Divisive new look for Subaru WRX

Rally-bred icon returns for 2022 with fresh styling, a more powerful engine and reworked suspension intended to bring people back to the brand.

A new Subaru WRX is on the way to Australia in 2022.

The new Subaru WRX has divided fans of a modern classic.

Unveiled in the US overnight ahead of a local debut in 2022, the new WRX has a bold new look and conservatively revised underpinnings.

Expectations surrounding the new “Rex” were high, as it is effectively a ground-up redesign based on a new platform shared with the latest Impreza, Forester and Outback.

Subaru has unveiled its latest WRX.

A fresh engine, modern interior and reworked suspension gave engineers a clean-sheet opportunity to take on affordable performance rivals such as the Hyundai i30 N, Ford Focus ST and Toyota GR Yaris.

Shifting from the old car’s 2.0-litre engine to a new 2.4-litre turbo motor gives the WRX the biggest engine in its class.

The new model features black cladding similar to Subaru’s XV.

But the big new motor has just 5kW more than its predecessor, delivering 202kW/350Nm maximums that can’t outgun stronger engines offered by Hyundai (206kW/392Nm), Ford (206kW/420Nm) and even the 1.6-litre Toyota (200kW/370Nm).

WRX models have a turbocharged version of the engine found in the new Subaru BRZ.

Subaru supporters on social media criticised the brand’s modest power increase and a switch to what it describes as “bold and aggressive styling” with “sport side garnishes on the front and rear fenders”.

Factor in a bigger, more practical body largely shared with the new Impreza, and its likely that the new machine will offer similar performance to the outgoing model, reaching 100km/h in a touch less than six seconds.

Fans of the brand have criticised the new car’s looks.

Power in the WRX goes to all four wheels through a six-speed manual transmission or optional CVT automatic. The latter has proved popular in Australia, and Subaru says the new car’s revised auto offers sharper performance than before.

Automatic models are likely to get the full suite of Subaru’s Eyesight safety features, with manual models making do with less tech.

A massive, tablet-like touchscreen features in premium models.

Customers in the US can choose between an odd split-screen arrangement with small infotainment and climate control displays, or a massive Tesla-like display, combining navigation, smartphone mirroring, and key car functions.

New Recaro seats promises plenty of lateral support when cornering.

The brand is leaning into its rally roots, promising “more suspension travel with improved ride comfort” as opposed to super-firm springs. Adaptive dampers also feature for the first time.

Budget bakes on the standard Subaru WRX aren’t likely to impress on track.

Track day enthusiasts looking for high-performance features such as Brembo-style monoblock brake calipers will need to hold out for a new WRX STI set to be unveiled next year.

Australian specifications for the car will be confirmed closer to its local debut.

The current WRX costs $46,000 drive-away for the standard car, rising to about $53,000 for the WRX Premium with leather seats and a premium stereo. A successor to the Subaru WRX STI is unlikely to come in under $60,000.

Subaru has worked on the CVT auto found in two-pedal versions.

Subaru Australia boss Blair Read said the machine is expected to reach Australia in the second quarter of 2022.

“To say we’re incredibly excited about the all-new Subaru WRX global reveal is an understatement,” he said.

“We look forward to sharing more information about this highly-anticipated model with Subaru enthusiasts and Australian consumers in the coming months.”