2024 Subaru WRX RS manual review (video)

Once upon a time, driving was an art form where a driver forged an intimate connection between the road and the machine. For decades, the Subaru WRX has celebrated this connection, delivering a raw and exhilarating experience rooted in rally heritage, where every gear shift and road bend unleashes a rush of adrenaline.

30 years on, as we take the 2024 WRX for a test drive, the question looms; can it maintain that thrilling driving experience in a world increasingly dominated by automated convenience and everything digital and electrical?

2024 Subaru WRX RS: Specifications

Engine: 2.4-litre turbo flat four-cylinder
Output: 202kW@5600rpm / 350Nm@2000-5200rpm
Gearbox: Six-speed manual
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 18×8.5, 245/40
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 1521kg
Power-to-weight: 7.52:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 9.9L/100km
Our consumption: 9.0L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 63L/95 RON

Power efficiency: 20.40kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 2.88 seconds*
0-100km/h: 6.15 seconds*
60-110km/h: 4.17 seconds*
1/4 mile: 14.24 seconds at 158.9km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.910g*
100-0km/h braking: 37.75m in 2.90 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.201g*
Decibel at idle: 47*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 86*
Starting price: $52,990

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2024 Subaru WRX RS: How much does it cost?

For the fifth-gen WRX (or second-gen if you count from when the Impreza name was dropped), sedan and wagon configurations are maintained. There are three variants to choose from; the base, the RS, and the tS in the sedan, and base, GT, and tS in the Sportswagon.

All models are offered with a Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission, but the base sedan and RS sedan can also be coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox. Prices range from $47,490 for the base sedan to $59,790 for the top tS Sportswagon (excluding on-road costs). We’re testing the WRX RS manual sedan here, which retails from $52,990.

The closest competitor in Australia is likely the Hyundai i30 N, with its similar pricing, size and outputs. It retails between $50,000 and $53,500. Though, it does not offer all-wheel drive like the WRX, channelling all power to the front wheels only. Having factored that, we think the pricing of the WRX is reasonable.

Subaru offers a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and one year of free roadside assistance with its cars. Servicing is required every 15,000km or 12 months, and is capped at $381.06, $522.85, $464.61, $894.92, and $408.93 for the first five services if completed at a Subaru dealer.

There is also a free one-month health check on offer. Alternatively, you can pre-purchase a three-year service plan for $1368.52, or a five-year plan for $2672.37. Both of which will save you no money, but they grant your WRX with three-years of complimentary roadside assistance and free hire cars during your services.

2024 Subaru WRX RS: Interior & packaging

As you sit yourself inside the WRX RS, you’re greeted by a cabin that feels both familiar and purposeful. While some manufacturers focus on high-tech and luxury flourishes, Subaru has crafted an interior that is designed for enthusiasts. Analogue main gauges give a nostalgic nod to simpler times, allowing drivers to connect more deeply with the vehicle’s performance.

There’s something gratifying about glancing at a needle rather than a digital readout; it feels more engaging, almost like an extension of your own senses. Materials feel durable, the layout is straightforward, and most controls are intuitively placed to keep you focussed on the raw driving experience.

Like in other Subaru models, interior design centres around bulgy lines and chunky contours. The only real taste of modern times stems from a huge 11.6-inch portrait-oriented centre touch-screen, incorporating wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The screen is large enough to permanently separate out frequently used air-con buttons, even when a wireless app is running. Frequent temp tuning is also made easy, with hot/cold adjustments getting physical buttons.

The front seats are supportive and heavily side bolstered, designed for spirited driving rather than lounging. They hold you in place during speedy corners, underlining the WRX’s performance-oriented ethos. Compared to the previous generation, all interior dimensions have grown to some extent. This renders plenty of room for all passengers. Generous door pockets and centre storage keeps a sporty car practical. Though, rear passengers might get toasty as they lose out on rear air vents from the centre console.

In terms of features, there is less of the luxurious embellishments and more of the performance and safety. The RS manual sedan scores EyeSight driver assist technology, blind-spot monitors, 360-degree cameras, auto high beam, lane-change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise, lane-keeping assist with lane centring, lane departure warning with lane departure prevention, lane sway warning, lead vehicle move alert, pre-collision braking, auto emergency steering, speed sign recognition, and tyre pressure monitoring.

