceries, large dogs, or any other items you need to transport, the WRX Wagon can handle it all.
Suitable Interior Upgrades:
The interior of the WRX Wagon has received an upgrade compared to older Subaru models. It features a range of comfortable materials and even a leather-wrapped gear knob. The increased legroom and headroom, compared to the previous generation, make the driving experience more pleasant. The front occupants are treated to an 11.6-inch touchscreen display that houses the car’s infotainment features. Subaru has also included physical buttons for commonly used functions like volume and aircon controls. Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto provide seamless phone connectivity. Additionally, the driver can enjoy fully electric, 10-way adjustable memory seats and a digital info screen in the gauge cluster.
Safety and Improved Eyesight:
The Subaru WRX GT-S Wagon truly shines in terms of safety features. Subaru has made significant advancements in this area, with the Driver Monitoring System (DMS) being a standout feature. An infrared camera located in the dash monitors the driver’s attention level and can sound an alarm if it detects distraction or drowsiness. The DMS also utilizes facial recognition technology, allowing up to five driver profiles to be registered. The car can then automatically adjust the seating position and aircon settings according to the driver’s preferences. This feature, first seen in the Subaru Outback, is a fantastic addition to most of Subaru’s models.
Another notable safety feature is Subaru’s EyeSight 4.0, a set of driver assistance systems that use stereo cameras to act as a co-driver. Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure Warning, and other features make the driving experience safe and worry-free.
Boxer Engine Still Barking:
Moving on to the WRX Wagon’s performance, it is powered by a 2.4-litre, turbo, four cylinder boxer engine. With 271hp and 350Nm of torque, it offers ample power for real world driving. The engine is paired with Subaru’s “8-speed” Lineartronic CVT gearbox, a decision that may raise eyebrows among performance enthusiasts. While CVTs are not known for their sportiness, Subaru has tuned this one to mimic a normal automatic transmission. The gearbox even features programmed “gear changes” for a more conventional feel. Despite my personal preference for a different type of gearbox, the CVT in the WRX Wagon performs adequately.
One area where the WRX Wagon falls short is steering feel. While it offers excellent grip thanks to its capable chassis, suspension, and all wheel drive system, the steering lacks feedback. This absence of communication between the car and the driver is disappointing. However, apart from the steering, the WRX Wagon handles spirited driving well. The different drive modes, Intelligent, Sport, and Sport, give the car distinct personalities, and the brake by wire system provides excellent brake feel. The WRX Wagon’s variable torque distribution between the front and rear axles ensures stability and control.
For those seeking even more performance, Subaru offers the WRX Wagon tS variant, which stands for “Tuned by STI.” This version includes adjustable dampers that can be controlled electronically through the car’s menus. While this upgrade would enhance the handling characteristics, it is doubtful whether it would address the steering feel issue.
In conclusion:
The Subaru WRX GT-S Wagon retains much of the WRX essence despite the separation from the Impreza lineup. Its design, spacious interior, and advanced safety features contribute to its appeal. While the CVT gearbox is not ideal for performance enthusiasts, it functions adequately in this car. The lack of steering feedback is a significant drawback, but the WRX Wagon still offers an enjoyable driving experience overall.
For pricing and information on the WRX, you can contact Subaru Cambodia
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