THE 2020 SUBARU WRX

SUBARU PRODUCE ANOTHER WINNER IN THE NEW WRX.


As fortunate as we at FACT magazine have been when it comes to test driving the finest motorcars on the market, we have not been fortunate enough to get behind the wheel of a Subaru. That is, until now. Producing models since the 1950’s, this Japanese brand has not only proven itself on the roads but has excelled in the World Rally Championships, having won a total of five World Rally titles.

As the streamlined figure of the WRX came into full view, we were immediately impressed by the sporty and sleek nature of the exterior. The most eye-catching of all external features has to be the large hood scoop that would make this car look at home on a racing track. This feature helps to cool down the engine and keep the car functioning at full performance. Additional noteworthy frontal features include the LED headlamps with Auto-leveliser as well as LED front fog lamps. Moving to the flanks, the lines and curves of the body seem to flow effortlessly from front to rear, with 18-inch aluminiumalloy wheels and side sill spoilers hinting at the WRX’s on road capabilities. At the back end, LED rear fog lamps, a twin dual exhaust system and a rear lip spoiler all add to the prowess of the vehicle. On the roof, a power-sliding, tilt-adjustable, glass sunroof, as well as carrier installation brackets, add to the comfort and functionality of this model.

Slipping inside the cabin, we were greeted by the comfort of the front sport seats complete with fancy red stitching. The driver’s seat is 10-way power-adjustable with lumbar support and provides a commanding driving position. The striking red stitching continues on the tilt-adjustable, leather sports steering wheel that felt great in hand. All of the materials, trimmings and finishes throughout the vehicle are of a highquality and the overall space is well-designed and functional. With plenty of head, shoulder and legroom in both the front and the rear seating, five adults fit inside comfortably. The boot offers 460-litres of storage space, a capacity that is significantly increased when the rear seats are folded flat.

The Infotainment apparatus includes a 7-inch display as well as a six-speaker audio system. This setup includes voice recognition and is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Audio remote control switches are conveniently mounted on the steering wheel and both dual USB ports and auxiliary audio input jack are located on the centre panel. A dual gage layout is present on the dashboard with a 3.5- inch full-colour LCD display. We found this setup to be both functional and user-friendly, adding to an already satisfying experience.

Finally, it was time to get the WRX out onto the tarmac and we were all smiles as the horizontally opposed, 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, turbocharged, Boxer petrol engine roared to life. With a 1998 cc capacity, a maximum output of 197 kW at 5600 rpm and a maximum torque of 350 Nm at 2400 to 5200 rpm, this automatic vehicle can shoot from 0 – 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and offers a top speed of 240 km/h. The WRX houses various systems and control features to improve driving performance, including Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive), a Variable Torque Distribution All-Wheel Drive System, a Multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control System and Adaptive Cruise Control to name but a few. This translates to a car with great handling, cornering ability, acceleration and braking. In fact, we have to say that this Subaru model is amongst the most enjoyable vehicles we have ever had the privilege of test driving.

When it comes to safety, the designers at Subaru have included a host of features to ensure you and your family’s wellbeing. These features include a multitude of SRS airbags throughout the vehicle, Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection, High Beam Assist, whiplash reducing front seats, a 4-wheel Antilock Braking System, a Brake Assist System, an Emergency Break Stop Signal, ISO-FIX Adapted Child Seat Anchors, Child-proof Rear Door Locks as well as an engine Immobiliser. In truth, the only feature we felt was missing from this impressive array was the frontal camera, a minor detail when considering everything else on offer.

In closing, we found the Subaru WRX to be a well-designed, aesthetically pleasing, high-performance, safe and functional vehicle that was extremely fun to drive. ✤


” HE LINES AND CURVES OF THE BODY SEEM TO FLOW EFFORTLESSLY FROM FRONT TO REAR, WITH 18-INCH ALUMINIUM-ALLOY WHEELS AND SIDE SILL SPOILERS HINTING AT THE WRX’S ON ROAD CAPABILITIES.”


FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE SUBARU WRX PLEASE CALL SUBARU QATAR ON +974 44 55 8041