Everything you need to know about the Subaru WRX

• Is the Subaru WRX a good car? 
• Who is the Subaru WRX a good car for?
• Is the Subaru WRX a good first car?
• Is the Subaru WRX a good family car?
• Is there a Hybrid Subaru WRX?
• What’s it like to drive? 
• Reviewer’s opinion
• What does it look like?
• What is the Subaru WRX like inside? 
• Tech features
• Price and specs
• Which is the cheapest Subaru WRX?
• How much does it cost?
• Similar Cars to the Subaru WRX

With a long pedigree in motorsport, the Subaru WRX may not be your first consideration but the latest version is easier to live with than ever before. Find out why below.

In this article:

Is the Subaru WRX a good car? 

While many may still think of blue cars with gold wheels tearing through the forests of Finland when they hear the name WRX, the truth is that Subaru is shifting away from its motorsport roots and adopting a more palatable approach to creating vehicles. The latest WRX offers far more convenience and comfort but still has a few tricks up its sleeve to please the enthusiasts.

Who is the Subaru WRX a good car for?

If you’re in the market for a sensible performance sedan and prioritize safety, you should consider the Subaru WRX. The WRX offers mild performance blended with an excellent fit and finish, the security of permanent all-wheel-drive, and a host of driver assistance systems and safety features.

Is the Subaru WRX a good first car?

Performance cars are not usually recommended as first cars mainly due to the inherent risks associated with speed and high-performance handling but modern performance cars have a suitable amount of safety systems to make them safer and easier to handle. The WRX is a pricey option for a first car but isn’t entirely ill-suited to the purpose.

Is the Subaru WRX a good family car?

One thing that the WRX does well is practicality. It offers seating for 5 adults and has a sizeable boot measuring 423 litres. The one caveat here is that the opening for the boot is relatively small and tight, making the loading of larger items a little more difficult.

Is there a Hybrid Subaru WRX?

Both variants of the Subaru WRX are powered solely by a 2.4-litre flat-four turbocharged petrol engine with no hybrid or electric version available.

View the latest used Subaru WRX for sale in South Africa

What’s it like to drive? 

Reviewer’s opinion

“There’s a uniquely agile feel to the way it changes direction, where the smallest steering wheel input has an immediate effect on the car’s trajectory. And yet, with all its agility, there’s also a sense of impenetrable stability to the WRX’s behaviour. “

– AutoTrader

What does it look like?

Exterior

Interior

What is the Subaru WRX like inside? 

The WRX presents a surprisingly high trim level with spills of soft-touch materials and interesting tactile surfaces. The sombre upholstery is broken by the subtle brightwork with just the right balance of light and dark. The interior is dominated by the portrait-orientated infotainment screen and vertical air vents. Red stitching adds a racy flair to proceedings and the only detraction is the carbon-fibre effect finish on the doors which may appear cheap to some.

Style

This second generation (VB) Subaru WRX (previous models were based on the Impreza, but separated from this model line in 2015) is a polarizing offering with many criticising the use of black plastic for the wheel arches, stating that the crossover look does not do the vehicle justice. Despite this look, the WRX retains a traditional three-box design and sedan proportions. Much care was taken in the design of the front and rear splitters to help reduce wind noise and the dimpled finish of the plastics help improve aerodynamics.

Tech features

• 11.6-inch infotainment system
• Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
• Facial recognition for driver profiles
• EyeSight driver assistance system*
• Driver monitoring system

Price and specs

Which is the cheapest Subaru WRX?

Two models are on offer from Subaru, the WRX and the WRX tS ES. The WRX is the cheapest model, coming in at R759 000 and is covered by a 5-year/150 000 km warranty and a 3-year/75 000 km maintenance plan.

Search the latest New and Used Subaru WRX deals in South Africa

How much does it cost?

*Pricing correct at time of publishing and subject to change without notice.

Competitors

Similar Cars to the Subaru WRX

Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan

Audi A3

BMW 2 Series

Chad LückhoffWith over 18 years of motorsport commentary and a passion for 90s Japanese Sports Cars, Chad Lückhoff is happiest when surrounded by drift cars and smoking tyres. His experience as the Technical Editor of the country’s top tuning magazine means that it’s the nuts and bolts of motoring that tickles his fancy. As comfortable in front of the camera as he is behind it, he’ll take you behind the wheel with his video reviews, written recounts, and invoking photography. One of the first to join the AutoTrader fray, Chad has been living his passion at AutoTrader for over 7-years.View News & Reviews

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