In 2015 Subaru decided to take a different approach to the WRX line-up than in years past. For the first time, they got rid of the direct tie to the Subaru Impreza. For decades the WRX was a trim model of the Impreza sedan. The Impreza is a great car and does well for what it was designed to do… Commute from A to B. However, it didn’t have the character; it didn’t have the flare of the more exciting trim level of the WRX. This is where the WRX variants have always shined.
2015 Subaru WRX Review
Aggressive 2015 Subaru WRX Sedan
With the 2015 WRX, Subaru has also departed from offering both the sedan and wagon to a sedan only. This has been met with mixed reviews. It’s definitely one of those “love it or hate it” scenarios where the purists are demanding the wagon, and the new customer base are interested in the sedan version. We find it odd that Subaru started with the sedan version as the wagon of previous generations was considerably more popular. With that being said, we aren’t complaining, we really like the body styling of the 2015 Subaru WRX sedan. It is aggressive and edgy but not wild or over the top. The car features the expected aggressive styling of any vehicle with WRX badging. Pronounced lines on the fenders, quad tip exhaust with factory diffuser tunnels. All of this gives the car the aggressive appearance and styling you would expect from the 2015 Subaru WRX. We’re also not convinced that there won’t be a 2015 Subaru WRX wagon in the very near future.
Firmly Planted Suspension
The biggest question is, would it drive as well as it looks? For 2015 Subaru has made some pretty significant changes to the car. Including; firmer suspension, stiffer chassis, and new engine/turbo design. Our initial reaction to the firmer suspension and stiffer chassis was that of concern. We’ve seen cars that have gone a little “too far” with the racing theme and they start to become too noisy, too stiff, and too track oriented. Fortunately Subaru’s engineers proved once again that they really do know what they’re doing. While test driving the 2015 Subaru WRX we noted that the suspension felt planted everywhere. There was never a moment when the car felt too stiff, or loose. Even taking freeway on ramps at considerable speeds the car gave the driver a level of confidence in its feedback through the steering and chassis.
We also had the privilege of test driving a car that had been equipped with coil overs from RSR suspension and some aftermarket wheels. Unfortunately we didn’t get a lot of time with this particular 2015 WRX but our initial impression is that the reduced ride height helped to improve cornering, car control, and the overall driving experience. Not to mention brought the car a little closer to earth and reduced that wheel gap which is always a big plus in our book!
Subaru WRX engine
Feel the Torque
We can’t talk about taking corners at speed and not talk about power! The 2015 Subaru WRX comes with the new 2.0 liter FA20DIT. The 2015 Subaru WRX engine utilizes direct injection technology and has been fitted with a twin-scroll supercharger. The end result is improved performance across the powerband and a reduction in the “lag” associated with most turbocharged vehicles. Reports show that the new engine puts out 258 lb-ft at only 2,000 RPM. When taking off from a green light you can definitely feel this torque and it’s hard not to smile!
Our only gripe about the powertrain of the 2015 Subaru WRX is the exhaust note. Frankly, it’s pretty boring. We can’t wait to liven it up and hear that engine rumble a bit! Not to mention the increased power you’re sure to get by opening up the exhaust. Turbo engines love to breath!
Inside the 2015 WRX
Inside the Cockpit:
One thing we were very impressed with is the interior cabin. Subaru has done an excellent job with carbon fiber accents, and plenty of interior room along with a rear folding seat allowing for a pass through trunk. We can’t tell you how the passenger seat or the back seats felt because we didn’t sit in them. We don’t ever plan on sitting anywhere but the driver’s seat and for good reason! Everything is very nicely laid out for the driver and Subaru has really carried the WRX character to the inside of this new model. The bolstered seats, the molded steering wheel, the excellent pedal position allowing for perfect heel/toe downshifting. It all just falls together. Being a bigger guy (6’0″, 215 lbs) I did start to notice that the seats might have been designed for someone a little more slender than myself. It’s a minor thing and I wasn’t uncomfortable, I could have just done with a little more room. I also noticed that selecting reverse with the manual transmission is a little weird and makes you feel like the claw at the arcade awkwardly craning down to pick up the release then angling over to the far right and back.
2015 Subaru WRX Review: Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the 2015 Subaru WRX is quite simply a great car! We have always been fans of Subaru’s and STILLEN is proud to announce that we will be jumping in to these cars with both feet (literally and figuratively!) Stay tuned as we begin releasing new products for the 2015 Subaru WRX such body kits, big brakes, exhaust systems, and intake kits. We are all so excited about this car that there are rumors there will be at LEAST one WRX joining our fleet in the very near future and STILLEN will be outfitting it with everything from performance and styling parts to floormats!
