If you want to have your cake and eat it too, there is the Golf R, which offers the performance of the WRX along with unmatched sophistication and luxury. But this is one pricey cake that dollar for dollar lines up with the far more powerful street-legal rally car Subaru WRX STI.
  2013 SUBARU WRX. Click image to enlarge |
So, is this car still relevant in 2013? Yes, if for no other reason than its performance-per-dollar ratio. Sure, Subaru’s own BRZ is more neutral, has better steering feel, is more engaging to drive, and, of course, is cheaper. But, the WRX would still be crowned the victor at most speed contests around a racetrack. Regardless of your preference, it is amazing that a company as small as Subaru offers two dedicated performance vehicles (3 if you count the WRX and STI separately), while others, like Toyota and Kia for example, offer none. Keep it up, Subaru!
Pricing: 2013 Subaru WRX Sedan
Base price: $32,795
Options: None
A/C tax: $100
Freight: $1,695
Price as tested: $34,190
Competitors
2013 Ford Focus ST
2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
2013 Mazdaspeed3
2013 MINI Cooper S
2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
2013 Volkswagen GTI
Crash test results
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
