Subaru South Africa will launch the premium all-new WRX in two new derivatives towards the end of May 2014, previewing what is “a new era of sports vehicle manufacture for the Subaru brand.”

Manual or Sport Lineartronic CVT transmission options

“The new range brings with it improvements in every aspect, with heightened quality levels and higher refinement levels matching the increased driving performance and enhanced handling characteristics which the new WRX exhibits at all times. The Subaru WRX remains a powerful car with the practicality and comfort which has always enabled it to double as a daily drive and a focused performance vehicle,” said Ashley Lazarus, Subaru Southern Africa marketing manager.

Under the hood of the all-new Subaru WRX is a new 2.0-litre DOHC direct injection turbocharged Boxer petrol engine that delivers 197 kW at 5 600rpm and 350 Nm between 2 400rpm and 5 200rpm. This setup allows the WRX to complete the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.0 seconds in the six-speed manual and 6.3 seconds in the Lineartronic model, reaching a top speed of 240km/h.

Both transmissions transfer power and torque to Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system which also features Active Torque Vectoring (ATV) for crisper turn-in and improved cornering dynamics. Subaru says this Sport Lineartronic is based on its own CVT and has been tuned for quicker response and better driver engagement, and can be matched to “some of the world’s finest and quickest single- and dual-clutch transmissions”.

In automatic mode, six simulated gear ratios are served up with a focus on fuel efficiency and comfort. Switching to Sport or Sport Sharp modes reprograms the transmission with eight predetermined ratios, which maximise performance. Steering wheel-mounted shift paddles transfer allow the drive to take full manual mode.

New levels of refinement

The two models in the Subaru WRX range will be available in Premium guise, with the only option being satnav. Exterior highlights include the trademark bonnet scoop, dual-twin exhaust pipes, an electric sunroof, a rear diffuser and boot spoiler. There are also daytime running lights, automatic headlights with self-levelling LED elements, rain-sensing wipers, LED tail-lights, a sporty bodykit and 17-inch alloy wheels with 235/45 R17 94W Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT performance tyres.

The inside of the WRX is adorned with full leather upholstery and soft-touch surfaces, all of which is complimented by a six-speaker multi-media system incorporating USB, Bluetooth and voice control. Also included are red stitching accents, electric power steering, keyless access and push-button starting, folding rear seats, a 4.3-inch colour multi-info display screen, a rear-view camera, cruise control, automatic climate control, and red ambient lighting.

Safety features includes ABS with EBD and BAS, Vehicle Dynamics Control, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control System with Limited Slip Differential, seven airbags, and IsoFix child-seat anchor points.

Pricing at this stage is unconfirmed, but you can pre-register for the car on Subaru’s website. If the all-new Subaru WRX is to succeed, we reckon the Japanese manufacturer will price it around the R450 000 mark which will really shake up the segment. To whet your appetite, check out the launch video.

All-New Subaru WRX video