Subaru launches new WRX

Subaru has unveiled an all-new WRX at the LA Motor Show. The latest version of Subaru's famous performance car goes back to a standard saloon shape - there will be no hatch this time - and is powered by a 2.0-litre boxer engine with direct injection turbo producing 270PS - more than the current 2.5-litre engine.

The WRX will hopefully see Subaru going back to what's it's good at - making fast and well engineered saloons. That is after all what found it so many fans in the UK. However, despite going on sale in the States and Japan in 2014, there's no word on whether it will come to the UK. 

In traditional Subaru fashion it has a flat-four engine and all-wheel drive as standard. Torque is 350Nm - again more than the engine in the current WRX model plus Subaru is promising better fuel economy and lower emissions. The standard gearbox is a six-speed manual with a newly developed Sport Lineartronic CVT with an eight-speed shifting mode is available as an option.

To improve handling and refinement, the WRX has a stiffer body with revised suspension and active torque vectoring. The electric power steering features more rigid steering gearbox mounts for improved fuel efficiency and a more direct steering feel.

The new car has a longer wheelbase than the current model, extended by 25mm which should mean better rear legroom. The doors openings for front and rear passengers have also been enlarged for easier entry while the boot is bigger.

Greater use of ultra-high tensile steel throughout the body of the car has also made the new model lighter and more rigid than the previous-generation, while new safety structures for the bonnet and bulkhead, and greater use of collision-absorbing materials in the engine bay, further improve crash safety performance and pedestrian protection.

Subaru is promising a better interior - a crucial improvement. There are carbon and metal trim accents and more soft-touch materials plus a new flat-bottomed steering wheel and supportive sports seats. A new 3.5-inch LCD colour display shows the vehicle status at all times, while a revised multi-function display includes a boost pressure gauge.