Subaru WRX 30,000 sale milestone
Subaru's hero car the Impreza WRX has passed 30,000 sales in Australia.
The WRX is a turbocharged Symmetrical All Wheel Drive model from the Impreza family also known as "Rex". Launched in March 1994 it changed the Australian automotive market and the perception of what a fast car should have under the bonnet. 15 years on it still sells for the same price - $39,990.
Given its credentials it didn't take long before it had a cult following with buyers enjoying the raw performance and grip. When it was launched it had a similar effect as the Nissan GT-R with performance cars retailing for significantly higher prices unable to compete with the value for money.
“The dawn of Impreza WRX is an amazing milestone in our history,” said Subaru Australia Managing Director, Nick Senior.
“Just like the Subaru Forester and Outback, it effectively established a new class of vehicle, one that many have now followed.
“It paved the way for the low-volume and even more potent WRX STI versions, that have become the closest thing to a professional rally car at an accessible price.”
“It’s amazing to see that the Impreza WRX price today is the same as what we offered at launch, yet there’s so much more specification, so in many ways the current car is even better value.”
The Impreza WRX is still a favorite in Australia selling around 150 cars a month.
“WRX has seen many competitors come and go in the last 15 years, but its intrinsic engineering, quality and sheer fun have made it a true survivor with a distinct place in Australia’s automotive history,” said Mr Senior.
“I have lost count of the number of supposed competitors built up as Rex challengers, but they couldn’t cut the mustard, particularly the front wheel drive and rear wheel drive pretenders who soon got lost in the dust.”
From 1996-2005 the Impreza WRX STI took Subaru to 10 consecutive Australian Rally Drivers' Championships, and eight Manufactures' Championships.
First seen at the 1993 Sydney Motor Show, the Imprezza WRX came with a 2.0 litre turbocharged four cylinder Boxer engine which produced 155kW at 6000rpm and 270Nm of torque at 4800rpm.
The currant Impreza WRX has a 2.5 litre turbocharged engine which produces 195kW at 6000rpm and 343Nm of torque at 4000rpm.
With technological improvements the WRX is not only more powerful it is also more fuel efficient with lower emissions.
Other changes now include:
- 0-100 km/h 5.3 seconds (6.5 in 1994)
- 17-inch wheels (15-inch in 1994)
- Framed doors, for added rigidity and security
- Dual front, side and curtain airbags
- Electronic Throttle Control
- VDC electronic stability control
- Five-star ANCAP safety rating
Impreza WRX is a multiple award winner, including:
1998 - Impreza WRX: MOTOR Bang for your Bucks winner?1999 - Impreza WRX: MOTOR Bang for your Bucks winner?2000 - Impreza (including WRX): Wheels Car of the Year?2001 - Impreza WRX: Australia’s Best Car in the Sports Car Under $56,000 category?2002 - Impreza WRX STI: MOTOR Bang for your Bucks winner?2003 - Impreza WRX: Australia's Best Sports Car Under $57,000 – an honour jointly shared with the Mazda RX8.?2004 - Impreza WRX: Australia's Best Sports Car Under $57,000?2005 - Impreza WRX STI: MOTOR Bang for your Bucks winner?2009 – Impreza WRX: MOTOR Bang for your Bucks winner
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