Subaru WRX 2.4T - New Zealand launch report

[@robalexander7348]

A nice review, Happy New Year and Greetings from Oz 👍 Au

[@CarNutvideos]

Thanks very much and cheers for watching. Hope ‘24’s a good one for you. 👍

[@rotoehu9266]

Some comments and questions Blu 1. The wagon is still a Levorg, just badged WRX in this part of the world to try and generate sales (quite successfully it seems). I wonder though how many people will be caught unawares by the fact it isn’t a WRX and is tuned quite differently (for better or worse) 2, All overseas reviews of WRX have commented on the lack of sound (way too quiet) and lack of character of that sound - no longer unequal headers, so missing almost all that distinctive boxer beat? 3. I’ve seen tests of RHD manual WRX that say the shift isn’t great, mainly because it is set up for LHD and gates are angled awkwardly for RHD users - what was your experience? Lastly do you know if NZ getting the Outback 2.4T Aussie is next year?

[@CarNutvideos]

Thanks for your learned comments (as usual👍👍). I’ve got a manual WRX coming up on test soon so will explore some of the issues you raise there, but can confirm the wagon is a slightly softer drive than the sedan (but only slightly). And yes, we know the Levorg badge was a tricky sell down here whereas anything with WRX written on it always piques the interest, but the cats (certainly in auto form) are close enough in driving characteristics for all but the truly sad Car Nuts amongst us, that I reckon the WRX wagon is above claims that it’s merely a cynical labeling exercise. Again, thanks for watching. It’s always nice to chat with viewers who are obviously very engaged and informed about the cars I drive. Blu.

[@bobknight6394]

is there silicone in the intake oil filter in the wrx like the brz? why dont they use a gasket instead of silicone seals that break off?

[@braveheart9658]

I wonder what is faster.. the cvt of the manual. Good review

[@CarNutvideos]

Thanks BraveHeart96. The auto now has much sharper shifts between its ‘ratios’ and behaves almost like a dual clutch transmission. It blips the throttle on downshifts and is genuinely a long way away from how we used to think CVTs behaved (thank the Lord!) This, combined with the fact that the manual is short geared, needing 3rd to get to 100, and the box itself is not a particularly slick shifting affair suggests that the auto would be quicker to 100. But the manual is the more satisfying for driver involvement I feel. Cheers for watching. Blu.

[@braveheart9658]

@@CarNutvideos Thanks for the reply👍

[@AdamLeask]

It's a pity the wagon isn't quite the same car in terms of driving experience or manual transmission. Add to that, the horrible black plastic body cladding on the sedan is definitely a look only a mother could love, somewhat reminiscent of the rubber bumpers that went on the MGB GTs destined for the American market in the 60s/70s!

[@CarNutvideos]

Thanks for your comment Adam. Funnily enough the black plastic add-ons aren’t as noticeable when you see the car in the metal. But no denying,,,it’s a unique design language for a performance car. Cheers for watching. Blu.

[@paultaylor5626]

I like the over all new-ish look and having a wagon is a great option, but I think power and torque are disappointing. The interior looks really good and the price is on the money. Pity it’s penalised for being an ICE but that’s the world we’re in now. I’m guessing the next models will be more Toyota than Subaru so this really is the last curtain call.

[@CarNutvideos]

Cheers Paul. Don’t know what the future for WRX looks like but my guess is you’re right on the money. With STi going electric it’s a safe bet that tech will dribble down to the Rex next. Maybe they’ll add a synthesized boxer beat to the in-car audio system. 👍

[@jimmyglea]

US subscriber here…Just ordered the GT sedan but would have gone with the wagon if it were available here.

[@CarNutvideos]

Thanks for subscribing jimmyglea. Yes, the wagon is proving to be a popular option in the range downunder in NZ and Australia. It’s the vehicle that used to be called the Levorg here but renaming it the WRX wagon has greatly lifted its marketability and sales. Cheers for watching. Blu.

[@davidG15]

Give us the wagon in the states 🫤

[@CarNutvideos]

If you don’t get this model in the US I suggest the first WRX wagon you get (if at all) will be at least partially EV as this will probably be the last ICE WRX. Cheers for watching GOMFL. Blu.