The VA series Subaru WRX is a different approach compared to past generations of the breed. The Impreza nameplate is kaput and the EJ-series engine is a no show. But the main difference between the VA and its predecessor is represented by the hard-edged aesthetics and yards of safety equipment, as Subaru offers on the JDM-spec WRX S4 and WRX STI.
Going on sale in Japan on July 4, the 2015 Subaru WRX S4 is available in two distinct grades: 2.0GT EyeSight and 2.0GT-S EyeSight. Priced at 3,348,000 and 3,564,000 Japanese yen, respectively, both WRX S4 models are animated by a 2-liter DOHC boxer engine with 300 horsepower (221 kW) at 5,600 rpm and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque from 2,000 rpm.
The main change over the outgoing iteration of the WRX S4 is a retuned suspension. The highlight options available for the 2.0GT-S are a set of 245/40R18 high-performance tires and a sunroof. As far as the entire WRX range is concerned, we’re now offered high-luster chrome trim for the power window switches, a 2A USB slot, as well as a new exterior hue dubbed Pure Red. On the safety front, things get really rad.
Both the JDM-spec Subaru WRX S4 and STI are now offered with the manufacturer’s Advanced Safety Package, which adds blind spot assist and high beam assist. Furthermore, a function dubbed Rear Vehicle Detection monitors obstacles or cars at the rear of the WRX S4/STI. Whereas the 2015 WRX S4 is offered exclusively with a CVT transmission, the STI is coming as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Available in WRX STI and WRX STI Type S guises, the 2-liter force-fed boxer engine develops 308 horsepower (227 kW) at 6,400 rpm and a meaty 422 Nm (311 lb-ft) at 4,400 rpm. According to Japan’s JC08 emissions standard, the 2015 Subaru WRX STI will be drinking 10.6 liters per kilometer (22.2 US mpg). You’ll need 3,790,800 yen for the STI and 4,114,800 yen for the STI Type S. In US dollars, the cream of the crop costs $33,545 at current exchange rates, which is a grand shy from the US-spec Subaru WRX STI.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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