Subaru WRX VB Sedan AWD RS Manual

Make sure to get the manual! – Well, this is a controversial one. Just like the new Toyota Supra, the latest Subaru WRX is being attacked on all fronts by enthusiasts. When launched, it came in a high contrast pumpkin orange colour that proudly showed off a body dressed in a lot of plastic. There’s no higher powered STI model announced for this generation, and the power has only slightly increased.

It misses out on some of the tech and safety features that the most expensive TS model gets, but that’s fine, since that model is CVT automatic only.

Look, the Subaru WRX isn’t the highest quality sports car you can buy. There are plenty of cheap plastics used inside, and more plastic on the outside too.

It does have a tendency to generate a few rattles on tougher sections of tarmac, but in true Subaru fashion, I found it to be relatively well-built. It’ll most definitely stand the test of time, but I’m worried about how Australia’s UV will fade that exterior plastic trim.

This model here is priced from $50,490 before on-road costs. That’s right in the ballpark against other 200kW performance cars, but there isn’t much in the same space offering AWD, unless you want a smaller and slightly more expensive Toyota GR Yaris.

The warranty is 5 years/unlimited kilometres, and servicing will cost you either $1,266.27 for 3 years or $2,433.06 for 5 years of coverage. Service intervals are every 12 months or every 15,000km, whichever comes first.

It’s worth noting this new 2.4L motor has strengthened internal components, so it should be more reliable long term and even handle a bit more power in the aftermarket.

In true WRX fashion, there isn’t much in the way of sound isolation. But why would you buy this expecting anything more?

Road noise can be loud, but there’s not much wind noise at all. The exhaust doesn’t match its aggressive looks, but at least the engine produces intoxicating intake and turbo sounds.

You don’t get Subaru’s autonomous emergency braking system here, which is extremely frustrating considering other cars in this segment do.

This feels like a light car under braking, so at least it's easy to quickly stop and smoothly decelerate in the WRX.

This new 2.4L flat-four turbocharged petrol engine produces 202kW (270hp) and 350Nm. Power is sent to a permanent all-wheel drive system and a 0-100km/h sprint is done in a claimed 6 seconds.

It’s not quick, but it is a lot of power to have fun with. You can use all of this power on the road, and have a tonne of fun blasting through back roads. I was driving an electric SUV that could do 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds, but I had more fun driving this.

The WRX isn’t going to win drag races, but it’s extremely engaging and you can actually ride this car through to redline without risking your licence.

I couldn’t help but think I would probably buy some aftermarket parts to enhance the natural ability of this new motor.

This 6-speed manual has a pretty tall shifter, compared to cars like the Toyota GR Yaris. It feels a little plasticky rather than providing a slick shift. But once you get over that, it is just that much better shifting your own gears.

I only stalled once thanks to an extremely easy to operate clutch. I honestly think those who are skeptical of the new WRX need to experience this car. The manual gearbox paired to a turbocharged motor as unique as this just makes you smile when you find a moment to enjoy it.

This is a low down car that can feel a little jerky over some sections of road. If you don’t nail a shift, the car will jump around a little bit as if it was almost upset at you.

It’s not a back-breaking suspension set up though, so it offers a lot more comfort for longer trips. You’ll probably be the friend who doesn’t need a break, since the WRX refuses to crash over smaller imperfections in the road like some other hot hatches.

The claimed fuel efficiency is 9.9L per 100km. I saw figures in the 12L per 100km range. It’s a larger displacement motor and this is a manual, so this is thirstier than the average car.

This is the first WRX I’ve sat in and actually enjoyed the interior of. I love the new vertical screen (despite it being a little frustrating and trivial to navigate) and appreciate the analogue dials.

It’s a minimalist interior, and I really think that’ll help this age a bit better than previous generations of WRX. The seat design, steering wheel and shifter design add to the excitement factor.

The WRX comes in sedan shape only, so it gets a trunk opening to access the 411L of storage space.

You can fold the second row down to possibly bring a set of track wheels and tyres along with you. It’s plenty of space, but it’s not as practical as a hot hatch at this price point.

The WRX makes for a great sports car still, despite what some might say about it. You need to buy it in a dark colour, like this deep blue, to better integrate the plastic body panels. I actually like the look of the new WRX and think it makes for an exciting and unique performance car choice.

Don’t need AWD? Well, you can buy a faster and slightly more feature-filled alternative, like a Hyundai i30N.

*Disclaimer - I work for ProductReview as their independent car and motorbike expert. I borrow new cars and motorbikes from manufacturers and owners to review. I am not paid or incentivised by these brands to post reviews. I write and create content to provide insight and information about any new or used vehicle I can get my hands on.