Review finds the 2022 Subaru WRX delivers discreet performance

Once the pinnacle of driving thrills, the 2022 Subaru WRX has a more mature outlook.

The 2022 Subaru WRX range includes sedan and Sportswagon options.

BLAZING golden rims and the electric blue paint job. The turbocharged “Rex” quickly became a household name nearly 30 years ago.

Setting itself apart from the SS Commodores and XR8 Falcons, it was a true driver’s car.

The latest iteration of the Subaru WRX has just reached showrooms in what could be the last of its kind.

Manufacturers are looking to greener futures, and Subaru is no different, with electric delivering the slingshot power once the preserve of cars such as the Rex.

Next year Subaru will launch its first electric car, the Solterra, but there is still ample life left in the combustion engine … and the new WRX still offers some old-school fun along with some modern refinement.

The Subaru WRX RS manual sedan cabin.

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

GRANT: Looking back, I fondly remember the WRX. Despite the brilliant power and grip, it felt raw and challenging to drive and if you pushed the envelope without respect it would bite you.

KEL: With big wings and equally extravagant exhausts, older models have become bogan favourites and not really my kind of car. This new model feels more mature.

GRANT: During recent years we’ve seen a departure from the hardcore and this is no different. There’s renewed focus on space and comfort.

KEL: I much prefer the subdued and understated styling. While it was quick, I didn’t find the performance crazy.

Kel and Grant Edwards.

GRANT: Power has increased marginally compared to the previous model with the boxer engine bolstered from 2.0-litres to 2.4. Torque remains the same, albeit it’s available lower in the rev range. The zero to 100km/h time is six seconds which is reasonably rapid – but somewhat pedestrian compared to the latest electrics.

KEL: You’ve always gone on about the WRX offering bang for its buck, how are the prices nowadays?

GRANT: The base manual is about $50,000 drive-away, but our experience was in the mid-rung RS manual sedan that costs about $5k more and the top-spec TS Sportswagon which is closer to $63k once on-roads are settled.

KEL: Given the current market situation that sounds reasonable.

GRANT: Some used versions of the previous WRX are already surpassing those prices as many fans are especially chasing the hardcore STi version – which will not be released as part of this iteration.

On-road performance is more polished than the original versions of the Subaru WRX sedan.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE?

KEL: Having a massive iPad-like central screen lifts the interior and gives the WRX a more modern appeal.

GRANT: That 11.6-inch display is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and even has a CD player. Extra doof doof is available in the TS with a Harman Kardon 10-speaker stereo.

KEL: Like most performance models the WRX had great bucket seats which were cushy and comfortable. Some I find too aggressive and firm with the side bolsters almost impossible to get across when wearing a skirt.

GRANT: It was also a functional cabin with dual cup holders and bottle slots in the doors.

Subaru’s WRX TS Sportswagon offers softer suspension for an improved ride.

WHAT DIDN’T YOU LIKE?

KEL: There was easy access to the dual zone aircon control via dash buttons, but you had to enter the touchscreen menu to turn on the heated seats. Sometimes you just want fast access rather than stepping through a process.

GRANT: There remains a mix of old and new within the cabin. The driver has an analogue tacho and speedometer flanking a digital display and a busy steering wheel which has 14 buttons and toggles.

KEL: Some of my favourite modern safety features, like radar cruise control, weren’t on the manual version.

GRANT: Nope, only on the automatic models. You actually have to drive the manuals rather than rely on gizmos.

Basic equipment includes a large vertical 11.6-inch display compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

KEL: Manuals are few and far between these days, and I did find the clutch heavy making smooth gear changes difficult.

GRANT: The throws between cogs can feel long in comparison to some short-shift gearboxes.

KEL: My preference was the auto which felt a lot smoother across the board.

GRANT: The Sportswagon also runs a softer suspension setup which would have contributed to that feeling. Push either model hard and they offer impressive levels of grip, while quick changes in direction are a walk in the park.

Inside the Subaru WRX RS sedan.

WOULD YOU BUY ONE?

KEL: Additional boot space the more refined driving experience, I could embrace the WRX Sportswagon as a daily driver.

GRANT: If I’m in the market for a Rex, I want noise and heart pumping fun. More excitement comes from the INXS soundtrack on the ads. Subaru does sensible outstandingly well with the Forester and Outback, I’d want more fire and brimstone and probably opt for a Hyundai i30N instead.

Originally published as Review finds the 2022 Subaru WRX delivers discreet performance