Model Tested: 2015 Subaru WRX Premium
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged flat four-cylinder Boxer design
Transmission: Sport Lineartronic automatic, all-wheel-drive
EPA Ratings: 19/City—25/Highway—21/Combined
Base Price: $29,695
As Tested: $30,490
Performance:
268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft torque
Ample power and torque for sporty performance
Great all-wheel-drive easily handles available power
Very responsive CVT automatic with paddle shifters
Suspension is firm but not overly harsh
Nimble; a blast to drive
Comfort:
Tall adults fit fine in back seat
Firm, supportive front seats with deep side bolsters
Great sport steering wheel: thick, contoured, flat bottom
Excellent auxiliary controls on steering wheel
Generous front legroom
Large, metal dead pedal
Nice sound system
Solid door shut
Utility:
Wide trunk opening
Flat floor
Split rear seat folds flat, but higher than trunk floor
Big pass-through
Large locking glovebox
WOW Factors:
Impressive handling and performance
Great fun on twisty roads
Safe and secure in snow and heavy rain
Sharp moderately aggressive styling, but not too much
Strong value proposition
Whines:
Small sunroof
Could use more interior small item storage
Cheap, hollow sounding headliner
No rear seat center armrest
Boost gauge could be larger
Bottom Line:
The all-new fourth-generation Subaru WRX sedan continues to dominate its unique market niche as a sensible family car with sporty undertones and impressive all-weather traction capabilities. The WRX’s fun-to-drive rating more than compensates for its slight fuel economy deficit. Fun meets sensible at $30,000.
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