Added safety focus for Subaru WRX and STI

Subaru has announced the 2016 model year update for the range of WRX and WRX STI models, which are now priced to reflect new features fitted.

Those extra features fitted as standard are mostly driver-assist systems to enhance the driver's situational awareness – what Subaru Australia refers to as Vision Assist technologies.

At the entry level, the WRX now comes with 18-inch alloy wheels and a new 6.2-inch infotainment touch screen as standard, without change to its pricing of $38,990 for the manual and $40,990 for the WRX with CVT. Prices have been reduced by $500 for the entry-level STI, or by $200 for the same car with a boot spoiler.

For Premium-grade WRX and STI variants, Subaru has incorporated Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Change Assist, electrochromatic rear-view mirror, High Beam Assist, Side View Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and power folding exterior mirrors as standard. These same (Premium) variants also gain a new seven-inch infotainment touch screen, which features voice recognition, Pandora (app) compatibility and pinch/zoom facility.

"WRX is already regarded as well specced, but these latest additions make it the best ever in terms of the performance, value and features equation," said Subaru Australia MD, Nick Senior.

"WRX and WRX STI are already selling at levels unseen since the late 1990s and the latest list of new technologies can only boost their turbocharged sales success even further."