Long-Term Road Test Update
WHAT WE LIKE: We remain impressed with our Subaru WRX’s highly energetic, highly accurate chassis. Contributor Steve Siler found the WRX’s natural habitat as he strafed high-speed California back roads such as Highway 25 and Highway 198. There, the Subaru flaunted its crisp steering, quick turn-in, and cornering grip that remains tenacious even on broken pavement.
Compared with the WRX of yesteryear, this latest rally machine comes with a modicum of on-road cruising comfort. The logbook reflects praise for the sound quality of the stereo and the comfy seats. Driving between California and Michigan, one of our road warriors demonstrated that this car can be quite efficient if the driver is mindful. He stretched a single tank of premium to 464 miles, averaging 32 mpg. And even if we would have preferred a WRX hatchback—which doesn’t exist in this generation—this four-door sedan does an admirable job of swallowing bulky cargo. Thanks to the large rear-door openings, we once packed two large dog crates into the back seat, with a third stashed in the trunk.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE: At $31,290, our WRX Premium lacks some equipment that we expect on a car costing $5000 less. Our drivers have pointed out the absence of automatic headlights, one-touch/three-flash turn signals, and an exterior trunk release. A trio of new-to-the-WRX drivers also peppered this car’s logbook with a fresh volley of scorn and contempt for the navigation and audio head unit. We should note, however, that more-expensive trim levels include automatic headlights and an exterior trunk release paired with a proximity key. Additionally, one-touch lane-change turn signals are standard on all WRX models for 2016, and the optional touch-screen head unit in our car has been supplanted by a more modern setup.
When driven hard, the WRX’s 268-hp flat-four is a riot. But when driven in traffic, the boosted engine requires elevated concentration and a careful right foot to keep things smooth. Wide spreads between the gear ratios make it a challenge to shift without subtle bucking. At part throttle, the engine surges and jerks as it delivers power to the wheels. And acceleration practically disappears in fifth and sixth gears. By the time the WRX was due back in Michigan, senior editor Tony Quiroga was begging for our long-term Volkswagen GTI with its creamy 2.0-liter turbo.
WHAT WENT WRONG: Our Subaru’s clutch began slipping with 24,500 miles on the odometer. Maybe that was due to a faulty part, or maybe it was due to the back-to-back-to-back redline clutch drops required to extract the quickest acceleration at the test track. With the exact cause unknown, the Subaru dealer made the replacement under a partial warranty, covering 75 percent of the cost and leaving us to pick up the remaining $300. Upon completion of the work, Quiroga was relieved to find that the clutch-pedal effort had dropped significantly. “Feels like a normal Japanese car, not a big-block muscle car,” he noted. His delight was deflated within miles, though, when he picked up a nail in the left-rear tire. The damage proved unrepairable, leading us to spend another $175 to purchase and install a new Dunlop.
The 30,000-mile service cost us $192.18, roughly $100 more than the typical oil change and tire rotation. What was different this time around? The maintenance schedule called for a new engine air filter. While the price of $26.35 for the part seems fair, the accompanying $43.50 labor charge is almost criminal. The installation can be done in two minutes with no tools. Buy the filter from your dealer’s parts counter and swap it yourself. The owner’s manual has all the instructions you need.
WHERE WE WENT: Back in April, the WRX relocated to Los Angeles for the summer. While stationed in the City of Angels, our Subaru made excursions as far as Phoenix and San Francisco, although its longest journey was the recent return to Michigan. We heeded Quiroga’s request and sent the GTI out to California to take the Subaru’s place.
Months in Fleet: 14 months Current Mileage: 32,883 miles
Average Fuel Economy: 25 mpg Fuel Tank Size: 15.9 gal Fuel Range: 400 miles
Service: $610 Normal Wear: $0 Repair: $300
Damage and Destruction: $175
