This 2022 model year marks the introduction of a fifth-generation WRX – that all-wheel-drive hooligan that some of us first discovered on the screens of a PlayStation. The car has gone through several permutations over the years, including some ill-advised styling choices, but has never left the psyche of most gearheads as one of the preferred turbocharged tools for sliding around a dirt-covered back road.
For 2022, the WRX adds a new top-of-the-line GT trim, featuring electronically controlled dampers that can tailor the dynamic performance to the driver’s preferences. But – hang on a minute; according to the bumf, that trim is only available with a CVT!
The humanity.
Sorry, SPT. Subaru has ditched the three letters derided by most enthusiasts for a trio of their own creation: Subaru Performance Transmission. This is a ‘box that incorporates adaptive shift control that can quickly respond to perform rev-matching “downshifts” under braking. The jury’s out ‘til I try one. Your author will readily admit that bleating ‘save the manuals’ isn’t the right answer in every single circumstance – especially when certain gearboxes are lightning-fast, nearly telepathic in serving up the right gear, and swap cogs faster than a human’s right arm ever could. However, some cars simply just feel right with a manual transmission, delivering better driver engagement. Trap speeds be damned. The WRX is one of those cars.
So, trick suspenders or not, the $41,895 GT trim is not in the running for consideration on this day. What about the other bookend? Kicking things off is an entry-level model simply called the WRX, priced at $29,105 with the manual transmission. All the typical comforts you’d expect are present including good climate control, folding rear seats, and plenty of USB ports. The oddball dual 7.0-inch infotainment setup is present at this price point, a configuration of two screens that reliably flummoxes this driver every time he gets behind the wheel of a Subaru so equipped.
Up a rung, the $31,605 WRX Premium brings some visual drama to the party by way of a low-profile rear spoiler in matching body color and front-facing LED fogs. Given the Type A personalities who generally line up for a WRX, this is no small matter. All the same, if you think Subaru dealers won’t have their body shop bolting those spoilers onto base models with alarming regularity, I’ve got a bridge in Idaho to sell you. The Premium earns the brand’s 11.6-inch jumbotron infotainment screen, heat in the seats and mirrors plus a windshield wiper defroster grid, push-button start, and dual-zone climate control. One can add a banging Harmon Kardon stereo for about two grand.
Beyond that, a Limited heaves into view for another $2,500 and brings with it some Ultrasuede seats and a few driving nannies. That H-K sound system is included in the deal, as are a moonroof and satnav. I’d save my pennies for new tires and stick with the Premium.
Manual shift, of course.
Please note the prices listed here are in American dollars and are currently accurate for base prices exclusive of any fees, taxes, or rebates. Your dealer may (and should) sell for less (obscene market conditions notwithstanding). Keep your foot down, bone up on available rebates, and bargain hard.
[Images: Subaru]
Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by subscribing to our newsletter.
“One can add a banging Harmon Kardon stereo for about two grand.”
A $2,000 stereo on a $31.5K car better f*cking lick me as I’m going down the road.
Listen, my stereo amplifier by itself costs $3000 and this is only for two channels with no preamp. Believe me $2000 for multichannel audio system is very low. It is cheaper than substandard Japanese multichannel receiver.
It’s your money.
…use it when you need it! Call J.G. Wentworth.
rimshot!
877 Cash Cow!
I have owned many, many pieces of high-quality home audio equipment over the years. The one that tested the very most accurate was… wait for it… a Japanese multichannel receiver. (A Sony STR-DA5000ES with a giant Class D amp, to be precise.)
Most of the audiophile industry consists of creative ways to make people feel good about distortion.
Even if the sound is subjective (it is), most of the golden era stuff is just built to a standard you don’t see today. My main receiver is a Pioneer that my Dad purchased at the PX in Japan in 1969. I have replaced some caps and cleaned the pots and it is still chugging along. Added a Google Chromecast Audio to one of the inputs and now it’s “smart”.
That stuff is just good. Different times.
I could easily get addicted to buying old stereo equipment. And it’s not a cheap habit.
“That stuff is just good. Different times.”
Possibly relevant (possibly timely):
https://www.vice.com/en/article/88gk4p/pentagon-says-nintendo-generation-has-weak-skeletons
Interesting I did not know you were an audiophile. I actually sourced an excellent condition Denon AVR-3200 home receiver (Japanese made, circa 1998) from Craigslist for $50. Later sourced the old school tall Sony speakers for $20 though sadly they stick out a little since they are dark brown and not black colored as the receiver and cabinet.
Two grand is a lot, but think of the target market for this car. I’d bet about half of them go straight to Car Toys right after they take delivery so they can spend stupid money on a sound system that vibrates the car next to them.
Just when you think Subaru can’t make an uglier car, they do. And from the side, the upkick in the rear door makes the profile look near identical to the last generation Corolla.
Or that ugly-ass Honda whatchamcallit.
I just texted my son and told him to hang onto his WRB bugeye WRX.
Or that ugly-ass Honda whatchamcallit.
I just texted my son and told him to hang onto his WRB bugeye WRX.
“Just when you think Subaru can’t make an uglier car”
Believe it can make uglier cars and it will soon. Just wait until it starts making EVs. They will look like dogs.
By the time I spend the time and money to take the thing to a top-quality shop and have those godawful arches repainted in body color and matched, I could afford the Golf R I’d really rather have anyway. A Golf R is the right spec here.
These unpainted fender condoms are everywhere. Visually abhorrent.
looks like a 2008 civic from the back
Yes the tail lights are very much like the Civics. Not my cup of tea but I have seen worse looking new vehicles of late. This would be a blast to drive.
Hideous to look at, no performance improvement, behind the times (still) interior, and more costly. Why?
“All the same, if you think Subaru dealers won’t have their body shop bolting those spoilers onto base models with alarming regularity, I’ve got a bridge in Idaho to sell you.”
Nice! I was just wondering about that.
IDK where you live, but I don’t even think Subaru builds any base cars. I’ve been looking for an Impreza base hatchback with zero options and a manual transmission. The only dealer within 100 miles refused to even order one for me with 50% cash down.
I bought a base Outback and there were plenty of them to choose from. Of course, that was a long time ago. February 2021.
Someone will step up to produce a wing with huge side plates that integrate with those god-awful rear quarter bulges. They’re so bad that they distract from the octagonal wheel openings and the Acura tail lights.
Premium.
Stick.
HATCHBACK.
Until then, my wallet is safe!
Golf R to kosmo “am I a joke to you?”
The author said ” One can add a banging Harmon Kardon stereo for about two grand. ”
Actually it is Harman; I should know since I work for them! Harmon is a glass company.
Hmmm, I sense that when the GR ,and now Integra AWD hatches avail w/ manuals hit the market , the fanbois will pivot from Subaru.
Besides I doubt Subaru will get this out before its competition launches their new models. I’ve heard FHI has some serious chip issues.