Flash Drive

2015 Subaru WRX

March 30, 2015 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

 Model Tested: 2015 Subaru WRX 

The 2015 Subaru WRX is a driver's sport sedan with a great blend of power and handling.
The 2015 Subaru WRX is a driver’s sport sedan with a great blend of power and handling.

Engine: 2.0-liter flat-4 Boxer, 268 horsepower 258 lb-ft torque 

Transmission: 6-speed manual, all-wheel-drive 

EPA Ratings: 17/City—23/Highway 

Base Price: $29,695 

As Tested: $30,490 

Performance:

Exhilarating power

Very responsive turbocharger

Even more exhilarating handling

Excellent all-wheel-drive all-weather traction

Nimble

Great exhaust note, slightly raucous at times

The athletic 2.0-liter flat four cylinder engine produces 268 horsepower.
The athletic 2.0-liter flat four cylinder engine produces 268 horsepower.

Good feeling electric power assisted steering

Great shifter and clutch

Stiff chassis

Oversized front stabilizer bar

Locking center differential

Nominal 50:50 torque distribution 

Comfort:

Good to better interior materials; neither cheap nor luxurious

A little faux carbon fiber trim

Stretch-out front legroom; had to move seat up for optimum clutch use

Good headroom

Big perforated metal pedal covers

Deep bolstered seats, but no lumbar adjustment

Great, very thick contoured leather steering wheel with flat bottom

Good auxiliary controls

Two-temperature heated front seats

Big adults can fit in rear seat if fronts are up slightly

The Subaru WRX interior is spacious with supportive seats and a great flat bottom steering wheel.
The Subaru WRX interior is spacious with supportive seats and a great flat bottom steering wheel.

Tall center floor hump 

Utility:

Digital and analog speedometer

Medium size locking glovebox

Two seatback pouches

Small rear door bins

Split folding rear seats

Big pass-through to trunk

Flat trunk floor

Wide trunk opening

Ample trunk space 

WOW Factors:

Go-kart handling

Great engine and transmission; always raring to go

The WRX is sporty, but as flashy as the WRX STI. The more subtle WRX suits most buyers.
The WRX is sporty, but as flashy as the WRX STI. The more subtle WRX suits most buyers.

An absolute blast to drive on windy roads

Aggressive body mods, but not over the top 

Whines:

Small sunroof

Small console bin

Low-grade trunk carpeting 

Bottom Line:

The 2015 Subaru WRX is the Goldilocks of the Impreza lineup. It’s not a pedestrian base model and it’s not the wicked (but not totally practical) WRX STI, either. The WRX has enough performance for anyone short of a professional rally driver, but it’s also practical enough for everyday commuting. The 2015 Subaru WRX is a great blend of fun and practicality at an affordable price.