2022 Subaru WRX debuts with new engine, bold looks and new features

KUALA LUMPUR: After months of teasing, Subaru has finally pulled the wraps off the fifth-generation rally-bred icon, the WRX. Based on the Subaru Global Platform, the new version benefits from the most advanced features, design, and performance in almost 20 years of the car’s history. Let’s know the 2022 Subaru WRX upgrades in detail.

Starting with the mechanical setup, the new WRX gets a new 2.4-litre turbocharged Subaru BOXER engine in place of the earlier 2.0-litre unit. The new engine generates a total power output of 271 hp at 5,600 rpm and a broader torque curve with 350 Nm between 2,000 to 5,200 rpm. As per the automaker, the increased displacement paired with the turbocharger improves the responsiveness and acceleration of the engine. Although Subaru has not released any performance numbers yet.

As for the transmission, the choices include a six-speed MT and an improved CVT that can be shifted manually with eight fixed ratios. Also, parts of the kit are legendary Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Active Torque Vectoring.

Another upgrade is the new platform i.e. Subaru Global Platform, which according to the automaker “delivers a substantial upgrade in ride and handling performance due to increased chassis stiffness and lower center of gravity height.”

The suspension setup of the new WRX is also track-tuned for an engaging driving experience. As for braking, four-wheel ventilated disc brakes are there with summer performance tyres coupled with 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels.

The exterior and interior highlights of the new 2022 Subaru WRX are:

• A bolder hexagon grille and a broad hood scoop
• Narrow, claw-shaped LED headlights 
• Character lines run across the front, sides, and rear
• New aluminum front fenders (saving 2.3 kg weight)
• Prominent wheel well arches with a texture reducing air resistance
• Low-profile body-color spoiler
• New tail lights with a look reminiscent of volcanic magma 
• 11.6-inch Starlink Multimedia Plus touch-display
• Flat-bottom sports steering wheel
• Aluminium pedal trim
• Upgraded 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
• Recaro seats with Ultrasuede, red stitching, and eight-way electric adjustments

The 2022 Subaru WRX will first hit the US showrooms in early 2022 at an expected starting price of $30,000 (approximately equal to RM 124,392). No info is available as to when it will make it to Malaysia at this moment.

Also read: Off-road ready Subaru Forester Wilderness leaked