Subaru WRX Concept hits Australia

The edgy WRX Concept car revealed at the New York auto show last month has landed in Australia, although the details of its visit are still unclear.

It is definitely headed for public showings but Subaru Australia refuses to reveal its plan for the car following the cancellation of the Australian International Motor Show in June.

The WRX was originally booked for a down under visit to star at the show in Melbourne and is spotted this week being unloaded at the Melbourne docks. The timing of its arrival suggests it was shipped from the USA as soon as the show closed in the Big Apple.

Its local destination is unclear, although the Japanese brand's flagship dealership - Subaru Interactive@Docklands, in the Victorian capital - has just been given a major facelift.

It could easily host the WRX Concept for the coming month, although visits to Sydney and Brisbane are also likely to spread the message on the renewal and revival of Subaru's turbocharged, all-wheel drive signature car.

"No comment," is the trademark answer to Carsguide from the managing director of Subaru Australia, Nick Senior, to any and all questions on the WRX Concept's visit.

However, Subaru admits it is looking at alternatives to traditional motor shows and - unlike most of its showroom rivals - is prepared to pay to test the reaction to new ideas. Most brands are looking closely at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in Britain, where cars are driven in front of a sellout audience on a closed hill climb course.

The WRX Concept will only be a static display, however, as the NYC standout does not have a finished cabin or proper running gear.

Any showing is likely to re-ignite Australian speculation about the new WRX, which has also been caught testing with heavy camouflage at the Nurburgring test course in Germany.

There is no question that the car will be quick and confident, but there are doubts about the final styling and how closely it will reflect the work on the WRX Concept. There has been widespread condemnation of the Nurburgring test car, even though the New York WRX was praised for its edgy looks and an overdue move away from the basic four-door bodywork of Subaru's mainstream Impreza.

This reporter is on Twitter @paulwardgover