2022 Subaru WRX manual (inc. 0-100) review

The Subaru WRX takes me back to my youth! With the WRX STi now dead - for the time being anyway, we've finally had a chance to get behind the wheel of the Subaru WRX here in Australia. Is it any good? Paul Maric goes for a spin to find out!

Skip Ahead:
Intro: 00:00
Exterior 01:10
Interior 03:35
Infotainment 04:38
Safety Tech 06:08
Practicality 06:59
On the Road 10:23
0-100 km/h 12:22
Verdict 17:36

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CarExpert:

Paul Maric:

#subaru #wrx #review

[HughRussell]

I think the main problem for people (including myself) is the overuse of the grey plastic cladding, particularly on the rear bumper. If some of it was still body coloured, it would look better

[trckster]

Test drove it on Tuesday, it's immeasurably better than the previous generation in every way. I cannot believe how much better the clutch and gearbox are. It's like not even a WRX where you expect it to be unpolished and kind of crappy lol. Subaru knocked it out of the park, I was a MEGA hater when it came out too.

[johneldridge]

im all for the manual usually. After test driving both the cvt and manual extensively prior to purchase i found the cvt was excellent and completely blew me away. Total surprise. Power delivery was instant and very satisfying, no typical cvt rubber bandy feeling of acceleration. The simulated shifts were immediate, the car gave me the right revs seemlessly in every situation (cornering, braking etc). Guys they really have nailed this cvt for this vehicle I hate to say it. Being an older driver probably plays a part in my decision as I just couldnt be stuffed rowing my own gears some days, and prefer to hold a coffee. But... if i wanto have a bit of fun I can throw it in sport# and use the paddles to rip up a back road.... best of both worlds. SO in the end it was the cvt by a long shot. BTW the manual was also excellent and much better than the previous gen. As far as the manual being better for staged power upgrades. Well again im getting older so chasing power for essentially what is a street car to me seems pointless. Stock power is plenty for the street, and then some.

[thakillerb]

Absolutely love the channel Paul and the rest of the team!

[petercharles]

Test drove the top spec TS last week.. Response was surprisingly good in sports sharp..Quick up changes and rev matching on the down shifts.. if you didn't know it was a CVT you would never pick it.. also active dampers make city driving very comfortable and country driving more exhilarating.. black or dark grey colour definitely neutralises the effect of the cladding.. if you're not a petrol head or a cashed up bogan and want a bit of added refinement then this could be the car for you

[diannemaree]

Hi Paul. I really enjoyed your write up. I've had mine about a month now after trading my BRZ2020. I really enjoyed watching you smile on the drive as they are the reasons my WRX makes me smile. I find it very ballsy. I like for now the fact it is quiet but may upgrade the exhaust down the track. Thanks for the camera tip, didn't see that. She is my daily and I am so happy that I upgraded and grabbed an icon. I really like the outer, it does grow on you. Thanks for the info, di

[raymondhachmishvili]

imo the best looking wrx to date, love the rear end.

[Hemanfreeman]

Why they aren’t putting a manual in the wagon is beyond me. I’d sign up tomorrow if there was an option. The engine seems great even if the sound is lacking.

[aimanfitriiv]

looks pretty nice especially in this dark colors at least it has a turbocharged 4 cylinder and 6 speed manual variant

[harrychacko]

Nice reviews Paul. You can probably use a decibel measuring device to measure the cabin noise, so that there is a figure to compare between cars

[Gdsamplify]

Honestly the front styling is growing on me, the black plastic cladding will probably date the styling pretty hard once manufacturers decide painted cladding is the next styling 'thing' for SUVs

[gjoyce]

Drove the top model auto this week. It was bloody good. Not slow in the real world of imperfect roads. SPT is better than I was expecting. Interior seemed much nicer than in pictures. Will try manual soon then choose. Time to replace my 1 owner '96 GF8!

[Kopernicus]

In USD, still the best, most modifyable performance car for $30k. Golf R, Civic Type R, GR Corrolla, are all north of $40-45k, with no discounts, and good luck finding a selection. Our VW dealer is allocated ONE Golf R per year. Meanwhile, our Subie dealer has 4-6 WRXs at any time, and I bought mine for $2k under MSRP with an STi shifter thrown in the deal.

[YoItsZed]

I just want to acknowledge CarExperts way of reviewing cars. The finesse is outstanding. From the camera set-up and the b-rolls of the car up to the way how they give justice to the car. If there’s something they personally dislike they say it without giving a full-blown criticism as they manage to keep it neutral and stays in the line that they ask what’s the opinion of their viewers.

Kudos to Paul. His delivery and everything.

[stevebicknell]

Ordered the CVT in the Philippines. Can't wait for delivery . Have a 2018 model
now . Big improvements to enjoy except the Price here ! 2.808.000 Mil Peso !
English senior citizen's last Petrol engine super car ! Steve .

[Spacemonkeymojo]

I saw one of these in person the other day and I agree that it doesn't look as bad. Really want one of these now :( Going to be saving up for the next 7-8 years before I get one I think. Manual ICE cars are just so much more fun to drive than an EV would be I think (although I've never driven an EV).

[jaykazama]

Who ever designs for Subaru needs to be fired. They always come out with below average specifications, design and performance.

It's only a few more tweaks and they can revive the brand for what it was back in the 00s.

[zaamuro]

You must be the only one who likes the look of that rear bumper Paul. With regards to the exhaust, must be a dealer option being considered for the tbsti Australia special coming...

[hueyh]

I commend Subaru for even giving us one last wrx, when the market is moving towards ev’s and crossovers.

[benturton]

Pretty solid car I reckon. You either like em or hate em. I like it. Thanks again Paul. I really like your style. Has to be a manual