Following on from the South African market exclusive WRX STI Diamond Edition unveiled towards the end of last year, the improvements made to the WRX mostly centre around safety and upgraded equipment levels, with the only exterior additions being satin chrome mirrors, a subtly updated bodykit, red Jurid brake calipers and optional wheel spacers that increases the track by 20mm.
On the spec front, the WRX’s seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system now comes with embedded satellite navigation in addition to Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while a seven-speaker, 440-watt Harman Kardon sound system, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are included in the safety department.
Standard on CVT equipped models is Subaru’s updated EyeSight system that now comes with Auto Vehicle Hold and the new Assist Monitor that uses LEDs integrated into the windscreen that alerts the driver when he/she takes their eyes off of the road. Remaining part of EyeSight are Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Sway Warning.
Up front, the WRX retains the 2.0-litre turbocharged flat-four Boxer engine that produces 197kW/350Nm, as well as the six-speed manual gearbox or aforementioned CVT, the latter equipped with the SI-Drive mode selector that offers three settings; Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp.
As ever, drive goes to all four wheels via Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, with the CVT featuring Variable Torque Distribution that splits torque 45/55. Top speed is rated at 240km/h with the manual taking six seconds to complete the 0-100km/h dash and the CVT 0.3 of a second longer.
A five year/150 000km warranty and a three year/75 000km maintenance plan are included in the WRX’s stickers prices of R581 400 for the manual and R631 400 for the CVT.
