2022 Subaru WRX: Australian launch due first quarter of 2022
Fifth-gen AWD rally sedan understood to be due early next year with 2.4-litre turbo power.
The next-generation 2022 Subaru WRX looks set to reach Australian showrooms around this time next year.
CarAdvice understands the fifth generation of Subaru’s rally-inspired performance icon will go on sale in Australia in the first quarter of 2022 – a number of months after it was initially rumoured to touch down locally, thanks to pandemic-related delays but just six months after it’s expected to hit Japanese showrooms, in August.
When it goes on sale, it’ll be the latest arrival in Subaru’s new-generation performance model overhaul in Australia, following the second-generation BRZ sports coupe’s expected local arrival in the second half of the year.
The WRX-based Levorg wagon is understood to arrive at a similar time, though local launch dates for both models have yet to be officially confirmed.
Above and top: 2022 Subaru WRX renders created by CarAdvice render guru Theophilus Chin.
Speaking of architecture, Japanese publication Best Car Web reports the new WRX will ride on the Japanese brand’s latest 'Subaru Global Platform' modular chassis, shared with the Impreza hatch, Outback high-riding wagon, aforementioned Levorg and an assortment of other recent Subaru models.
It's widely expected the 2.4-litre turbocharged horizontally-opposed 'boxer' four-cylinder offered with North American versions of the Outback will feature beneath the WRX's bonnet, though Best Car reports outputs will increase from 190kW/376Nm to around 213kW.
That's 16kW up over the 197kW/350Nm developed by the current, fourth-generation WRX.
While not detailed in the Japanese report, the flagship STI is slated to return sometime in 2022, powered by a high-output version of the 2.4-litre turbo which, according to some reports, will develop up to 298kW and 489Nm.
Above: The outgoing Subaru WRX. Bottom: The new Subaru Levorg.
A six-speed manual should continue to be offered as standard, with the base WRX likely to again offer a CVT automatic as an option.
The performance sedan is also rumoured to share the new Levorg's interior and active safety systems, from its 11.6-inch portrait infotainment touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster to its EyeSight safety suite including lane-keep assist and autonomous emergency braking.
The 2021 Subaru WRX is expected to make its full debut in the coming months, ahead of its expected Australian launch in the first quarter of 2022.
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