LA MOTOR SHOW: 2014 Subaru WRX

Subaru has whipped the covers off the all-new 2014 Subaru WRX in Los Angeles. The new WRX sports a smaller but more powerful turbo boxer engine than its predecessor, improved interior quality and for the first time a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Due in Australia from March 2014, the new Rex was one of the most eagerly anticipated reveals at the Los Angeles motor show, and with Australia accounting for more than 37,000 WRXs sold since 1994 (which represents the third-largest global market for the vehicle behind Japan and the USA) ours is a crucial market for Subaru's popular performance car.

Australian-delivered models will be powered by Subaru's FA20 direct injection 2.0-litre boxer four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine punching out 199kW/349Nm -- and not the EJ25 2.5-litre turbo as previously reported.

Although Subaru has dropped a smaller boxer engine into the WRX's engine bay, it now gets direct fuel injection which lifts power from 195kW at 6000rpm to 199kW at 5600rpm.

The fiery four-cylinder engine is shared with the current Subaru Forester XT and also develops slightly more torque across a much wider rev range, up from 343Nm at 4000rpm to 349Nm at 2000-5200rpm.

Gearbox options include a new six-speed manual replacing the previous five-speeder, and the addition of an eight-speed automatic continuously variable transmission, or CVT. The latter marks a first for the Subaru WRX and though CVTs are often known for their soulless character and monotonous rev-flare, Subaru says the new gearbox "opens up a new audience for WRX".

Hoping to dispel any concerns that a CVT-equipped WRX would be a flaccid performer, Subaru says the new eight-speed gearbox will be "responsive, intuitive" and is "already a proven winner in the turbocharged Forester 2.0 XT".

Although straight-line performance figures have not been divulged, the new WRX is expected to be much sharper through corners due to a stiffer, lighter body, retuned suspension and the adoption of active torque vectoring for the first time. The latter can control torque output between the left and right wheels to help quell understeer.

More direct electric power steering with a quicker steering ratio is new, as are more powerful brakes. Updated 17x8-inch dark gun-metal alloy wheels are "more rigid and lighter" and are shod with wider 235/45 R17 tyres.

All models will be fitted with the addition of a seventh airbag for the driver's knees and Subaru Australia is anticipating a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Available exclusively as a sedan in Australia due to the low uptake of hatch WRXs -- less than 18 per cent of buyers here opted for the five-door model -- the all-paw hottie also gets a "massive improvement in interior trim" according to Subaru.

That means extensive use of soft-touch surfaces, premium switchgear and a new smaller diameter D-shaped sports steering wheel.

A reversing camera will also be included for the first time in a WRX, and SI Drive allows push-button changes to throttle response. More interior space is on the cards and top-spec models get proximity keys, push button ignition and harman kardon stereo systems.

Exterior design has been a hot topic of conversation for the new WRX, leaked images of which drew low-key reactions from some quarters. Despite claims from Subaru that the leaked images looked fake, it now appears they were the real deal, though these new photos appear to paint the new Rex in a fairer light.

Subaru calls the WRX's styling "aggressive yet refined" and it retains its trademark bonnet scoop. Two new exterior colours will be offered too, WR Blue Pearl and Crystal White Pearl.

The five-seat vehicle measures 4595mm long, 15mm longer than its predecessor, and sits on a 25mm longer wheelbase, at 2650mm. It's the same height and width at 1475mm and 1795mm respectively.

Subaru Australia has not yet put a price on the fourth generation WRX with details to come closer to its March 2014 arrival, but with more technology, standard features and an upmarket cabin, it's likely it will be priced above the current car's $39,990.

Enthusiasts looking for even more mumbo won't have to wait long either, the WRX STI is tipped to make its debut as early as January 2014 at the Detroit motor show. Likely to arrive in Australia from May 2014, the new WRX STI is expected to make a much stronger visual impact and add a few special features to boot.

See more photos of the new Subaru WRX

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