Sports sedan – these two words are becoming less popular among US buyers. However, Subaru is not yet ready to give up its position and offers the fifth generation of the Impreza WRX. The car is available with a single power plant, continuously variable transmission, and all-wheel drive. The model stands in a row with the Infiniti Q70, BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Lexus ES 350. But still, Subaru has its advantages. The Indy Auto Man team offers an overview of a novelty, its trims, and prices. Check also the comprehensive comparison of Subaru Impreza WRX trims of previous generations.
Design
The WRX acquired a completely new design. In front, small headlights with an unusual shape of the housings are installed. In the center is a bulging hexagonal grille with mesh filling. Below is a bumper with large air intake cutouts and foglights. On the hood, there is a rise with a slot for cooling the power unit. The profile draws attention with angular plastic lining on the wheel arches and stylish wheels of an impressive size. At the rear, neat lights integrate a C-shaped matrix pattern, a raised trunk lid, and a bumper with four exhaust pipes.
If the exterior looks sporty, the interior stands out for its manufacturability, and here, the 2023 Subaru Impreza slightly resembles Tesla models. A large multimedia touch monitor with a vertical orientation is located in the center of the dashboard. Also, there you can see the air conditioning deflectors. The manufacturer placed a three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel. Between the seats, there is a high armrest, a gear selector, and several physical controllers. Carbon and metal inserts are used as decorations.
Options and prices
Four trim levels are available on the 2023 Subaru WRX: Base, Premium, Limited, and GT. The price of the car varies from $30,605 to 43,395. Subaru vehicles are not subject to fast depreciation, but used WRX models, including the discontinued STI, can save the buyer from 6 to 10 thousand dollars for the Premium trim.
Base
Base trim already has numerous modern technological options. The equipment list includes:
- branded multimedia system with a large touch screen;
- torque vectoring;
- leather upholstery;
- Subaru Performance transmission with paddle shifters;
- climate control;
- push button start;
- keyless entry.
Premium
In this version, the multimedia screen becomes even larger; sports light-alloy scroll buttons are used instead of standard ones. Also, there are all kinds of heating (mirrors, windshield, seats, and steering wheel). Climate control here already works in two zones. The last option added to this package is fog lights with LED stuffing.
Limited
The manufacturer added several interesting options to the Limited trim. The equipment list of this model includes:
- new premium materials in interior decoration;
- driver’s seat with electric adjustment (ten positions available);
- even larger screen;
- expensive premium acoustics;
- head optics with steering response function;
- sunroof with electric drive.
GT
This trim level features Performance sport bucket seats and electrically adjustable dampers. By the way, the steps of the box are switched using the petals under the steering wheel. This version also boasts automatic braking when reversing and EyeSight driver assistance technologies.
Technical specifications
The fifth-generation WRX is based on the Subaru Global Platform, which also underlies the Levorg station wagon. Under the hood, a 2.4-liter power unit is installed with a maximum performance of 275 hp (375 N * m of torque) backed by a CVT.
The fuel economy is 26/19 mpg. The sports sedan accelerates from zero to sixty in less than 6 seconds, providing vivid emotions from driving.
There are five seats inside the car, including the driver’s one. However, the trunk is only 354 liters, so the owner won’t be able to take many things on a trip. The ground clearance is low; therefore, this model is not a good choice for off-road trips.
Maintenance of the Subaru WRX is rather costly compared to budget models of the mass segment. The vehicle has a complex design and a powerful engine that consumes a lot of fuel. However, this model is more beneficial than its competitors and definitely worth considering, whether new or used.
