2023 Subaru WRX Sedan, Wagon officially launched in PH 

After debuting in several other markets last year, Motor Image Subaru finally unleashes the all-new WRX Sedan and WRX Wagon for the Philippine market.  

The 2023 Subaru WRX sedan and WRX Wagon

As expected, this latest version of the WRX comes with a whole host of improvements. Chief among these is a more powerful engine as well as the latest version of the Subaru EyeSight driver-assist suite. And of course, it also gets a fresh new exterior design. Of note, the WRX Wagon replaces the Levorg. 

Let’s check out the all-new 2023 Subaru WRX in detail. 

Exterior 

With regards to the exterior, the Philippine-spec WRX pretty much looks like the global version released earlier last year. It gets a more chiseled front end, as well as full LED lighting for the front and rear. Also on its hood is a conspicuously large and angular scoop, a set of aggressive-looking front fender air outlets, as well as twin dual tail mufflers. 

A closer look at the WRX Sedan's front end

These though are toned down a bit on the WRX wagon version. And instead, it comes with a bit more chrome, and twin tail mufflers. 

From the side, the sedan gets a trunk spoiler, whereas the wagon version gets a roof-mounted spoiler. The WRX Sedan CVT, tS trims, as well as the Wagon tS variant also gets a power-sliding, tilt-adjustable glass sunroof.  

For wheels, the top-spec WRX Sedan tS EyeSight trim gets a set of 18-inch machined aluminum-alloy wheels. The WRX MT and WRX CVT in turn get the standard aluminum-alloy wheels, which are also 18-inches in size. Lastly, the top-spec WRX Wagon tS exclusively uses the 18-inch machine premium wheel set. 

The WRX Wagon

Other standard equipment on all 2023 WRX trims include power-folding side mirrors, UV protection glass, and auto-leveling for the headlamps. 

And yes, the new WRX is also a bit larger than the outgoing model. Specifically, its dimensions measure at 4,670mm long, 1,825mm wide, and 1,465mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,675mm. This means that it is 75mm longer, and 30mm wider than its predecessor. The wagon version is also 65mm longer and 15mm wider than the old Levorg.

The wagon version promises more trunk space

Interior 

Inside, both the sedan and wagon versions of the all-new WRX can seat up to five occupants. The WRX CVT and the top-spec WRX tS wagon versions get suede seat covers. The entry-level WRX wagon then comes with leather covers, while the WRX MT gets fabric seats. 

A peek inside the new WRX's cockpit

All do come standard with a dual-zone automatic climate control system with rear vents. All trims also have a push-to-start button, rain-sensing wipers, sport pedals, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel.  

Only the WRX Sedan with the CVT, and the WRX Wagon trims come with a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The tS variants also feature the STI logo on their instrument clusters. 

The new WRX's trunk can also hold up to 414-liters of cargo, and its rear seats also have a 60:40 split-fold function. The wagon version meanwhile, has a default trunk capacity of 492-liters, and up to 1,430-liters with the rear seats folded down.

A peek inside the new WRX's sedan's rear cabin

Tech & Safety 

To keep its occupants entertained, the new Subaru WRX comes standard with an 11.6-inch infotainment system. This headunit comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. 

On the WRX tS Sedan, the said touchscreen is paired with an 11-piece Harman Kardon sound system. The rest of the variants meanwhile get a six-piece speaker set.  

For safety, all 2023 Subaru WRX variants are kitted out with a total of seven airbags. All trims also come with anti-lock braking, steering responsive headlights, a rear-view camera, and a driver monitor. Only the sedan variant gets the multi-mode vehicle dynamics control system with a track mode. 

All except the WRX MT comes standard with Subaru EyeSight

To support those, the new WRX, save for the entry-level MT variant, also comes with the latest version of the Subaru EyeSight driver-assist suite. This includes a pre-collision braking system, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency steering, lane centering control, and lane departure warning, lane sway warning, and a lead vehicle start alert. 

Engine & Performance 

Under the hood of the new 2023 Subaru WRX is a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer-four engine. At maximum, it can make up to 271 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. All variants of both the sedan and wagon versions then come with a symmetrical all-wheel-drive.  

The all-new WRX's 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer-four engine

For transmissions, the sedan trim either gets a six-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters for its manual mode. Meanwhile, the wagon version exclusively uses a CVT, and it also has paddle shifters. 

Of note, the new WRX uses the new Subaru Global Platform. According to the brand, it is significantly more rigid compared to the old model. Its suspension system was also tweaked for better handling when taking on corners. 

The WRX Sedan from the rear

For 0 to 100 km/h times, Subaru claims that the manual gearbox variant can do it in just 6.0 seconds. The CVT version meanwhile is a smidge slower at 6.1 seconds.  

This is unsurprising considering that the WRX Sedan MT trim has a curb weight of 1,515kg, whereas the WRX CVT EyeSight and the WRX tS EyeSight weigh in at 1,588 kg and 1,612 kg respectively. The Wagon trims are even heavier, with the tS variant clocking in at 1,629 kg. 

Price