SYDNEY: Subaru has updated its WRX and WRX STI performance models for the 2016 model year in Australia, bringing new safety tech and price changes to some models.
Available from this week, the updated WRX picks up 18-inch alloy wheels replacing the 17s on the outgoing model, but retains its starting price of $38,990 plus on-road costs for the six-speed manual version.
The refreshed manual-only STI also goes on sale this week, but buyers now have to part with $500 less to get into one with prices starting from $49,490 plus on-roads.
Buyers opting for the STI with rear spoiler will save $200 over the outgoing model.
The entry level WRX now features a new 6.2-inch touchscreen. WRX and STI Premium variants get a seven-inch touchscreen, which now incorporates the Pandora app, voice recognition and a pinch/zoom feature.
Top-shelf Premium spec models also pick up a bag-full of Subaru’s Vision Assist technologies, including blind spot monitoring, lane-change assist, high-beam assist, side-view monitor, rear cross traffic alert and power folding mirrors.
“WRX is already regarded as well-specced, but these latest additions make it the best ever in terms of the performance, value and features equation,” Subaru Australia Managing Director, Nick Senior, said.
“WRX and WRX STI are already selling at levels unseen since the late 1990s and the latest list of new technologies can only boost their turbocharged sales success even further.”
Pricing (excludes on-road costs)
2016 SUBARU WRX & WRX STI
WRX manual – $38,990 (no change)
WRX Lineartronic CVT – $40,990 (no change)
WRX Premium manual – $44,890 (+$900)
WRX Premium Lineartronic CVT – $46,890 (+$900)
WRX STI – $49,490 (-$500)
WRX STI with rear spoiler – $49,790 (-$200)
WRX STI Premium – $55,390 (+$400)
WRX STI Premium with rear spoiler – $55,690 (+$700)
