On the efficiency front, that CVT paired with the downsized engine and aerodynamic improvements (0.324 Cd for WRX) earn EPA ratings of 12.4 L/100 km city, 9.4 highway and 11.2 combined. But here’s the kicker: the six-speed manual transmission (up from five gears), also massaged for this generation, is the efficiency champ by a long shot, delivering ratings of 11.2/8.4/9.8 L/100 km city/highway/combined. As good as the CVT is, the manual is still king, and with a shorter stroke, reduced shifting effort but still solid feel (even with cable linkage), an easy but not flaccid clutch, it is easy enough to master and yet rewardingly fast when called upon. However, despite significant improvements for pure efficiency, front-wheel-drive competitors like the Honda Civic Si and Volkswagen Jetta GLI both deliver better EPA estimates.
  2015 Subaru WRX. Click image to enlarge |
Of course, the Subaru WRX is a full-time AWD car, so what it gives up in efficiency it gains back in winter confidence, not to mention the performance benefits of putting power down to all four wheels. This confidence in any weather is one side of the practicality equation that Subaru already had well sorted, and the other, which is now much improved, is the interior accommodations. Wheelbase is up 25 mm to 2,650, and much of the gains are in interior volume, with key measurements like rear legroom up almost 50 mm (900 mm, compared to Corolla at 908 mm), shoulder room up 20 mm in front and 26 in back. Indeed the front and rear seats offer generous seating room and headroom for adults. Going even further, Subaru redesigned the door openings to make entry and exit easier increasing the front door opening from 407 mm to 550 and the rear 327 to 479, with a lower step-in height for easy access all around. This will also vastly improve ease of child-seat installation with more room to maneuver in the door opening.
And no car can be considered more practical without a bigger trunk, so the 2015 WRX (and STI – all interior measurements apply to the STI likewise) is up 20 L for 340 L, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, wider trunk opening and covered, relocated hinges for convenience. Subaru was very proud to announce it can now carry four golf bags, up from three.
So, the WRX is improving, but it is still a small sedan and will never match the practicality of a hatch, which is no longer available. There are a lot of Subaru and WRX owners unhappy about that omission, but time will tell if the improved automatic offering will expand the reach of the WRX sedan beyond the previous gen’s hatch-and-sedan one-two combo.
Moving on, storage options don’t end with the trunk, and the cabin is full of little cubbies for cell phones, drinks, wallets, keys, pens, cards, CDs, maps and magazines, to name a few of the items in Subaru’s press materials. All these areas are simply finished, without any glaring quality flaws, and soft-touch materials at common points of contact. The steering wheel and seat are superb, comfortable yet purposeful and up to its performance mission with excellent contouring on the wheel and substantial bolsters on the seats, and separate head restraints that vastly improve neck comfort.
   2015 Subaru WRX. Click image to enlarge |
The stereo interface is new, but still trails infotainment leaders like Mazda and Chrysler for ease of use and intuitive setup. The 440W nine-speaker Harman/Kardon stereo should appease most audio needs, with the system specifically tuned for deep bass that Subaru has determined is the audio priority of the WRX set. The feature set in the WRX isn’t groundbreaking, but it is furnished with the latest Bluetooth, navigation and info displays for when you’re just poking along.
The WRX is a very well behaved car in this regard as well. The 17-inch tires offer a touch more shock absorption than the STI, and the overall suspension is also dialed down a notch. This pays dividends on rough roads, but for the average weekend warrior isn’t liable to hold us back at improving our driving skills at a friendly neighbourhood autocross or occasional track day. There aren’t many cars that will be as competent, fast or communicative for honing driving skills right out of the box while still offering a friendly commuting experience, especially in the $30-40K window the WRX operates in. The STI is obviously more capable, but the ride and added noise might wear thin after months of commuting or any long-distance driving.
