The Subaru WRX: A Legacy Reimagined

For decades, the name Subaru Impreza might have conjured images of a practical, reliable family car. However, add three letters – WRX – or six – WRX STI – and that perception instantly transforms. What emerges is a formidable performance machine, a true embodiment of Subaru's engineering prowess, particularly their renowned all-wheel-drive expertise. This transformation has cemented the WRX's status as a cult classic, a car celebrated for its rally heritage and thrilling driving dynamics. But the WRX we know today is a far cry from its humble beginnings. With the recent debut of the fifth generation, the saga of this storied nameplate continues, promising even more excitement for enthusiasts.

The Genesis of a Legend: First Generation (1992-2000)

The journey of the WRX began in 1992, born from Subaru's success with the Legacy in endurance and rally racing. The first-generation Impreza WRX, available as both a sedan and a wagon, quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with. While Japan enjoyed a potent 240 horsepower from its 2.0-litre boxer engine, European markets received a still respectable 210 bhp. Famously, the US market missed out on these initial, highly desirable models, making them sought-after imports today. For the most dedicated enthusiasts and aspiring racers, Subaru even offered a stripped-down 'RA' version, devoid of luxuries like air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, or even a horn, embodying the raw spirit of rally competition.

February 1994 marked a pivotal moment with the introduction of the WRX STI. These models, initially converted from standard WRXs at the factory, were engineered to push the boundaries of performance. With Colin McRae at the wheel, the STI quickly made its mark in the World Rally Championship, solidifying its legendary status. STI models boasted around 250 horsepower, along with strengthened suspension and transmission components. The lightweight 'RA' STI even featured an electromechanical differential, showcasing Subaru's commitment to advanced performance engineering. By 1996, further updates brought more power, setting the stage for the next chapter.

Evolution and Controversy: Second Generation (2000-2007)

The turn of the millennium ushered in the second-generation Impreza, often dubbed the "New Age." This era saw an increase in the model's dimensions and, controversially, the introduction of the distinctive "Bug Eye" design. While the coupe body style was discontinued, this generation was significant as it marked the long-awaited arrival of the WRX in the US in 2002, albeit with 227 horsepower. The polarizing 'Bug Eye' styling underwent two significant revisions during its lifespan, reflecting Subaru's attempts to refine its aesthetic.

The 'Blob Eye' Facelift (2004)

The first facelift in 2004 aimed to address the 'Bug Eye' criticism. It replaced the distinctive round headlights with a more conventional, albeit still round-ish, design that earned the nickname 'Blob Eye'. This was generally considered an aesthetic improvement. Beyond the looks, the WRX model benefited from a tweaked suspension, enhancing its already impressive handling characteristics. Minor interior changes also accompanied this refresh, providing a glimpse of the design direction for the subsequent generation.

The 'Hawkeye' Facelift (2006)

The second facelift, introduced for the 2006 model year, was a substantial overhaul. Drawing inspiration from the automaker's aviation heritage, it presented Subaru's new corporate face, complete with new headlights, a revised grille, and a redesigned bumper. Enthusiasts affectionately dubbed this the 'Hawkeye' design. This update wasn't just cosmetic; the WRX's 2.0-litre engine was replaced by a larger, more torquey 2.5-litre unit, and the chassis and brakes received further enhancements, ensuring the WRX remained competitive and thrilling to drive.

Refinement and Reassessment: Third Generation (2007-2014)

The third-generation Impreza, launched in 2007, continued the trend of growing in size, becoming wider and longer than its predecessor. Notably, Subaru replaced the traditional wagon variant with a more versatile five-door hatchback. Initially, the new WRX carried over the previous generation's engine with only minor internal and external changes, leading to some criticism for its softened suspension and less ostentatious bodywork. Many fans felt it had gone 'mainstream', losing some of its hardcore edge.

However, Subaru quickly recognised the sentiment of its passionate fanbase. For the 2009 model year, they rectified the situation by upgrading the suspension and significantly boosting power to 265 horsepower. Further enhancements arrived in 2011 when the aggressive widebody kit from the STI was incorporated into the WRX, and the sedan STI variant made a welcome return, reaffirming the WRX's commitment to its performance roots.

A New Identity: Fourth Generation (2014-Present)

The fourth-generation WRX marked a significant strategic shift for Subaru. For the first time, the WRX and WRX STI models were officially separated from the Impreza brand in many markets, including the US. While they still shared an underlying platform and overall shape, the WRX now sported unique front and rear quarter panels, asserting its distinct identity. This generation also introduced the new turbocharged 2.0-litre FA20F engine to the WRX, showcasing Subaru's ongoing commitment to innovation and performance. This iteration solidified the WRX's standalone status as a high-performance sports sedan.

The New Era: Fifth Generation (2022– )

Subaru officially unveiled the highly anticipated fifth-generation WRX in September 2021, bringing with it a host of substantial changes. The iconic 2.0-litre engine has been superseded by a larger, more powerful turbocharged 2.4-litre unit, delivering 271 horsepower (202 kilowatts) and 258 pound-feet (349 Newton-meters) of torque. This power is channelled to all four wheels via Subaru's legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, available with either a purist-pleasing six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) featuring an eight-speed manual mode controlled by paddle shifters.

