This dropped today. I was looking forward to what possibly could be the last ICE powered WRX would bring, I think I'm a bit underwhelmed, not sure if I dig the looks either with the truck like fender flares...

https://www.thedrive.com/news/42317/...ine-and-271-hp

- 2.4L motor (although peak trq the same)
- 271 HP
- 20% roll& torsional stiffness
- Function air vents
- Recaro seats
- 11 inch screen
- No digital dash

 

Don't they normally release the STI the same time as the new model WRX?

I agree it looks like an off road Impreza.

 

The hatchback looks killer!

 

Ill take the Aztek before the Subi.

 

Honestly the car looks like my wife's 2019 RAV4 adventure, just lowered.... :-/

 

Im convinced there was a campaign by car manufactures all over the world after 2015 to make all cars produced look as horrible as possible..people will buy a turd if you do the proper marketing.

 

I agree with it being underwhelming.
1) The fender flares should be color matched to the body color not matte plastic.
2) Surprising that Subaru chose to give it less hp and torque than the Ascent. Considering that the 2.0 engine has the virtually identical ratings. Before the reveal, I was confident that they would make it have closer to 290hp and 290lb/ft.
3) Why didn't Subaru upgrade the brakes to 4 piston front and 2 piston rear ?!
4) I like the stiffer architecture and adjustable suspension dampers as well as the large screen in the middle of the dashboard.

Overall in my opinion, this Wrx does not seem so enticing compared to the outgoing model.

 

There's nothing to like about this thing.

It's obviously ugly. That diaper over the rear bumper, I mean whose idea was that. Who is taking a WRX far enough offroad where that thing would play a part.

But the most egregious slap in the face is Recaros only on the GT with only the CVT option. With a 75% uptake rate of manuals, why are they giving the goodies to CVT drivers? Those are mostly middle aged women from what I've seen personally, they'd prefer the more relaxed base seats and the savings.

I'm genuinely confused about who this is marketed to, and who will actually buy this.

Maybe this is Subaru's way of saying "See? no one wants to buy manuals any more, it's all CVTs and electrics from now on!"