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13th
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Summary
The wraps are now off the new 2015 Subaru WRX, and while there were one or two surprises (it's not quite the same as the concept we were previously shown, and it now features something called a CVT), it is nevertheless a stunningly attractive vehicle. As the company produces the best CVT transmission I've ever driven (Subaru Forester), I'm prepared to hold my comments until I actually drive one.
Price
No word on pricing yet, but Subaru has been playing in this arena for decades so I'm not expecting any colossal mistakes to be made here. Expect numbers to fall somewhere around the current pricing and well in keeping with its competition.
Fuel economy
Manufacturer estimated fuel economy:
Latest Improvements
The WRX boasts a brand new platform for 2015, which the company claims is stiffer and will help to create a more agile vehicle. Subaru also added a torque-vectoring system to reduce understeer.
The new CVT transmission, if it's as good as I expect it to be, could be a vast improvement over the old auto box.
With a whole host of interior improvements, the 2015 Subaru WRX now looks as good on the inside as it does on the outside.
Exterior Styling
As I've previously mentioned, the new WRX doesn't exactly match up to the concept we were shown in New York; but concepts are like supermodels: they appear drop dead gorgeous on the cover of a glossy magazine, yet wake up next to one in all her morning glory and it's a whole different story. A shade disappointing perhaps, but she's still a supermodel nonetheless! And that's exactly how I view the new WRX.
The hood, front fenders, rear doors and quarters, bumpers, headlights and taillight clusters are all unique to the 2015 WRX and it's a look that's hard not to like.
The new model will only be available in sedan form and some may be questioning the reason behind this. However, there is logic here, as the company simply wishes to further differentiate the 2015 Subaru WRX from its more basic Impreza range.
Interior Design
The interior of the 2015 Subaru WRX receives special attention for 2015. The 1” longer wheelbase provides for more interior room, and lower side sills and wider-opening doors make ingress/egress easier. Passengers in the 60/40 split fold-down rear seat gain nearly 2” of legroom, and the trunk capacity has increased.
The front seats now feature separate tilt and height-adjustable head restraints, rather than the integrated head restraints used in the previous model. Leather is available, as is an 8-way power adjustable driver's seat.
The 2015 Subaru WRX also receives a new central display with a 4.3” LCD screen. This unit provides a wealth of information for the driver including access to the rear camera, boost gauge display, audio, Bluetooth, and climate control settings, plus a VDC screen showing traction-control operation.
There's also, for the first time, a new Harman-Kardon premium audio system on offer.
Drivetrain
The 2015 Subaru WRX will be powered by a new 2.0L direct-injection turbo BOXER engine, which produces 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed manual will be offered, plus the new Sport Lineartronic® transmission with its paddle-shift controlled manual modes. Models with the CVT will feature Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE), a system that allows the driver to choose the vehicle's driving characteristics from among three selectable modes -- Intelligent, Sport and Sport #Sharp -- using a switch on the flat-bottom steering wheel.
Comparable Models
The Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart is probably the closest true competitor to the 2015 Subaru WRX although others, such as the MAZDASPEED3 and Volkswagen's GTI might also be considered. Then, of course, there's Ford with its Focus ST stepping rapidly into this territory.
However, in my opinion, there's a huge difference between an AWD and FWD performance vehicle, so the true tussle is still between the Mits and the Subie.
The wraps are now off the new 2015 Subaru WRX, and while there were one or two surprises (it's not quite the same as the concept we were previously shown, and it now features something called a CVT), it is nevertheless a stunningly attractive vehicle. As the company produces the best CVT transmission I've ever driven (Subaru Forester), I'm prepared to hold my comments until I actually drive one.
 |
Price
No word on pricing yet, but Subaru has been playing in this arena for decades so I'm not expecting any colossal mistakes to be made here. Expect numbers to fall somewhere around the current pricing and well in keeping with its competition.
Fuel economy
Manufacturer estimated fuel economy:
- 6-speed manual: 11.2L/8.4L/100km (City/Hwy)
- Sport Lineartronic: 12.3L/9.4L/100km (City/Hwy)
- Note: I converted these from the U.S. mpg figures handed out at the show. However, I did hear lower numbers mentioned when utilizing the Eco mode on the highway (High 7L).
Latest Improvements
The WRX boasts a brand new platform for 2015, which the company claims is stiffer and will help to create a more agile vehicle. Subaru also added a torque-vectoring system to reduce understeer.
The new CVT transmission, if it's as good as I expect it to be, could be a vast improvement over the old auto box.
With a whole host of interior improvements, the 2015 Subaru WRX now looks as good on the inside as it does on the outside.
Exterior Styling
As I've previously mentioned, the new WRX doesn't exactly match up to the concept we were shown in New York; but concepts are like supermodels: they appear drop dead gorgeous on the cover of a glossy magazine, yet wake up next to one in all her morning glory and it's a whole different story. A shade disappointing perhaps, but she's still a supermodel nonetheless! And that's exactly how I view the new WRX.
The hood, front fenders, rear doors and quarters, bumpers, headlights and taillight clusters are all unique to the 2015 WRX and it's a look that's hard not to like.
The new model will only be available in sedan form and some may be questioning the reason behind this. However, there is logic here, as the company simply wishes to further differentiate the 2015 Subaru WRX from its more basic Impreza range.
Interior Design
The interior of the 2015 Subaru WRX receives special attention for 2015. The 1” longer wheelbase provides for more interior room, and lower side sills and wider-opening doors make ingress/egress easier. Passengers in the 60/40 split fold-down rear seat gain nearly 2” of legroom, and the trunk capacity has increased.
The front seats now feature separate tilt and height-adjustable head restraints, rather than the integrated head restraints used in the previous model. Leather is available, as is an 8-way power adjustable driver's seat.
The 2015 Subaru WRX also receives a new central display with a 4.3” LCD screen. This unit provides a wealth of information for the driver including access to the rear camera, boost gauge display, audio, Bluetooth, and climate control settings, plus a VDC screen showing traction-control operation.
There's also, for the first time, a new Harman-Kardon premium audio system on offer.
Drivetrain
The 2015 Subaru WRX will be powered by a new 2.0L direct-injection turbo BOXER engine, which produces 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed manual will be offered, plus the new Sport Lineartronic® transmission with its paddle-shift controlled manual modes. Models with the CVT will feature Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE), a system that allows the driver to choose the vehicle's driving characteristics from among three selectable modes -- Intelligent, Sport and Sport #Sharp -- using a switch on the flat-bottom steering wheel.
Comparable Models
The Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart is probably the closest true competitor to the 2015 Subaru WRX although others, such as the MAZDASPEED3 and Volkswagen's GTI might also be considered. Then, of course, there's Ford with its Focus ST stepping rapidly into this territory.
However, in my opinion, there's a huge difference between an AWD and FWD performance vehicle, so the true tussle is still between the Mits and the Subie.
 |
| Photo: Subaru |