2022 Subaru WRX: All-new performance sedan revealed

The 2022 Subaru WRX has finally been revealed, signalling a new era for the carmaker’s most iconic model.

Subaru unveiled the WRX late on Friday night to a global audience, and while the car is all-new, it follows a recipe that’s nearly 30 years old.

The WRX is powered by a 2.4-litre horizontally-opposed four-cylinder turbo engine, producing 202kW and 350Nm – a turbocharged version of the FA24 engine found under the bonnet of the new Subaru BRZ, utilising a new electronic wastegate to improve responsiveness.

Peak power comes at 5600rpm, while torque is available from 2000rpm all the way up to 5200rpm – 400rpm earlier than the outgoing model.

A choice of either a six-speed manual or a new simulated eight-speed CVT automatic (with paddle-shifters) is on offer, mated to an all-wheel-drive system with a viscous centre limited-slip differential for the manual. No 0-100km/h sprint time has been provided at the car's unveiling.

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Motor has been told the exact specifications for the Australian-market WRX will be released closer to a local launch in the first half of 2022.

If the sedan makes it here unchanged, the new model will enjoy an increase of five kilowatts over the outgoing model, while torque remains unchanged.

Inside, a portrait-mounted 11.6-inch infotainment screen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite navigation connects to an optional 11-speaker, 504-watt Harman Kardon sound system.

Occupants get front Recaro sports seats trimmed in Ultrasuede and contrast red stitching, with the driver's seat being eight-way power adjustable.

While yet to be confirmed for Australian models, a new range-topping 'GT' variant offers Drive Mode Select, allowing the driver to personally configure steering feel, the car's SI-Drive system, and the electronically-controlled dampers – an exclusive feature to the GT, and the first time a WRX has been fitted with active dampers.

The 2022 WRX gets a striking new design, with 'Kono-Ji' headlights and tail-lights (Japanese for U-shaped), squared wheel arches, and the WRX’s trademark bonnet scoop. A set of 17-inch alloy wheels are standard, with 18-inch matte grey wheels fitted to the GT model.

The WRX’s look is shared with the Levorg station wagon launched earlier this year, and inspired by the Viziv Performance STI concept car from 2018.

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While the Levorg has been confirmed for local release, a spokesperson for Subaru Australia previously hinted at the model being offered to a wider audience here – suggesting we could see the return of the WRX wagon, possibly in STI trim. In recent days, the brand’s local arm told Motor there wasn’t anything more to share on that front, but to stay tuned.

As with previous models, a high-performance WRX STI is expected to follow, with rumours out of Japan suggesting a power boost of as much as 298kW. As shown on the Viziv concept car, bolstered guards and big wings will likely be on the agenda.

Underpinned by the carmaker’s Subaru Global Platform, the 2022 WRX gains a longer wheelbase than the 2021 version, increasing by 22mm to 2672mm. Though longer and wider at 4669mm and 1826mm respectively, the new model sits 7mm lower at a height of 1468mm.

Subaru says the new WRX uses a stiffer chassis with a lower centre of gravity, improving handling and passive safety, while active safety systems have also being updated. Radar cruise control with lane centring assist is now part of EyeSight, which is standard across the WRX range when optioned with an automatic transmission.

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“To say we’re incredibly excited about the all-new Subaru WRX global reveal is an understatement,” Subaru Australia General Manager Blair Read said at the announcement.

“We look forward to sharing more information about this highly-anticipated model with Subaru enthusiasts and Australian consumers in the coming months.”

The 2022 Subaru WRX will arrive into Australian dealerships in the second quarter of 2022 (April to June inclusive), with local pricing and specifications to be announced closer to launch.

What about that STI version?

Timing for a reveal of the new WRX STI is still to be confirmed, but independent artist X-Tomi has already had a crack at how it might look. Check it out below.

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2022 Subaru WRX STI rendered by X-Tomi