A major underlying change for this generation is the adoption of the Subaru Global Platform. This advanced architecture contributes to a significantly stiffer chassis, boasting a 28 percent boost in torsional rigidity, which translates to superior handling and stability. The centre of gravity has also been lowered, further enhancing the car's dynamic capabilities. A new design sees the rear stabilizer bar mounted directly to the body, rather than the subframe, for improved responsiveness. For those seeking even greater performance, an external transmission fluid cooler is offered, alongside a new-for-2022 GT trim that features electronically controlled dampers, allowing drivers to tailor the ride and handling characteristics.

While the base model offers an accessible entry point to WRX ownership, the GT trim, exclusively paired with the CVT, commands a higher price, reflecting its enhanced features. Regrettably for many enthusiasts, Subaru has confirmed that a hotter WRX STI variant will not be produced for most markets, citing increasingly stringent emissions regulations as the primary reason. However, there remains a glimmer of hope: Subaru's Australian division is exploring the possibility of developing a Subaru Tecnica International variant independently, a testament to the enduring demand for the ultimate performance WRX. Interestingly, Australia also benefits from a more practical WRX Sportswagon variant, catering to those who desire performance with added versatility.

The Heart of the Beast: WRX Engine & Performance

The Subaru WRX has always been about delivering genuine, near-race-ready performance at an attainable price point. Imagine a seemingly innocuous four-door saloon, similar in size to a Honda Civic, yet packing a formidable punch. The early WRX, for instance, boasted a 227-horsepower wallop from its DOHC 2.0-litre flat-four cylinder engine, turbocharged to 14.2 psi and air-to-air intercooled. This specific output rivalled even high-end sports cars of its time, such as the Porsche 911 Turbo.

Subaru's corporate all-wheel-drive system is the key to managing this prodigious power, ensuring it's put to effective use. This full-time AWD system with viscous coupling typically routes 55 percent of torque to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions, providing a balanced and engaging experience. While the engine might feel docile and quiet off-boost and a little soft on torque at low RPMs, the magic happens above 3500 RPM. Mash the accelerator, and you're rewarded with a thrilling rush of acceleration up to its 7000-rpm redline.

The WRX's fully independent suspension contributes to lively, largely vice-free handling. In capable hands, it can produce predictable, throttle-induced drifts without significant under- or oversteer tendencies. Standard disc brakes with ABS and performance tyres on aluminium rims ensured impressive stopping power and agility. The WRX's ability to seamlessly transition from daily commuting to spirited track driving, or even off-road dirt and snow courses, truly highlights its versatility and the effectiveness of its rally-bred engineering. It's a car that truly does it all, and does it well.

Engine Evolution at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions About the WRX

Will there be a new Subaru Impreza WRX?

Yes, the fifth-generation Subaru WRX has already debuted in September 2021. While it's no longer officially branded as an 'Impreza WRX' in many markets, it continues the lineage as the spiritual successor to the performance models that once sat under the Impreza umbrella. It represents a significant evolution in terms of platform, engine, and technology.

What engine does the new 5th-generation WRX have?

The latest Subaru WRX is powered by a new turbocharged 2.4-litre flat-four boxer engine. This unit produces 271 horsepower (202 kilowatts) and 258 pound-feet (349 Newton-meters) of torque. It replaces the previous 2.0-litre FA20F engine, offering improved low-end torque and overall performance.

When did the first Impreza WRX come out?

The first-generation Subaru Impreza WRX was introduced in 1992 in Japan. It quickly gained popularity for its rally-derived performance and all-wheel-drive system. It wasn't until 2002 that the WRX officially made its way to the US market, and European markets received it earlier than that, but still after Japan.

Is there a new WRX STI?

Sadly, Subaru has announced that there will not be a new, hotter WRX STI variant for most global markets, citing increasingly stringent emissions regulations as the reason. This decision has disappointed many long-time fans of the brand. However, there is a possibility that Subaru's Australian division might take the initiative to develop a Subaru Tecnica International variant independently for their market.

What is the Subaru Global Platform (SGP)?

The Subaru Global Platform (SGP) is a highly rigid and versatile vehicle architecture that underpins the latest generation of Subaru models, including the new WRX. Its benefits include increased chassis stiffness (28% boost in torsional rigidity for the WRX), a lower centre of gravity, and improved safety performance through enhanced collision absorption. For the WRX, the SGP translates directly into sharper handling, greater stability, and a more refined driving experience.

The Enduring Appeal of the WRX

From its humble beginnings as a rally homologation special to its current guise as a standalone performance saloon, the Subaru WRX has consistently delivered on its promise of thrilling performance for the masses. Its unique combination of a powerful boxer engine, legendary all-wheel drive, and practical four-door packaging has created a loyal following worldwide. While the absence of a new STI model is a blow to some, the fifth-generation WRX, built on the advanced Subaru Global Platform, ensures that the spirit of the 'Rex' lives on. It remains a compelling choice for drivers who demand exhilarating performance, robust engineering, and a car that can handle diverse driving conditions with confidence and flair. The WRX continues to rock, proving that its appeal goes far beyond mere specifications; it's about the pure, unadulterated joy of driving.

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