Not long after revealing local pricing and specifications for the BRZ sports coupe, Subaru has revealed the all-new WRX sports sedan. Due to go on sale in 2022, the 2022 Subaru WRX ushers in a new platform, a new engine, a new design and newly available technology.
The new WRX’s design has been beefed up too, with new body cladding and a tougher stance that attempts to hammer the brand’s rally heritage home even further.
While the new WRX doesn’t look a whole lot different from the previous generation of the car, look closer and there are a lot of detail changes to keep it fresh. Measuring 4,669mm long, 1826mm wide, 1468mm high and riding on a 2672mm wheelbase, the new WRX is 74mm longer overall, 31mm wider, 7mm lower and 22mm longer in wheelbase than the previous car.
The front end is even sharper in design than the current car and from the B-pillar forward, the WRX is identical to the new generation Levorg sports wagon that’s also due in Australia in 2022 – we expect it to use the WRX name as well.
The 2021 Subaru WRX usual large scoop features proudly on the bonnet, while this time around there are more flared wheel arches and even plastic cladding like its XV sibling for those wanting to tackle dirt roads. Wheels in either 17- or 18-inches will be available but we expect all Australian models to feature the larger size as standard, as with the current car. The rear end is also similar to the current WRX, though definitely takes cues from the BRZ with its wide taillights.
At the centre of the 2022 Subaru WRX is a new 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder ‘Boxer’ petrol engine. In US-spec, it produces 202kW of power (at 5,600rpm) and 350Nm of torque (from 2,000-5,200rpm) – 5kW more than the old 2.0-litre donk in the current model, and identical in torque, though peak torque does last longer. Transmission choices remain a six-speed manual or a CVT automatic with eight stepped ratios, both of which Subaru says have been improved significantly.
Performance figures are yet to be announced, but we expect a low five-second range for the benchmark 0-100km/h sprint and a top speed of around 250km/h.
Now based on the ‘Subaru Global Platform’ that also underpins every other current global Subaru model bar the BRZ, the 2022 Subaru WRX claims a big improvement in structural rigidity, which has reportedly enabled ‘sharper handling and reduction of unpleasant vibrations and shaking’. The car has also adopted a new dual-pinion electric power steering system for a more responsive feel. For the first time as well, adaptive dampers will be available on the WRX with drivers able to select from a range of configurable functions to enhance their driving experience.
For those wanting more performance, the higher-performance WRX STI will be offered too within a few years. Rumours persist that it’ll offer around 300kW of power from the same engine or perhaps from a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. We’ll have to wait and see. Of course, all WRX models use Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system, which features active torque vectoring.
One of the sore points of the old model, the 2022 Subaru WRX’s interior is much improved compared with the old model. The quality appears to be much higher this time around – like the new Outback – with stitching on the dashboard, faux carbon trimmings and liberal use of soft touch materials. Annoyingly for manual drivers, the CVT-equipped interior is more modern-looking with an electric handbrake – though the manual transmission opens up more practicality.
There’s also a lot more technology with an 11.6-inch touchscreen features in the centre of the dashboard with features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation and a 504W 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
Other available equipment in North America includes the full suite of Subaru’s ‘EyeSight’ active safety tech (though only for the automatic version – we hope that changes for Australia) with features such as auto emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beam and driver attention monitoring, as well as LED lighting, Recaro sports seats with driver’s power adjustment, heated seats and dual-zone climate control.
The 2022 Subaru WRX is due to go on sale in Australia in 2022 with local pricing and specifications to be announced before then. Stay tuned to DiscoverAuto for the latest automotive news and reviews.
Leave a Reply