2022 Subaru WRX Sportswagon confirmed for Australian launch

Subaru Australia has announced the release of the 2022 WRX Sportswagon – the first time there has been a long-roof version under the nameplate since 2007.

After a nearly 15-year hiatus, Subaru's newest quick wagon will be included in the WRX range, having been killed off from the third-gen Impreza and rebadged as the Levorg locally from 2014 to 2020.

Featuring the same equipment as the recently-released fifth-generation WRX, the Sportswagon is powered by the 2.4-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine under the bonnet of the sedan, punching out 202kW at 5600rpm and 350Nm between 2000-5200rpm.

5

However, unlike the sedan, the only transmission available is the "eight-speed" continuously variable transmission, with no three-pedal option offered – although it does retain Subaru's renowned all-wheel-drive system.

General Manager of Subaru Australia, Blair Read, said the Sportswagon combines the WRX's performance with the practicality a long-roof vehicle provides.

“The WRX is a true rally-bred vehicle that has earned an iconic status over the decades, and the all-new WRX promises to deliver a thrilling experience to drivers," said Read.

“The WRX Sportswagon offers Australians an additional version of this performance machine with enhanced practicality for everyday use.

“The WRX Sportswagon will be a model in its own right, with both the sedan and Sportswagon featuring unique specification tailored to their respective audiences.

“We’re confident the all-new WRX and WRX Sportswagon will continue to build upon the performance model’s rich heritage as it ushers in a new era of style, technology, razor sharp handling and exhilaration.”

5

Subaru has not yet provided any details about the wagon's dimensions and increased internal capacity, although it is expected to stand as wide as the sedan body at 1826mm.

The interior features from the sedan are also set to carry over to the Sportswagon – including equipment such as an 11.6-inch infotainment screen with bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Recaro front seats and Subaru's EyeSight driver assist.

Subaru sold 306 Levorgs locally throughout 2020, one of the few vehicles to increase in sales during the global pandemic, compared to 1399 WRXs in the same period – recently notching up 50,000 sales for the nameplate in Australia since its introduction in 1994.