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Basic Specs
| Base Price | $25,595 |
| Drivetrain | All Wheel Drive |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 3208 |
| City (MPG) | 19 |
| Hwy (MPG) | 25 |
| Horsepower | 265@6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 244@4000 |
| Wheelbase | 103.3 |
| Length (in.) | 173.8 |
| Width (in.) | 70.7 |
| Height (in.) | 58.1 |
The all-new Impreza WRX Hatchback marks an important change in the mid-level performance model's evolution as it has now adapted the same wide-body stance as its range-topping WRX STI counterpart!
This aggressively styled hatchback now comes boasting the same mean-looking, performance-oriented design that has a 1.5-inch wider track width for improved handling. On top of that, the WRX also gains an extra inch of width for its wheels (17x8 instead of 17x7) and wider tires, switching to 235/45R17 from 225/45R17 tires.
The subframe also benefits from a switch to stiffer rear bushings.
Just about the only performance downgrade, if you can call it that, is the addition of about 34 pounds when compared to the outgoing model.
Compared to the newly added WRX Sedan variant, the Hatchback boasts a cargo area cover with a light and tie-down hooks, clear tail light lenses, a rear window wiper with defroster and an STI-styled rear gate spoiler - all reflected in the $1,000 price premium of the hatchback.
Power comes from a turbocharged and intercooled 2.5-liter Boxer engine producing 265 horsepower and 244 lb-ft of torque. The WRX Hatchback comes mated exclusively to a five-speed manual transmission - no automatics here.
Despite the robust power delivery, fuel economy is still a respectable 19 city, 25 highway miles per gallon.
Unlike many cars on the road that claim to be performance-minded, the WRX actually sports a fully functional hood scoop that force feeds cool air into the intercooler. As is the case with all current Subaru models, the WRX features all-wheel drive with a continuous and symmetrical delivery system that utilizes a viscous coupling locking center differential to provide 50:50 power distribution.
Subaru has also equipped the WRX Hatchback with a double-wishbone rear suspension, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), Incline Start Assist to help drivers get started on hills without rolling backwards and exclusive WRX-tuned suspension.
Interior appointments include a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching and switches for cruise control, audio system and Bluetooth, an AM/FM premium stereo with single-disc in-dash CD player and six speakers, MP3/WMA capability, Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, iPod control capability, USB port, XM/SIRIUS Satellite Radio capability and 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack, an automatic climate control system, electroluminescent instrument panel gauges, exterior temperature gauge and digital clock, power windows, locks, doors and mirrors, tilt-and-telescope steering wheel and cruise control.
Comfort isn't missing, but is also far from the top priority in the WRX, which is evidenced by the performance-design front bucket seats, with standard 60/40 split and folding rear seats.
Opting for the WRX Limited package will add leather-trimmed seats, HID lowbeam headlamps and the availability of the Navigation Package (also available on Premium trim levels) which adds: seven-inch touch-screen GPS, Bluetooth hands-free calling, single-disc CD/DVD player, Sirius radio and an RCA audio jack for auxiliary video input.
Safety comes from the Subaru advanced Frontal Airbag System, side curtain air bags, front seat side-impact air bags and rear seat headrests for all three seating positions. Safety technology includes four-channel ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.
Key competitors
Subuaru appeals to two very different groups - families seeking safe and reliable transportation, and younger buyers seeking fast, fun, all-wheel drive performance vehicles. The Impreza WRX Hatchback is aimed at the second group, finding its biggest competition in the rival Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart - although it likely grabs a few outliers from the first group as well.
Some may also consider the Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 and the Ford Focus ST.
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- General
- Body Style: Hatchback
- Size: Compact
- Market Segment: Sports
- Weight: 3208 lbs
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- Exterior
- Length: 173.8 in.
- Width: 70.7 in.
- Height: 58.1 in.
- Wheelbase: 103.3 in.
- Ground Clearance: TBD
- Front Track: 60.2 in.
- Rear Track: 60.6 in.
- Weight Distribution: TBD
- Drag Coefficient: TBD
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- Interior - General
- Seats: 5
- Passenger Volume: 94.6 cu. ft.
- Cargo Volume: 19.0 cu. ft.
- Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): 44.4 cu. ft.
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- Interior - Front Row
- Volume: TBD
- Leg Room: 43.5 in.
- Head Room: 40.3 in.
- Shoulder Room: 54.8 in.
- Hip Room: 53.4 in.
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- Interior - Second Row
- Volume: TBD
- Leg Room: 33.5 in.
- Head Room: 37.6 in.
- Shoulder Room: 53.2 in.
- Hip Room: 53.3 in.
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- Propulsion
- Fuel Type: Gas
- Engine Type: 2.5L I4
- Power: 265 hp @ 6000 rpm
- Torque: 244 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
- Highway Fuel Economy: 25 mpg
- City Fuel Economy: 19 mpg
- Forced Induction: Turbocharger
- Direct Injection: No
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- Chassis
- Layout: All Wheel Drive
- Front Suspension: Strut-Type
- Rear Suspension: Double Wishbone
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- Wheels
- Front: 17" Aluminum
- Front Tires: 235/45R17 94W
- Rear: 17" Aluminum
- Rear Tires: 235/45R17 94W
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- Trailering & Hauling
- Trailer Weight: TBD
- Payload: N/A
- Tongue Weight: TBD
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