New Subaru WRX likely to be sold online

Getting your hands on the new Subaru WRX could be as easy as opening a web browser, with Subaru Australia confirming it is considering an online sales model for its sixth-generation hero model.

The first Australian allocation of the new Subaru WRX is due to reach showrooms mid-year and company insiders say pre-sale interest in the new Rex is “very significant”, but won’t be drawn on exactly how many enthusiasts have registered their intentions online.

Subaru officials are currently working through how the sales model for the anticipated seven-variant line-up – comprising WRX Sedan and WRX Sportswagon – will look, in an attempt to offer customers the best transparency and service.

One option currently on the table is to emulate the online sales model recently employed for the new Subaru BRZ sports coupe, which begins rolling into showrooms from this week.

“There has been huge interest in the WRX across both Sedan and Sportswagon, plus a lot of inquiry around timing, demand, specification and everything. That’s the legacy that vehicle carries – everyone keenly awaits the Rex launch,” Subaru Australia managing director Blair Read told carsales.

“We’re reviewing how the process has worked recently with BRZ, particularly from a customer perspective.

“Once we get a final perspective on production numbers and other information, we will make a decision for WRX. [An online sales model] is in the mix at this point in time.”

The first 500 examples of the second-generation BRZ were quickly snapped by Aussie buyers last year following an online registration and subsequent online ordering process.

Subaru says its online sales model treats orders chronologically – the same as customers walking in off the street to a dealership: first in, best dressed.

And officials insist the online sales model doesn’t penalise dealers, who continue to handle the customer delivery process and get the same financial incentives as a walk-in customer.

“If someone orders online, they select their preferred dealer and go through the usual process,” said Read.

Subaru is keeping its powder dry on allocation numbers, variants or even Australian powertrain details for the next-generation Rex, saying only that it will reveal all “in due course”.

“We haven’t got a crystal ball for what we will get in terms of WRX allocation at this stage,” a spokesperson said.

All queries about the forthcoming Subaru WRX STI are being deadpanned altogether.