Cheap, or at least reasonably priced, fun really still exists. Who knew?
2022 Subaru WRX on new, live platform. With a turbocharged power, a manual transmission, general control and functional design, the Rally-Breed Sport sedan lives up to its tradition and at a good price. But it does have some functional flaws, a divider design and steering that could have been better.
After spending a week with the 2022 Subaru WRX around town, here it hits and misses.
The Subaru Voleni Key makes a WRX WRX, and a 6-speed manual transmission is still standard.
Hit: Let’s assemble!
Subaru seems to have adopted the WRX’s core mission as a rally car for the road. It has all the right tools for the job: standard all-wheel drive, a turbocharged engine, a manual transmission and sport-tuned handling. The new WRX 2.4-liter Turbo 4 pack packs 271 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Boost comes earlier than last generation cars. The 6-speed manual transmission is somewhat precedent, but it is satisfactory in the age of automatic and dual-clutch gearboxes. The most neglected part is a manual handbrake that is difficult to shake for some sideway action. You won’t find it in a current, or perhaps upcoming, Honda Civic Type R.
The WRX’s steering is a little more boosted.
Miss: Light to the touch
The WRX’s steering is a little lighter. At a crosswind of highways, with snow and snow-covered roads, an annoying number of corrections are needed to keep things straight and stable. This is less annoying than parking lot speed. This wasn’t a problem with the last WRX, and I’d prefer a slightly heavier, more stable steering.
Dimple fender flares are about the function on the form.
Hit: Dimped, but not for effect
Excessive cladding with an unfinished look is a point of contention for many. WRX’s fender flare cladding may not look good, but it works. The plastic features a dimple finish almost like a golf ball. Roads and tracks Reported that it helps to improve airflow. Engineers say colorless, textured flares performed significantly better to keep air flowing smoothly around cars than smooth, painted flames. Beyond that, the front flares have effective ventilation for further aerial improvement. Function in a sports car is always sexy, even if it doesn’t look good.
The rear end of the latest WRX is more Honda Civic than the Subaru WRX.
Miss: Citizen Vibes
The front end of the latest WRX adopts an evolutionary design approach. It looks smoother and better than before. The rear end looks like the ninth generation (2011-2014) Honda Civic. It is a shame that the rear end has not adopted the same evolutionary approach as the front. If you are going to copy someone’s homework, at least copy someone who has passed the test.
One-touch automatic window control is a delight.
Hit: One touch is a premium touch
The WRX is a bargaining chip, not a premium luxury sedan. Still, my $ 33,100 premium trim model has one-touch window controls for every window and every switch. That was a wonderful surprise. The flat-bottom steering wheel is the right size, although it’s a shame it can’t be heated. A subaru after all this.
How many taps does it take to turn the heated seats on a subaru?
Miss: Efficiency problem
Subaras is usually an easy-to-use machine, and in many cases WRX. Examples include manual handbrakes and easy-to-read analog gauges. But the new 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, seen in the first outback, is prone to glare due to its mounting angle. Regardless of the screen that is displayed, two taps of the screen are required to turn on the seat heaters. It’s stupid in any car, especially a subaru. The Forrester Center console holds small rocker switches that provide a satisfying click when used. WRX does not. Seat heaters, like many newer cars, do not return after the key cycle. At 5-foot-10, I noticed that the center console keeps the center armrest far away for comfortable use when cruising on the highway.
Putting aside the functional quibbles, the 2022 Subaru WRX cannot be defeated simply in terms of performance per dollar.
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2022 Subaru WRX Premium
Cost: $ 30,100 with $ 995 destination
Price as tested: $ 33,100
Powertrain: 271-hp 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-4, 6-speed manual transmission, all-wheel drive
EPA Fuel Economy: 19/26/22 mpg
Hits: Powerful turbocharged power, a standard, premium touch, functional design and aerodynamics
Misses: Functional issues, controversial cladding, rear end looks like civic, extra-boosted steering