Javier Mota photo
“Pure Power in Your Control” is Subaru’s promise with the all-new 2015 WRX. This new model is now completely separate from the Subaru Impreza. All-new new exterior panels give it a more aggressive look and all that remains of the previous generation are the windows and the roof panel. A new turbocharged Boxer engine with direct injection and the choice of six-speed manual or CVT transmissions linked to Subaru’s familiar all-wheel drive system should please WRX fans.
What may not be so welcome is the discontinuation of the five-door hatchback. The new WRX is a four-door only. Subaru says that the reason behind this change was in order to focus more directly on a single body style to create in the best possible competitor for models like the Volkswagen GTI , Ford Focus ST , Honda If Civic and Mazda3 .
With this more refined and better performing model, the Japanese firm hopes to improve its position in the growing sport-compact market, which currently tops180,000 units annually in the United States.
Javier Mota photo
Subaru expects sales of sports cars increase by 24% by 2015, taking into account the overall recovery of the economy and the development of new models like the Subaru WRX , which offers high-performance features at an affordable price and standard equipment to make it a car for everyday use, with high performance.
As for the hardware, the deep development of geometry and suspension calibration of the new Subaru resulted in a stiffer and lighter chassis, which is optimized to maximize the 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet or torque produced by the new 2.0 liter boxer engine, for agile handling and fun at any kind of road conditions. All this help to hide the fact that the new model is 59 pounds heavier than the previous model (3208 lbs vs. 3267). This new generation 2.0-liter engine offers better throttle response, better performance and improved consumption figures compared to the previous 2.5 liter version.
The last time Subaru offered the option of an automatic transmission model was in 2008, and although the simple designation CVT may cause doubts in some high-performance enthusiasts , the truth is that this application does not disappoint.
In internal tests conducted by Subaru, the WRX accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds with a manual transmission, while the model with automatic transmission does it in 5.9 with the Launch Mode activated.
Like all Subaru models , the 2015 WRX comes equipped with the legendary Symetrical All- Wheel Drive system, but in two versions; Continuous AWD and Variable Torque Distribution.
EPA fuel economy ratings are set at19 mpg city, 25 highway and 21 combined average for the model with automatic transmission and 21/28/24 for the model with manual transmission.
Javier Mota photo
This new WRX has improved Vehicle Dynamic Control that now includes several options for use and function, in addition to the Active Torque Vectoring system. The new transmission is an adapted version of the CVT equipped as other Subaru models Forester SUV and Impreza sedan, but it can handle up to eight changes manually installed from the paddles behind the steering wheel.
Virtually the entire interior of the new 2015 Subaru WRX was redesigned, starting with a 14.5 inch sport steering wheel that is smaller than the previous model and now has a flat bottom to give it a sporty touch. To give you a luxurious ambience, Subaru offers a Harman Kardon audio system with 440 watts, 8 channels and 9 speakers including a subwoofer. The infotainment system optionally includes AHA technology to integrate smartphone apps .
Subaru will announce a base price of the new 2015 Subaru WRX closer to the date of sale in the spring of 2014, but is expected to be close to the price of the current model of $ 25,995.
