The 2015 Subaru WRX is all-new with changes everywhere, but the one that makes it a keeper is the new 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged direct-injected four-cylinder engine that gives it exhilarating performance.
| STATS | Starting Retail Price | As Tested Price | HP / Lb-Ft |
| 2015 Subaru WRX Premium | $28,495 | $29,290 | 268/258 |
| EPA Rating MPG | As Tested MPG | ||
| Rating: BUY IT! | 21/28 | NA Combined | 25.6 |
Changes to the 2015 Subaru WRX start with its name, formerly the Impreza WRX, and move to its styling. None of the changes to its looks are big, but tweaks to the sheetmetal give it a more angular, sportier, and generally more aggressive face. The air intake on the hood is especially impressive and looks like it could easily swallow an unwary passerby.
In a move that not everyone appreciates, they’ve ditched the hatchback and claim that it’s not coming back. Dry your tears, because what they’ve done under the hood more than makes up for the loss. Looking at the 2015 Subaru WRX you think “sporty little compact” but it really doesn’t do justice to the car’s capabilities.
The interior of the 2015 Subaru WRX is best described as functional, but this perfectly suits this car. You are not buying it because you want all the glamour and glitz of a luxury vehicle. You’re buying this because you’re an enthusiast who wants to have some fun behind the wheel. It doesn’t have the shiny interior appeal of something like a Ford Focus, nor does it have the same level of infotainment technology, but this is not that car. This is for the driver who simply wants the drive without all that other stuff getting in the way.
Seats are well-bolstered for the hard corners you’ll love to take as often as possible and the driving position is low and snug. It’s a comfortable ride for drivers and passengers, although rear seat space is on the slim side. A tall front passenger is going to have his knees squished to give even short rear passengers a little legroom. Road and wind noise are intrusive, which isn’t so much a problem on shorter trips, but on a longer drive it would definitely begin to wear.
Under that huge air intake mentioned earlier is a 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged direct-injected four-cylinder engine that produces 268 horsepower with 258 lb-ft of torque. It hits that peak torque spread from 2,000 to 5,2000 rpms with special camshafts and higher-rate valve springs that enhance its performance so, basically, this little car feels like a rocket. Paired to a 6-speed manual transmission that shifts smoothly with a short throw that snaps right into place, and the reasons why this car is such a fun drive become clear.
Electric power steering is tight and precise with a nicely weighted wheel that gives confidence to the driver. It’s a very stiff ride, which is perfect for the enthusiast, but won’t fare as well for those looking for a comfy daily driver or who take frequent longer drives. There’s also electronic torque vectoring that helps it take corners more easily and traction control that you can turn off, when appropriate, to up the fun.
The 2015 Subaru WRX is clearly designed with the driving enthusiast in mind. Sporty, good-looking, and packed with power, it will not disappoint.
On the TFLcar scale of:
- Buy it!
- Lease it!
- Rent it!
- … or Forget it!
I give the 2015 Subaru WRX Premium a Buy It!
See the 2015 Subaru WRX in action in our first drive review…
Nicole Wakelin fell in love with cars as a teenager when she got to go for a ride in a Ferrari. It was red and it was fast and that was all that mattered. Game over. She considers things a bit more carefully now, but still has a weakness for fast, beautiful cars. Nicole also writes for NerdApproved and GeekMom.
