Subaru WRX 2018 Review

What’s it all about?
The Impreza-based WRX is all about practical performance; and if a small Japanese muscle sedan is on your shopping list, it’s this or nothing.

The specifications are pretty impressive, too, with the WRX Premium on test offering 197kW/350Nm from its FA-series turbocharged 2.0-litre flat four. That’s enough for a claimed 0-100km/h dash of 6.0sec, and a 240km/h v-max.

The Premium model sampled also picks up niceties including redesigned 18-inch alloy wheels, blind-spot monitoring, dual-zone climate control, heated seats, sat nav, a 440-watt harmon kardon premium audio system, sunroof, and a reversing camera.

However, it misses out on digital radio reception, parking sensors, and EyeSight – meaning no adaptive cruise control, auto high-beam, lane-departure warning or autonomous emergency braking (AEB). These features are found on CVT-equipped variants only.

How much will it cost?
The WRX Premium featured runs for $45,640 (plus on-road costs) with the six-speed manual transmission. Add a continuously variable “automatic” and the list price jumps to $48,840 (plus ORCs).

In the scheme of things that places the WRX Premium about midway between the entry-spec WRX ($39,240 plus ORCs) and fire-breathing WRX STi spec.R ($57,690 plus ORCs).

Subaru recommends 95 RON premium unleaded for its turbocharged engines, and offers a three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with 12 months’ breakdown assistance.

A three-year/75,000km capped-price servicing schedule is included as part of the deal. Service intervals are set at six months or 12,500km (whichever comes first).

Why should/shouldn’t I buy it?
The WRX has always offered affordable performance, and that’s true of the 2018 update. The intercooled twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection make for smooth mid-range torque delivery (2000-5200rpm), though there’s little on offer below 2000rpm. Peak power arrives at a sane 5600rpm.

The six-speed manual is a little notchy – and sounds it – although the ratios are sensibly spaced. Fifth and sixth gears are overdriven to improve highway economy, and on test we managed 10.6L/100km against a 9.2L/100km (ADR Combined) claim.

It’s a reasonably easy car to drive and live with too, despite its die-hard all-wheel drive traction (50:50 front-to-rear split) and bordering-on-heavy electric steering. Braking performance is adequate, as is pedal feedback, though some buyers may find the clutch a whisker heavy.

The ride also borders on firm; but it’s not a deal-breaker. The nosey turn-in and exit oversteer, however, may be (though some might argue it’s part of the WRX charm). We were also less than enamoured with the wet-weather commitment of the (245/40) Dunlop Super Maxx rubber.

In truth, the observations above are in keeping with the WRX’s lineage, but the road and tyre noise detracts from the experience at the wheel when compared to most modern rivals.

There were also a number of low grade materials and cabin rattles we found annoying – a shame considering the otherwise sensible packaging and excellent outward visibility.

When is it available in Australia?
Updated for 2018 the Subaru WRX and STi range is available now.

Differences for the new model include ‘more aggressive’ styling and additional equipment, namely heated wing mirrors, electric lumbar support, two-position seat memory, dusk-sensing adaptive LED headlights, and rain-sensing wipers.

There are also minor tweaks to suspension spring rates and the fitment of Jurid high-performance brake pads and red-painted calipers.

The WRX is not based on Subaru’s new global platform – as seen in the new Impreza hatch and sedan range – and an all-new performance range based on the new modular architecture is up to three years away, says Subaru.

Who will it appeal to?
Like most in this segment the WRX aims at those wanting a 'have cake and eat it too' kind of car. This is the sort of vehicle that will happily handle the workday commute, take four adults and their gear for a weekend road trip (460-litre boot) and provide an entertaining Sunday drive for its owner.

However, it’s not the pinnacle of practical performance motoring it once was; and on many fronts lacks the driveability, modernity, and refinement of its European rivals. Though we dare say some might find this endearing...

Where does it fit?
The WRX might have the performance sedan niche on its Pat Malone, but there’s no shortage of hot hatch competitors fighting for a slice of the pie.

For similar coin the WRX goes up against Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce (from $41,990), Ford Focus ST (from $38,990) and RS variants (from $50,990), the newly-release Honda Civic Type R (from $50,990), and soon-to-arrive Hyundai i30 N (price to be advised).

Working down the list you could also score a Peugeot 308 GTi 270 (from $45,990), upcoming Renault Megane RS (price TBA), Skoda Octavia RS (from $37,890), or the ubiquitous Volkswagen Golf GTI (from $41,340) or Golf R (from $52,990).

It really is a great segment to test drive and cross shop.

So, what do we think?
The WRX is still a quick, somewhat edgy machine that offers decent value against its ever-growing competitor set. It’s also a practical and (by all counts) reliable performance sedan with a solid safety score and generous equipment list.

It is, however, not without its peculiarities; and like any performance model we recommend respecting its menace – and learning those handling idiosyncrasies gradually – before exploiting its full potential.

As civilised as it might seem, the WRX still has a little agro at its heart – and that part of the deal is one we’re glad hasn’t changed.

2018 Subaru WRX Premium pricing and specifications:
Price: $45,640 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 197kW/350Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: 9.2L/100km (ADR Combined) / 10.6L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 213g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

Related reading:
>> Ford Focus RS v Subaru WRX STi spec.R v Volkswagen Golf R 2017 Comparison
>> Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Final Edition v Subaru WRX STi 2016 Comparison
>> TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Subaru Viziv Performance Concept