Strategic Investments: Planning For Your Dream Subaru Wrx Purchase

The Subaru WRX is a sports car with a strong following, known for its powerful performance and reasonable price tag. With its success, you may be wondering how to invest in a Subaru WRX for future purchases. While there are no clear-cut investment strategies specifically for this car, there are some ways to potentially increase your chances of owning one in the future. Firstly, you could consider investing in Subaru as a company, as the WRX is one of their flagship vehicles and they have a strong presence in the automotive market. Another option is to save up and buy the car outright when you can afford it, as the WRX offers a great combination of performance and practicality for its price. Additionally, keeping an eye out for special deals or promotions from Subaru could help you get a better price when you're ready to buy. Lastly, taking good care of your current car, if you have one, can help you get a better trade-in value when you're ready to upgrade to the WRX.

The 2024 Subaru WRX

The interior of the WRX is designed for comfortable and confident high-performance driving. It includes sport-design front seats, a D-shaped steering wheel, and premium materials throughout the spacious cabin. The WRX also offers advanced technology, such as the STARLINK® Multimedia 11.6-inch touchscreen and EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, which comes standard for the first time. The infotainment system seamlessly integrates with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ and includes wireless Bluetooth® pairing and hands-free smartphone operation.

The WRX has a starting price of around $32,735 and offers five trim levels: Base, Premium, Limited, TR, and GT. The Premium trim adds features such as a windshield wiper de-icer system, keyless entry, and a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen. The Limited trim includes additional upgrades like adaptive headlights, synthetic leather seating, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The TR trim focuses on performance, with upgrades such as 19-inch wheels, Recaro front sport seats, and a retuned suspension for improved handling. The GT trim includes all the driver-assist features, adaptive suspension dampers, and additional drive mode settings.

The WRX's rally heritage

The WRX, which stands for 'World Rally Experimental', marked Subaru's serious entry into the world of rallying. The WRX debuted in the World Rally Championship in 1992, and its success in rally championships and its popularity as a road car made it a legendary and beloved model. The iconic blue and gold colours of the Subaru WRX became synonymous with rally racing for a generation.

In 1995, with legendary driver Colin McRae at the wheel, Subaru claimed both the constructors' and drivers' championships, solidifying the WRX's place in rallying history. The WRX would go on to bring further glory to Subaru, with the team winning the constructors' championship again in 1996 and 1997, and two more drivers' championships in 2001 and 2003 with later models.

The second-generation WRX, introduced in 2000, built on the rally success of its predecessor and continued to garner a strong fanbase worldwide. This generation introduced the iconic 'bug-eye' headlights, which became a distinctive design feature. The 2.0-litre turbocharged engine also received upgrades, and Subaru introduced the even more potent WRX STI variant.

The third-generation WRX, launched in 2007, featured a larger 2.5-litre turbocharged engine and a more aggressive design. This generation was the last to offer a hatchback body style, followed by a four-door sedan.

The latest iteration of the WRX, the fifth generation, was unveiled in 2022 and includes a sports wagon variant. The core performance feature of this generation is its symmetrical all-wheel-drive range, which delivers optimal power distribution and uniform stability. The 2023 WRX boasts a 2.4-litre direct injection turbocharged boxer engine, producing 271 hp and 350 Nm of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds.

The WRX's unique AWD system

The WRX comes with two distinct AWD systems, depending on the transmission type. The first is the Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) system, exclusive to the CVT WRX. The VTD splits torque 45/55 between the front and rear wheels, giving it a rear bias that reduces understeer when accelerating. This system includes a Planetary center differential and an electronic hydraulic transfer clutch for smooth power transfer.

The second AWD system is the Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD), which is reserved for the WRX STI. This drivetrain is the most advanced of Subaru's offerings, with a 41/59 split that leans towards a rear bias for a sport-focused driving experience. The DCCD utilises a planetary mechanical limited-slip differential and an electronic differential that the driver can lock up manually for increased control.

The WRX's AWD system is always active, meaning it provides power to all four wheels at all times, rather than just when traction is lost. This constant power distribution enhances control and handling, especially when cornering. Additionally, the system can move power not just between the front and rear axles but also from left to right and wheel to wheel, ensuring superior traction and stability.

