WATCH: Cody Crocker wind up the 2022 Subaru WRX

The hype train is building up steam as the 2022 Subaru WRX edges closer to its Australian launch, with Subaru this week releasing a video of rally legend Cody Crocker punting the all-new WRX Sportswagon around an unnamed proving ground.

In the video, Crocker reiterates some of the new model’s key specifications and features before giving his take on what that feels like as a driver.

“The car’s balanced, it rotates really well,” he said. “This is the sort of car that you go hunting for corners in.”

The video is being used by Subaru to announce and promote a new competition that will gift one lucky Rex fan a six-month stint behind the wheel of the new 2022 Subaru WRX, something the brand has labelled “the ultimate test drive in the ultimate performance machine”.

All you need to do is tell Subaru Australia in 25 words or less where you’d like to drive the all-new WRX.

“Subaru performance wagons have always been fantastic drivers’ cars and keenly anticipated by Australian Subaru drivers,” said Subaru Australia general manager Blair Read.

“The likes of the Liberty GT wagon and earlier-generation WRX wagons earned cult status with their reputation for performance and practicality.

“We cannot wait for Australians to experience the new era of WRX, which we are confident will thrill long-time enthusiasts and attract new members to the Subaru family.”

Coincidently, the competition’s opening and the Crocker video release fell on the same day as the debut of the JDM-spec Subaru WRX ‘S4’ and Subaru Levorg STI Sport R.

The biggest news to come out of the Japanese reveals is the omission of a manual transmission; all four WRX S4 variants and both of the Levorg STI Sport R models are fitted exclusively with the latest ‘Subaru performance transmission’.

All are powered by the new 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine.

This is not a surprise for the Levorg given the STI Sport R is the same basic package as the Aussie-bound WRX Sportswagon, but the lack of a manual in the sedan was not anticipated, especially given other markets – including Australia – will be getting a six-speed DIY set-up as standard.