Our local Subaru distributor, Motor Image, has launched the new Subaru WRX and Subaru WRX STI at Desa Parkcity today.
Quick facts on the new Subaru WRX
- Zerotohundred: 6.3 seconds
- Top Speed : 240 km/h
- Power: 264 hp
- Torque: 350 NM
- Drivetrain: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- Price: RM230,979
Quick facts on the new Subaru WRX STI
- Zerotohundred: 5.2 seconds
- Top Speed : 255 km/h
- Power: 296 hp
- Torque: 407 NM
- Drivetrain: 6 Speed Manual
- Price: RM271,387
The WRX and WRX STI in a nutshell
Alright, for starters, Subaru has dropped the Impreza nameplate for its performance cars, sticking to just WRX STI for, what essentially is the eleventh incarnation of the famed performance saloon.
Engine and Performance
The latest version of the WRX STI is powered by the EJ257, which is a 2L 4 pot boxer engine. Like previous incarnations, this EJ257 is also turbocharged, as produces a maximum of 296 hp and 407 NM at 4000rpm. Being a true driver’s car, the WRX STI is only offered with a six speed manual transmission. This enables the WRX STI to propel from zero to hundred in a mere 5.2 seconds. Top speed is rated at 255 km/h.
Technology Behind the Brawn
If you’re not a fan of stick shifting, then you can choose the regular WRX. Unlike the WRX STI however, the WRX is powered by the familiar FA20F engine, which also powers the BRZ. This particular engine, bearing an extra F, means that unlike the BRZ’s engine, the one in the WRX is turbocharged. The FA20F in the WRX produces a maximum of 264 hp and 350 NM from 2500rpm till 5200rpm. As mentioned earlier, the WRX is only equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with 6 virtual ratios. The regular WRX manages to hit zero to hundred in 6.3 seconds, and a top speed of 240 km/h.
Both the WRX and WRX STI does get Subaru’s usual all wheel drive trickery, called Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive with Active Torque Vectoring. Torque distribution between the front and rear wheels can be altered via the Driver’s Control Centre Differential. Not in the mood to drive hard? You can alter the throttle response and power delivery via the Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive). The SI-Drive offers three modes for the drive, from Intelligent Mode, to Sports Mode and Sport Sharp Mode. The Sports Sharp Mode allows the driver to maximize the engine’s potential with instant throttle response.
Other than that, the latest generation WRX and WRX STI offers a stiffer body than the previous generation, and the suspension set up has been retuned as well. To offer the driver ultimate vehicle control, Subaru’s multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control System makes a return here. The WRX STI also offers a set of Brembo high performance brakes.
Exterior
Unlike the WRX STI with its signature spoiler, the more affordable WRX has a more subtle duck tail spoiler. The WRX will have to make do with smaller 17″ alloy wheels, while the bigger brother rides on 18″ alloy wheels. Both models do get auto leveling LED headlights, keyless entry and ignition and a reverse camera.
Interior
Both the WRX and WRX STI shares pretty much a similar interior, but the big brother WRX STI offers the driver and passengers a combination of leather and Alcantara upholstery. Interior upholstery aside, both variants include the same 2-DIN head unit which offers Bluetooth connectivity, USB connectivity and six speakers. Some go fast STI emblems are strategically placed in the WRX STI as a reminder to the driver.
Safety
Fun aside, the Subaru WRX and WRX STI has a complete range of safety features. Both cars has a maximum of seven airbags, ABS, EBD, BA and Hill Start Assist. The family man would be pleased to know that both cars also has ISOFIX mounts for child seats.
The launch at Desa Parkcity was further spiced up with Russ Swift doing a few stunt runs in the car park. Several lucky attendees also managed to get an exciting taxi ride courtesy of Motor Image and Russ Swift.
Enjoy the photo gallery below of the Subaru WRX and WRX STI launch!
