First Drive: 2015 Subaru WRX

On a more serious front, Subaru has an enviable safety record of five Top Safety Picks and three TSP+ vehicles in its lineup, and the Impreza already scoring Good in every area of crashworthiness, including the challenging small overlap front test. Note that only vehicles with frontal impact detection can earn a TSP+, so until Subaru’s Eyesight system is added to Impreza and WRX lines, that rating will be out of reach. The WRX that evolved from the Impreza platform is likely to earn similarly high marks, with a strengthened body for said small overlap test, and unique safety innovation in the rear bumpers to diffuse energy to both sides of the frame even in offset collisions – not waiting for IIHS to add a rear small overlap test to improve crash performance. Subaru performs similarly well in NHTSA tests, with Five Star ratings for any current models tested.

2015 Subaru WRX. Click image to enlarge

The 2015 Subaru WRX improves in a lot of small ways, but it has also addressed the biggest flaws in the outgoing model, namely driving feel and handling stability. As with the STI, the WRX is now a spectacular driver’s car, the readily available power always delivered to all four corners seamlessly, and the car’s connection to the road communicated to the driver through the chassis and steering in real time.

The WRX, however, trumps the STI in value, delivering almost 90 percent of the power at less than 80 percent of the cost, starting at $29,995 here in Canada. The CVT adds $1,300 to the price at any trim, but is a requirement for many that cannot afford dedicated performance cars and won’t put up with a manual transmission.

The WRX is transforming from a niche enthusiast’s machine to a mainstream performance sedan, and while it might disappoint its hatchback loyalists, it is a better car in every regard. The 2015 WRX redesign brings weak points up to class standards, distinguishes itself from competitors with handling and a rewarding driving experience that is rare at this price point, and tops it off with an unmatched mix of power, all-season capability and value.

Pricing: 2015 Subaru WRX
Base Price: $29,995
WRX CVT: $31,295
Standard Equipment: Six-speed manual transmission, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, front and rear disc brakes, wide-body design, front bumper under-spoiler, rear bumper under-spoiler and rocker spoiler, three-spoke, flat-bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching and audio, Bluetooth and cruise control switches, performance-design front seats with separate height- and tilt- adjustable head restraints, high-grip cloth/leather upholstery with red stitching, Electroluminescent instrument panel gauges with LCD colour display, 4.3-inch multi-function colour display with centre-console-mounted control (boost display, vehicle dynamics monitor, clock, outside temperature, maintenance reminder, customizable settings), Dual zone automatic climate control

Sport: $32,495
Sport CVT: $33,795
Equipment: Low profile trunk spoiler, power tilt/slide glass sunroof, LED low-beam automatic headlights, multi-reflector halogen high beams, multi-reflector halogen fog lights, eight-way power driver’s seat, welcome lighting

Sport-Tech: $35,495
Sport-Tech CVT: $36,795
Equipment: Proximity key with push-button start, Harman/Kardon 440-Watt amplifier, Harman/Kardon premium speaker system (nine speakers, including subwoofer), leather seating surfaces, voice-activated, in-dash GPS navigation system with 6.1-inch high-resolution touchscreen, AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA/DivX, WMV, MP4, SMS text messaging capability, AHA radio, XM NAVTraffic (subscription required), 3.5 mm auxiliary jack, USB, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with voice activation and Bluetooth streaming audio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio installed (free three-month trial subscription included)

Competitors:
Ford Focus ST
Ford Mustang
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Scion FR-S
Subaru BRZ0

Crash Test Results:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)