After we have unveiled the official images of the new Subaru Impreza, get to know the details of the new WRX version.
It is the most awaited model of the Japanese brand in recent years, so let's get to the details about the new Subaru Impreza WRX. Let's move on to the highlights of this new Impreza, which debuts in its 4th generation a platform 40% stronger and more agile than its predecessor – say the marketing gurus at Subaru, prompted by the engineering department.
Subaru during these years, despite falling asleep in the rally world, did not see stars. The new Subaru Impreza debuts in this generation a new torque vectoring system that reduces the understeer of the model.
For those less familiar with this technology, which we will soon make known in the autopedia section, retain the essentials, unlike previous AWD systems, which managed motor losses with cuts in transferred power or individual use of brakes, now the active differentials they make the power be channeled to any wheel, which the system detects as having traction and this distribution can go up to 100% for a single wheel, without power cuts or use of the brakes.
As for the engine, forget about the previous EJ25- which may be missed, but welcome the FA20, which comes from the BRZ, where Subaru opted for a direct injection system from the house and not the one from Toyota, having added still overfeeding.
In the Subaru Impreza WRX, we have new gearboxes for all tastes and that promise to leave even the most purists undecided: we have the new 6-speed manual gearbox and the new Sport Lineartronic, a CVT automatic gearbox, but for the first time with manual mode and paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
Now we go to the exterior section, where the new body with more muscular shapes, reinforces the sporty nature of the Subaru Impreza WRX. The characteristic hood air intake is now placed deeper so as not to obstruct visibility. When it comes to exterior lighting, the Subaru Impreza WRX has LED lights both in the front minima and in the rear optics.
The new 17-inch wheels were also designed, with special attention to aerodynamics, coming with 235/45ZR17 94W tires, courtesy of Dunlop, with the SP Sport Maxx RT model.
But what engine does this new Subaru Impreza WRX have?
As we mentioned before, at the high points of this new generation, the engine of this new WRX is the FA20 block, which is nothing more, nothing less than a 2.0 boxer 4-cylinder, with direct injection and variable timing (D-AVCS), or either Subaru Dual Active Valve Control System, accompanied by a turbo Twin Scroll (dual input) and an intercooler.
In practice we have a block with a compression ratio of 10.6:1 and that gives us 268 horsepower at 5600rpm, shielded by a torque of 350Nm, ready for action as soon as 2000rpm and constant until very close to 5200rpm, an example of elasticity, that won't make the Impreza WRX a turbo dependent. As for performance, the manual version manages 5.4s from 0 to 100km/h and the cvt 5.9s. The maximum speed will be lower than the previous generation. Consumption does improve with the manual version achieving values between 8.9L and 11.9L, while the cvt reaches values between 8L and 10.6L.
But why a CVT box on an Impreza WRX?
Well, first, leave some prejudices aside and don't deny this technical solution at the outset. The brand believes that this solution brings together the best of both worlds, namely the variable continuous transmission, in helping to reduce consumption and smooth operation, and on the other hand, the response speed in sportier driving.
When we are in automatic mode, Subaru offers us 8 pre-selectable modes, with different ratios, when the SI-Drive (car character management system) is in Sport Sharp. When we want more driving insolvency, manual mode allows us to choose between a 6-speed or 8-speed gearbox controlled by paddles on the steering wheel.
The symmetrical all-wheel drive system (Symmetrical AWD), which brought so much fame to Subaru, is now better, but now has 2 different types. In other words, when the WRX comes equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox, the viscous coupling center differential, it distributes 50:50 traction between axles and we also have VDC for any occurrence.
But with CVT box, Subaru adopted a system similar to the Symmetrical AWD, the VTD (Variable Torque Distribution), where the center differential is replaced by a hydraulic clutch of multiple discs, electronically controlled and which is in charge of the traction distribution between axes, in all similar to the Haldex system.
The VTD uses steering angle, slip angle and lateral G-force for traction distribution, in a 45:55 ratio between front and rear, optimizing the agility of the WRX.
Inside, the useful space has increased a few centimeters and the electric sunroof opens 25mm more than the previous one.
But the highlight goes to the new instrument panel, where we only have 2 analogue dials composed of the tachometer and speedometer, with the rest of the digital information in the center.
The new center console has a 4.3-inch screen and integrates functions such as the rear camera, turbo pressure indicator, audio, Bluethooth and air conditioning and even maintenance alert, as well as a dedicated screen for control and functions of the VDC. For the first time a Subaru receives a 440W, 9-speaker Harman/kardon sound system, the navigation system allows smartphone integration.
A proposal that will leave fans drooling and there is still no concrete information about the STI version, the most desirable in the world of sports cars inspired by rally legends. For Americans, the aesthetic is no longer pleasing, as the similarities with the Toyota Camry are striking, for Europeans it won't be spectacular either because the WRX version loses the much loved gold rims. But the Impreza remains a car with strong emotions.
