New Subaru WRX priced as outputs break hearts

Subaru Australia has released local pricing and specification details for its fifth-generation 2022 Subaru WRX, and the headline news is the all-new rally icon will set you back at least $44,990 when it arrives in showrooms in the coming months.

While an exact ETA is yet to be locked in, online chatter suggests a May arrival date for the first examples.

As previously reported by carsales, the new Subaru WRX sedan will be available in three trim levels comprising the WRX, RS and tS variant names, as will the WRX Sportswagon, albeit with the RS badge swapped out in favour of GT.

The entry-level WRX manual sedan opens the range at $44,990 plus on-road costs and standard equipment highlights include an 11.6-inch touch-screen infotainment system with smartphone mirroring, Bluetooth connectivity and DAB+ digital radio, plus dual-zone climate control, cloth bucket seat trim, cruise control, LED exterior lighting, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and six-speaker sound system.

The mid-range 2022 Subaru WRX RS sedan ($50,490 plus ORCs) adds Ultrasuede upholstery, power adjustment for the now heated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, powered sunroof, satellite-navigation, CD player, 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

Both the base WRX and the RS come as standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but can also be had with the latest continuously variable automatic ‘Subaru Performance Transmission’ for an extra $4000.

More than just a transmission upgrade, the CVT brings with it a heap of key active safety features like adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), emergency lane keep assist, lane centring function, pre-collision throttle management, autonomous emergency steering, speed sign recognition and an intelligent speed limiter.

As per the recently launched new BRZ coupe, the lack of AEB on all manual WRX sedans means they will effectively be ineligible for a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating.

At the top of the range, the flagship tS (from $56,990) will only be offered here as an automatic, but throws in adaptive dampers and five drive modes including a configurable ‘individual’ mode.

Other top-spec inclusions include an STi-branded steering wheel and seat emblems, along with uniquely finished alloy wheels.

The new WRX wagons will also be auto-only propositions and carry a $1000 premium over their respective sedan counterparts, meaning the base WRX Sportswagon will start from $49,990 plus ORCs.

WRX Sportswagon asking prices increase to $55,490 for the GT and top out at $57,990 (before options) for the top-shelf tS, trim levels of which virtually match the sedans save for a few specific wagon touches like the 40:20:40-split, folding and reclining rear seats.

All versions roll on 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, wrapped in 245/40 97Y rubber, with a 17-inch space-saver spare.

While the lack of a manual transmission in the top-spec sedan won’t earn many favours with purists, die-hard Rex fans will be even more disappointed to hear the entire Australian line-up will be powered by a 202kW/350Nm version of Subaru’s turbocharged 2.4-litre boxer engine, as opposed to the meatier 202kW/375Nm outputs of the JDM line-up.

As mentioned back at the WRX’s global reveal, this means the all-new performance sedan only develops an extra 5kW more than the 2.0-litre gen-four model.

For the number buffs, those 202kW come on song at 5600rpm, while the peak torque band spans a broad 2000-5200rpm.

Running on a minimum of 95RON premium unleaded, Subaru claims the new powertrain will consume 9.9 litres per 100km in manual form and 8.5L/100km in automatic guise on the combined cycle.

CO2 emissions are rated at 225g per kilometre and 192g/km respectively.

According to Subaru Australia general manager Blair Read, the new-generation WRX will take the nameplate’s already legendary status to “an entirely new level” when it launches in the coming months.

“Building on its reputation as an exhilarating rally-rich car, the Subaru engineers have delivered a new WRX with aggressive styling, more power, new technology, and handles just as the driver intended,” he said.

“We’re thrilled to offer choice to Subaru customers within the all-new WRX range, with an aggressive, refined cult-classic Sedan and a sophisticated wolf in sheep's clothing Sportswagon.

“WRX has been an icon for 30 years and we are confident the new generation WRX Sedan and Sportswagon will continue to exceed Subaru enthusiast’s expectations.”

Pre-orders are now being taken for the new WRX but, in case you missed the shock news, there won’t be a hotter STi version of the latest Rex.

How much does the 2022 Subaru WRX cost?
WRX – $44,990
WRX (a) – $48,990
WRX Sportswagon (a) – $49,990
RS – $50,490
RS (a) – $54,490
GT Sportswagon (a) – $55,490
tS (a) – $56,990
tS Sportswagon (a) – $57,990
* Prices exclude on-road costs

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