Subaru releases 50,000th WRX special

Subaru has sold 50,000 WRXs in Australia and, to celebrate, it will release the WRX Special Edition.

Priced $2000 higher than the WRX Premium sedan on which it's based, the limited-edition will be available in Crystal White, Ice Silver, WR Blue, Dark Grey and Crystal Black paint colours.

Both six-speed manual and eight-speed CVT automatic versions will be available, priced at $46,890 and $48,890 plus-on road costs respectively.

Extra standard features include black 18-inch BBS performance alloy wheels, partial leather seats with red accents, STI-style interior door trims with red stitching accents, an STI gear knob (manual), red-ringed air-conditioning dials and red-stitched MFD visor.

There is no change to the WRX's 197kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol boxer four, which drives through a symmetrical all-wheel drive system.

As with the standard MY16 WRX, standard equipment includes satellite-navigation, eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound, 7.0-inch colour touch-screen, Bluetooth connectivity, audio streaming, voice control, reversing camera and keyless entry/start.

Other carryover WRX Premium features include high-beam assist, an electric sunroof, front/rear fog lights, rear spoiler, self-levelling LED headlights with auto off, shark-fin antenna, sports body kit, WRX sports mesh grille, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, D-shaped leather-clad steering wheel with red stitching, eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and 60/40-split folding rear seats.