Subaru WRX Review: A Roaring Rustico
Before strict emissions laws put it out of commission, the Subaru WRX was an icon in its class. Now this speedy wild child is finally back—and putting a big smile on our faces.
The lever makes a "click" sound. Maybe the digital-native Gen Z doesn't even know what that is anymore? The Subaru WRX still has a real handbrake lever—rally style. Sure, you might think details like that are old-fashioned or silly. We think: That’s just how it should be in this roaring rustico. Because the WRX is back here in Switzerland. We’re cheering along with the fans—and with a triple ratchet-ratchet-ratchet—that something like this still exists.
The fact that this still exists—or rather, has returned—is due to All.Cars From Sattel, SZ: A trio of car enthusiasts imports cars that have been removed from official showrooms here due to legislation. Like the Nissan Z, for example. Or the WRX, which Subaru had sacrificed for Europe with the current 2022 generation due to strict emissions regulations.
Substance Over Appearance
The WRX (which now goes by its former first name, Impreza) from the current generation, introduced in 2022, looks just like a WRX is supposed to look: spoiler, fender flares, sports car flair. Inside—well, it also looks just like a WRX is supposed to look. «Look at the road—there’s nothing to see here,’ the abundance of plastic in the »Subi« seems to whisper to us. But it’s all done properly, of course—it’s a Japanese car, after all. The comfortable Recaro seats fit perfectly, every analog switch is a joy to use these days, and the surprisingly large touchscreen is intuitive. That’s good! Great: Thanks to the direct import of the U.S. model, it comes with useful driver-assistance features—and none of that nonsense like the annoying EU speed warning system (which isn’t required in Switzerland).
Deafeningly good
Start button—ah, the way it growls and roars! The optional STI exhaust tips put a permanent grin on our faces up front, but in the back, not even a kid can last all the way to the Klausen Pass. In terms of space, the four-door feels like a family car—partly because at 4.76 meters, it’s almost mid-size. On paper, the 2.4-liter turbo boxer isn’t exactly a powerhouse with 202 kW/275 PS and 350 Nm (0–100 km/h in 6.0 seconds), but downshifting and revving back up through the constant right-left-right twists and turns of the country drive is exactly what makes this nearly unstoppable 4×4 a blast: the joy of honest work.
The WRX is a real workout for your back—even when you’re not driving—simply because it lacks any noteworthy suspension. Wow, it’s rough. Whatever: It still handles well even in everyday driving, and every turn is just a celebration of unfiltered driving fun. That’s not politically correct, but—sorry—it’s pretty awesome. Well, almost: Officially, it’s 9.0 (automatic 9.4) l/100 km; for us, it’s 10.8 l/100 km, and sometimes as high as twelve when driven sportily. The WRX costs 56,900; the automatic version is 58,900; and the top-of-the-line manual ’tS’ model with Brembo brakes and Recaro seats starts at 60,900 francs. Let’s just call it a «pleasure tax.» Fair enough!
Expert opinion
Subaru WRX
The WRX is a bit old-school, and that’s exactly why it’s so modern: an extreme car and a real head-turner, it’s not about making sense—it’s just a ton of fun. Politically correct? No. Great to have it back? Absolutely!
Advantages
+ Expected to be entertaining
+ unexpectedly cozy
+ That's exactly how it should sound
Disadvantages
– My back hurts
– The gas station attendant is overjoyed
