Overview of the Subaru Wrx
The WRX holds cult status in Australia thanks to its affordable marriage of all-wheel-drive traction and turbocharged power.
Its reputation was also formed from the success of the Impreza WRX in the world rallying championship during the 1990s, where it became particularly famous in the hands of late Scottish rally legend Colin McRae.
The fastest version is badged STI - for Subaru Tecnica International.
The latest generation model, launched in 2014, dropped the Impreza part of the name.
SUBARU WRX GENERATIONS (SINCE 2000)
2000-2007
2007-2014
2014-onwards
RUNNING COSTS
Fuel Consumption
2.0L 4-cylinder turbo (WRX): 8.6 to 9.2 litres per 100km
2.5L 4-cylinder turbo (WRX STI): 10.4 to 11.2 litres per 100km
= Highly economical.
= Good economy.
= Average fuel use.
= Heavy consumption.
Servicing
Every 12,500km or six months, whichever is sooner. Each service currently costs between $316.29 and $578.62 (WRX) or $302.49 and $604.53 (STI). Subaru WRX parts and accessoriescan be found on Gumtree.
SIMILAR MODELS TO SUBARU WRX
Ford Focus ST
Ford Focus RS
Renault Megane RS
Volkswagen Golf R
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: SUBARU WRX (2014-2017)
As with any other Subaru, the engines in these cars were extremely reliable provided they got the correct servicing and maintenance.
Dirty oil as a result of skipped services is the main offender and any Subaru engine with a ticking noise in the engine has already suffered. And the damage will eventually be terminal.
The CVT fitted to the WRX caused a few headaches for some owners who reported that the thing was very slow to select gears when taking it out of Park. Subaru dealers were able to reflash the computer to fix this, but even then some reports of the car returning to its old ways over time have surfaced.
A couple of recalls to be aware of: Subaru recalled the WRX to check for cracks in the intake manifold. If these occur, they can lead to a loss of engine power and can make the car stall.
The other recall concerned cars with the optional Harman Kardon sound system. In those vehicles, the subwoofer could overheat sufficiently to actually start a fire. Hottest 100 indeed.
A Subaru dealer will be able to identify affected vehicles and whether they've been fixed or not.
