INTERIOR

Connecting the driver to the WRX is a small-diameter flat-bottomed, leather-wrapped steering wheel with multifunction buttons for instant control of the audio system, voice recognition and the EyeSight® Driver-Assist system. The WRX tS ES model is further equipped with aluminium pedals and steering-mounted shifters for maximum driver control and enjoyment. The seats on the all-new WRX have been reworked to offer a balance of comfort and support. The front and rear seats on the WRX models feature 3-stage heating for increased warmth - and whiplash-reducing structures better safety. There’s an 8-way powered driver’s seat with additional lumbar support and all seats are clad in a luxurious soft-touch Ultrasuede® trim which is both comfortable and resilient.

At the heart of the cabin design is Subaru’s new 11.6-inch infotainment system that serves as an easy-to-access hub for a wide range of entertainment and vehicle-related functions. The high-resolution, tablet-style screen recreates the operational premise of modern smart devices for intuitive, and safe, system navigation. The system retains physical buttons for operating volume and temperate control to ensure distraction-free driving.

The system features Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth in addition to a built-in navigation programme that is standard across the locally-available WRX range. All WRX models are available with a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Also incorporated into the system is individually selectable and customisable drive mode select interface as well as a number of other information features including car settings, vehicle diagnostics and more.

With the increased width of the all-new WRX – and a streamlined cabin design approach – passenger space has seen a considerable improvement. The shoulder room now measures 1,441 mm at the front (+30 mm), and 1,412 mm at the rear (+40 mm). The wheelbase has also seen an increase in length and now measures 2,675 mm (+25 mm).

ENGINE & PERFORMANCE

The beating heart of the Subaru WRX is a new 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged horizontally-opposed Boxer® petrol engine. It delivers 202kW and 350Nm of torque.

There are 2 derivatives available in the line-up: the WRX Manual and the WRX tS ES. In the Manual derivative makes us of a 6-speed manual gearbox. The WRX tS ES derivative makes use of a newly-developed 8-speed Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT) that is up to 50% faster than before.

Si-Drive Performance is also part of the WRX package, allowing access to various driving modes. Subaru WRX is available with an optional sports exhaust system for increased aural pleasure. This is an option on both the manual and WRX tS derivatives.

TECHNOLOGY

This is the most advanced WRX ever built. Both from a ground-up engineering perspective as well as contained within the plethora of systems at work in the car. Key technology features such as the active, passive and driver-assistance safety systems abound. The sports sedan employs state of the art driving assistance with the most advanced Subaru EyeSight 4.0. Then coupled with clever Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems; Vehicle Dynamics Control, the WRX is the best option to remain on the road and in control.

The technology extends further into convenience and safety features such as Subaru’s Driver Monitoring System, a first in the region initially offered on our Outback range.

SAFETY

By building the WRX on the Subaru Global Platform, the WRX now represents the highest levels of safety and refinement in Subaru's history. With an increase of 14% in front lateral rigidity and 28% torsional rigidity, the new Subaru WRX benefits with more impressive agility and control.

EyeSight is a system that makes use of dual camera-based tech and integrates features and assistance systems such Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure, Sway Warning, Lane Keep Assist and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.

With a comprehensive suite of primary safety considerations and both active and passive safety systems, the all-new Subaru WRX is meant to be enjoyed with complete confidence.

All-round visibility is a key engineering and design choice at Subaru. In the case of the WRX, engineers have optimised the position and thickness of the A-pillar in addition to the positioning of the door side-mirrors have to ensure improved visibility of the road and surroundings.

Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive ensures that the driver is always in control. This is complemented by sensor-based systems within Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), a suite of safety systems. These include Active Torque Vectoring, ABS, EBD and ESC that ensure optimum traction and handling in all driving conditions.

Passive safety inclusions are a new body sub-structure that uses high-tensile strength steel sheets placed in strategic locations to absorb maximum energy in front, side or rear collisions. Inside the passenger compartment, occupants are protected by eight airbags, including a driver's-side knee airbag.

EyeSight® Driver Assist System: The WRX tS ES derivative comes standard with Subaru’s most advanced EyeSight® 4.0 Driver Assistance System that, in the new WRX, is safer than ever before. Enhancements have been made including an improved field of view from the dual camera set.

EyeSight as a technology offers a wealth of driving assistance including a Pre-Collision Braking system, Autonomous Emergency Steering, Lane Departure Prevention, Adaptive Cruise and Steering Control, Traffic Sign Recognition and Intelligent Speed Limiter.

Driver Monitoring System: Subaru’s Driver Monitoring System, available on both models, uses a camera installed above the multimedia system and monitors driver behaviour to further support safe driving. If drivers take their eyes off the road or show signs of drowsiness while driving, the Driver Monitoring System will issue a warning to drivers.

To keep an ‘eye’ on the rear of the vehicle, Subaru Vision Assist uses radar to warn of objects behind the vehicle and featuring Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM); Lane Change Assistance (LCA); Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA); Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB).

ACCESSORIES

Subaru Southern Africa has tailored a number of accessories to suit your specific lifestyle. These are Subaru-approved and fitted within the Subaru SA network. The accessories can be best fitted to your new or pre-owned Subaru either before you take delivery or even afterwards, if you realise the need for accessories thereafter.

Consider our choices from towbars to roof rails, mudflaps to pet-friendly accessories. Also available on the WRX is the option of a new Subaru Performance exhaust system that will give a deeper sound note. Customers have the choice of refined silence or a deeper rumble.;llllcxzz;lnghh