Subaru WRX tS Spec B review

For almost 30 years this cult car has divided Australia and judging by its latest version, that’s not going to stop happening anytime soon.

Matt Campbell

3 min read

May 20, 2025 - 5:00AM

Motoring

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This is the way this generation Subaru WRX should have been from the start.

Manual. Adjustable suspension. Configurable drive modes. Improved interior tech. More fun. More grip. More anger. More noise. More wow.

NEW WRX DELIGHTS

There’s a lot to like about the Subaru WRX tS Spec B, but it’s also worth noting that this is not a proper STI model, and the 2025 updated range also ushers in the first time a ‘non-STI’ WRX has crossed the $60K barrier.

This example is $61,490 plus on-roads (about $67,500 drive-away) with the six-speed manual gearbox, while there’s a CVT auto wagon range-topper at $63,490 (~$69,500 drive-away) that any true Rex Head will tell you isn’t a proper WRX.

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Subaru WRX tS Spec B, Picture: Supplied

Compared to the regular WRX models, the tS Spec B all-wheel-drive sedan doesn’t see any power changes from its 2.4-litre boxer engine, with 202kW and 350Nm – well behind rivals in the performance small car class, considering a Honda Civic Type R has 235kW/420Nm from a smaller engine and it’s front-wheel drive only … and the updated VW Golf R AWD has 245kW/420Nm.

NEW WRX DISAPPOINTS

It’s not as fast as others, either. There’s no official 0-100km/h claim, but it has been reported at 6.0 seconds for the manual. And it’s not as frantic feeling as others, but the changes for the tS Spec B do make a driving difference, though the manual shift is still less precise than in a Civic Type R.

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SIt’s good but it’s not great, Picture: Supplied

Better brakes are part of the combo here too, with Brembo six-piston front and two-piston rear calipers, as well as vented and drilled discs that look good and stop hard. Picture: Supplied

The drive mode selection system is aligned with new electronically adjustable dampers, and you’ve got a host of choices to pick from: Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+ and Individual Mode, the latter of which allows you to customise different attributes to your tastes.

It was hard to say what the ride comfort was like on a closed road course test drive, but it seems like there will be some comfort improvements in the more sedate modes, while the assertive settings felt more fitting for this lary looking lout.

The new-look 19-inch alloy wheels with Bridgestone Potenza S007 tyres make for a nicer looking thing, but also help to make it feel grippier in the bends, particularly higher-speed sweepers. In tighter turns there’s still a little bit of understeer to contend with, but it powers out of tight sections with theatre.

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Subaru WRX tS Spec B, Picture: Supplied

It isn’t an STI, but the WRX tS Spec B is a better example of this breed than we’ve seen to date, but it has taken three years to get this good. Picture: Supplied

Inside there are improvements as well, including Recaro bucket seats with power adjustment for the driver.

LOOK GOOD, STOP HARD

And while the model I tested had the no-cost-optional sports exhaust system, it didn’t quite raise the hackles like my 1998 WRX with a 3.5-inch turbo-back with a nine-inch cannon. It also, thankfully, isn’t a deafening warble.

Better brakes are part of the combo here too, with Brembo six-piston front and two-piston rear calipers, as well as vented and drilled discs that look good and stop hard.

And while the current gen model has its haters in terms of its appearance, the Spec B model’s huge boot spoiler should appeal to Subie superfans.

Inside there are improvements as well, including Recaro bucket seats with power adjustment for the driver, and in front of the pilot is a new 12.3-inch digital cluster to bring it in line with many new models. And, as if to rub a bit of salt into the wound, the leather steering wheel has an STI logo. Rude.

While it might have more presence, it’s still less powerful than it should be. Picture: Supplied

NO STI HERE

It isn’t an STI, but the WRX tS Spec B is a better example of this breed than we’ve seen to date, but it has taken three years to get this good. And while it might have more presence, it’s still less powerful than it should be.

3.5 stars