Good cars deserve attention and this is one such example. This is the second-generation Subaru WRX and is available in Malaysia in two variants. The CVT goes for RM295,000 while the 6-speed manual variant costs a little less, at RM285,000.
Regardless of which you choose, at the heart of the WRX is a 2.4-litre flat-four petrol engine with 275 hp and 375 Nm of torque. Compared to the previous model, it’s only a three horsepower bump but torque has gone considerably, up 25 Nm.
The 0-100 km/h time for the manual is six seconds while the CVT variant does the same run a tad slower, in 6.1 seconds. Both share the same 215 km/h top speed.
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It’s worth mentioning that the CVT gearbox with eight virtual gears in the Subaru WRX isn’t the same as the ones in conventional Subaru. Called the Subaru Performance Transmission, it’s a higher performance transmission not just to withstand the additional power but quicker ‘simulated shifts’ when operating the gear shift paddles. Typical of a Subaru, power is sent to all four corners via Subaru’s Symmetrical All-wheel Drive system with Active Torque Vectoring.
It may be a Subaru WRX, but it sure looks tamer than the rally-bred models from the 90s and early 2000s that we’ve become accustomed to. There isn’t a big rear spoiler unlike Subarus of old but you do get a subtle boot lid to go with the quad exhaust tips. Wheels are 18-inch in size, wrapped in Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres. At the front is a signature (oversized) front hood scoop, with cornering lights.
Inside, the first items you’d notice are the 11.6-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the WRX-badged steering wheel and the supremely comfortable sports seats, with 10-way adjustability. That, however, is only for the driver side.
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In the CVT, you’ll find the additional drive mode selector, auto hold, electronic parking brake, auto retractable side mirrors and rear air vents. The CVT variant also stands out in the safety department, with reverse auto braking, EyeSight Driver Assist Technology with autonomous emergency steering and Eyesight Assist Monitor.
As fun as the manual is, looks like the CVT model is more all-rounded, don’t you think? Or would you go for the manual Subaru WRX, especially for such cars?
GALLERY
