Better than a Toyota GR Corolla? 2022 Subaru WRX pricing and specs reveal rally-bred performance for an affordable price

Subaru’s WRX range is now powered by a 2.4-litre turbo-petrol engine outputting 202kW/350Nm.

Subaru Australia has opened the order books for the new-generation WRX, with pricing kicking off from $44,990 before on-road costs for the sedan, and $49,990 for the WRX Sportwagon.

Powered by a 2.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder Boxer engine, the 2022 WRX punches out 202kW/350Nm to all four wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, or a continuously variable transmission.

This puts the WRX squarely in line with hot hatches like the Ford Focus ST (from $47,490), Hyundai i30 N (from $44,500) and VW Golf GTI ($54,490), while the Sportwagon body style competes against the Skoda Octavia RS wagon ($51,590).

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The starting price for the new WRX is $4000 more than the model it replaces.

Starting with the sedan, the WRX is available in three grades, the unnamed base variant, the RS and top-spec tS, with the latter only available with the CVT.

The bigger-boot version is also available in three trims, the unnamed point of entry, the mid-spec GT and flagship tS, though no manual is offered with the Sportwagon.

Standard equipment includes dual-zone climate control, a flat-bottom steering wheel, an 11.6-inch multimedia touchscreen.

Safety systems are also comprehensive thanks to adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, speed sign recognition, forward collision warning – though these features are only confirmed on CVT-equipped models for now.

Moving up the grades will also net buyers a driver monitoring system, drive mode selector and adaptive dampers.

More details will be revealed closer to the WRX’s local launch, which is earmarked for May.