The WRX's unique AWD setup is a significant factor in its exceptional performance, handling, and safety, making it a popular choice even in warm-weather climates where rain is common.

The WRX's performance engineering

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

The WRX boasts Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a core performance feature refined through decades of rally experience. This system provides uniform stability and optimal power distribution, ensuring maximum traction on all surfaces. With power directed to the center differential first, the WRX achieves a unique level of grip that surpasses its competitors. This setup delivers exceptional handling capabilities, whether on the track, street, or even a twisty dirt road.

Engine and Transmission

Under the hood, the WRX is equipped with a 2.4-liter direct-injection turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® engine, generating an impressive 271 horsepower. This engine features a twin-scroll turbocharger and an electronic wastegate, resulting in instantaneous boost response and a broad, flat power band. The WRX also offers two transmission options: a responsive 6-speed manual transmission for total control or the Subaru Performance Transmission with paddle shifters, combining the convenience of an automatic with the fun of fingertip shifting.

Suspension and Chassis

The WRX's track-tuned suspension is engineered for precision handling and ride quality. It includes a rear anti-roll bar mounted directly to the rigid chassis, enhancing roll control and improving the overall ride. The WRX TR takes it a step further with an exclusive retuned suspension, delivering an even higher level of performance response. Additionally, the WRX GT offers electronically adjustable dampers, allowing drivers to customize their handling and response with the touch of a button.

Steering and Braking

The WRX's D-shaped steering wheel is ergonomically designed for comfortable, confident high-performance driving. The quick-ratio dual-pinion steering provides near-instant response, ensuring precise control. Furthermore, the WRX TR is fitted with race-bred Brembo® front and rear brakes, delivering optimal braking performance with improved response, modulation, and fade resistance.

Interior and Technology

The WRX cockpit is designed for performance driving, featuring Recaro® performance-design front seats that provide comfort and improved support during spirited driving. The D-shaped steering wheel and a high-resolution 11.6-inch touchscreen further enhance the driving experience. The EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, now standard across all trims, includes features such as traffic monitoring, optimized cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency steering.

The WRX's safety and technology features

The WRX is a safe and reliable vehicle, with a reasonable price tag and a practical machine for its money. The WRX has been engineered to last for over a decade, and its longevity is also dependent on timely care and maintenance by the owners.

The WRX's safety features include:

• A reinforced body structure designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision.
• Front and rear crumple zones engineered to dissipate energy away from the cabin in the event of an impact.
• Dual-stage airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, and a whiplash-reducing front seat design.
• A rear-view camera, providing a clear view when reversing.
• EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which uses sensors to monitor traffic conditions and provide automatic braking and lane-keeping assistance.
• Brakes designed to provide maximum stopping power in all conditions.
• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) brakes that automatically sense when a tire has stopped rotating under extreme braking and modulate the brake pressure to allow the tire to rotate, increasing the vehicle's ability to turn while braking.
• Stability control, which automatically senses when the vehicle's handling limits have been exceeded, reducing engine power and/or applying select brakes to prevent the driver from losing control.
• Front-impact, side-impact, overhead, and knee airbags to protect occupants during collisions and rollovers.

In addition to its safety features, the WRX also boasts impressive technology:

• A high-resolution 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing for intuitive control of entertainment and navigation without plugging in a smartphone.
• EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes automatic pre-collision braking, automatic emergency steering, and advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centring.
• A D-shaped steering wheel with excellent weight and feel, providing ergonomic control and near-instant response.
• A 2.4-liter direct-injection turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine, producing 271 horsepower.
• A responsive 6-speed manual transmission or an 8-speed manual mode with automatic downshift blipping control, combining convenience and fingertip paddle shifting.
• Subaru's symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, delivering optimal power distribution and maximum traction on all types of surfaces.
• A track-tuned suspension with motorsport-inspired engineering, including a rear anti-roll bar mounted directly to the chassis for improved ride and roll control.
• A Subaru Global Platform for enhanced handling and ride comfort, utilising high-strength steel for more rigidity and torsional stiffness, long-lasting quality, and a quieter cabin.

Frequently asked questions