Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2015 Subaru WRX 2.0 Premium 4-door sedan. The more I test this evolving Subaru model the more I warm up to it each time. To me it has always been a car that appeals most to younger drivers. Today I continue to appreciate it being fun to drive and in addition the sedan is roomy enough to make this a good option for the young family where performance is an added bonus for the money.
Many appreciate the low rumbling roar of the Boxer (horizontal 4-cylinder) engine (found also in the Porsche) and which Subaru makes available in all models they sell. Yet another reason why I believe the WRX would appeal more to the younger driver. I rather like it myself.
General Information: Parts – US/Canadian 0%, Japan 95%; Engine and transmission – Japan
It is Assembled in – Ota, Gunma, Japan. Class – Compact sedan – Cars from Subaru – BRZ, Impreza, WRX, Legacy, Forester, XV Crosstrek, XV Crosstrek Hybrid and the Outback.
Handling & Performance:
This car is equipped with the twin-scroll turbocharger. Here’s how it works and why carmakers employ it in their cars:
The growing use of turbochargers in cars today is because it is a response to high oil prices and strict fuel-economy standards. Thus it is replacing large gasoline engines with the smaller, more-efficient engines. And frequently, they are using turbochargers to make the switch without sacrificing power. The problems with turbochargers have typically been high cost, mechanical complexity, and a delay in power delivery called “turbo lag.” Using two turbochargers reduces turbo lag but further increases complexity and cost. Twin-scroll turbochargers solve all of these problems. Long found only in pricey sports cars, twin-scroll turbos, which mimic the effect of a pair of turbochargers, are now appearing in less-exotic cars. The new TwinPower four-cylinder produces just as much power as a six-cylinder while using 15 percent less fuel.
Styling:
Subaru claims their target market is 40 plus who they say will buy new where under that age consumers are more likely to buy used cars. I don’t know where marketers get their facts but I haven’t a clue if it is true. I’m at the age where larger and higher profile cars are better for me. Getting in and out of this WRX is more difficult like all high performance sports cars. More nimble under 50’s drivers won’t find it a problem worth mentioning. On the other hand rich old men will likely tough it out as they struggle to get in and especially out of their $300,000 F12berlinetta Ferrari. Looking good comes at a price and although the WRX won’t do 200 mph or impress as many people, it ‘will’ do all the law allows and more importantly at a tenth the price.
Fit and Finish:
Good.
Cost:
A plus in class.
Conveniences and comfort:
Good. All that is needed for general use in today’s technology world.
Consumer Recommendations:
All competition is worth including in your list to test drive if you are ready to make a change. These are exciting times in the auto industry especially for those who have a love affair with the automobile.
Recognized Competition:
Subaru WRX Premium 2.0 $28,000, Acura ILX $30,000, Audi A3 $34,000, Buick Verano $30,000, Cadillac ATS $46,000, Mazda 3 $30,000, Mitsubishi Lancer $30,000, Volvo S60 $37,000.
Good News:
Price is better than the average in class and has more horsepower.
Bad News:
Less legroom than average competitor.
Standard Equipment:
2.0 liter twin scroll turbocharged BOXER 4 cylinder 268 horsepower engine, all wheel drive, sport Lineartronic automatic transmission, electric power assist steering,tilt & telescoping steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, paddle shifters, sport design instrument panel and gauges suplemented by a 3.5” LCD central screen and 4.3” multi-information display on top of dashboard, 6-airbags with driver knee airbag, AM/FM stereo with HD Radio, single disc in-dash CD player, 6-speakers, MP3/WMA capability, Radio Data Broadcast system, Bluetooth hands free calling and audio streaming, iPod control capability, iTunes Tagging, USB port, Sirius XM Satellite Radio, 3.5 mm auxiliary audio input jack, fog lights, illuminated visor vanity mirrors, power tilt and slide glass moonroof and trunk spoiler.
Gas Stats:
$3.07/ Gal avg. March 27, 2015
for more information.
17 City and 23 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $30,490