One standout feature of the WRX is the ability to turn off the EyeSight safety system – and keep it off. Unlike many cars that insist on reactivating safety features on restart (as part of the latest regulations), the WRX RS respects your choice, letting you drive without the interference of tech. Well, for now, until safety compliance takes over.

Other standard appointments for the RS manual sedan include inbuilt sat-nav, an electric sunroof, ultrasuede seat trim, eight-way power front seats, heated front and rear outboard seats, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with subwoofer and amplifier.

And for those of us who still cherish the nostalgia of physical media, the WRX RS comes equipped with a CD player, allowing you to reconnect with your favourite 90s jams. Imagine cruising down a winding road, the rumble of the boxer engine filling the cabin, while the sounds of your youth play in the background.

From the outside, the WRX strikes attention with its uniquely sporty stance by tapping into its legacy silhouette, and adding modern performance sedan flair. The sporty look is emphasised by the mysterious front and rear wheel arch extensions and side skirts, dark 18-inch wheels, prominent quad exhausts with chrome tips, a modest rear spoiler, and that famous bonnet scoop.

2024 Subaru WRX RS: Powertrain & handling

At the core of the WRX is the new ‘FA24’ 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder Boxer engine that replaces the FA20 2.0-litre unit. Generating 202kW and 350Nm, the power is good but the torque is low compared with rivals. It continues to provide that distinctive rumble that sets the tone for every drive, although in a smoother less ‘throbby’ way. This test car features the STI sports mufflers – a $2521.45 option – which do boost the aural experience.

The unique boxer configuration not only contributes to the car’s low centre of gravity, but it also provides a distinct mechanical feel as you accelerate through the rev range. Getting from 0-100km/h is officially achieved in 6.0 seconds, and our tests with the Vbox returned a best time of 6.15 seconds.

These figures aren’t that impressive against today’s standards, and in fact older-generation WRXs used to offer a claimed time of 5.5 seconds. We’ve tested front-wheel drive hot hatches in quicker periods as well. Now obviously 0-100km/h isn’t everything, but it is reasonable to expect a level of progression and evolution here.

The new engine delivers solid, linear power and torque, distributed more evenly across the rev range rather than at peak revs. At lower speeds the torque delivery provides smooth, strong pickup, with the maximum output available from just 2000rpm. In the mid-range, Subaru explains that the extra displacement tied with an improved turbo response increases mid-range acceleration. And you can feel it. The engine is more adaptable, and can pull through in more gears. Redline is fairly low, at 6000rpm – not far from where the peak output occurs at 5600rpm.

The manual gearbox is a standout feature nowadays, allowing enthusiasts to fully engage with the vehicle. Each shift feels precise and primitive, fostering that raw connection that many modern cars lack. Being close-ratio, sixth gear isn’t excessively tall. It sits comfortably at around 3000rpm when cruising at 120km/h, providing a good balance for highway driving without sacrificing response when you need it.

You don’t buy a WRX with the intention to save money on your fuel bill. All-wheel drive and that performance comes at a cost of 9.9L/100km on the official test. Our average revealed a friendlier 9.0L/100km. It also requires a minimum 95 RON petrol.

Built on the Subaru Global Platform, the WRX features a full inner-frame construction to enhance driving dynamics. Subaru explains that it results in a 14 per cent increase in front lateral flexing rigidity and 28 per cent greater torsional stiffness than the previous generation. This, in combination with struts at the front, double wishbones at the rear, and a front and rear stabiliser bar, creates a secure ride with excellent cornering posture. Unfortunately, only tS variants (all auto) receive adaptive dampers.

Subaru’s AWD system further enhances handling by providing excellent grip and stability. Whether you’re navigating tight turns or accelerating out of corners, this is as planted and as confident as they come. You can feel every nuance of the road, from the texture of the pavement to the subtle changes in traction, which only amplifies that connected driving experience. Adding to the formula are low-profile Dunlop SP Sport Maxx sports tyres, beefy 316mm, two-pot, front ventilated disc brakes, and 290mm single-pot ones at the rear.

Like with other Subarus, the steering is notably light. The dual-pinion electric setup requires minimal strength to turn, making it a bit too free for high energy manoeuvres in our opinion. Unfortunately, variants with manual gearboxes miss out on drive mode selection, which means power steering input force can only be adjusted on those fitted with automatic gearboxes.

2024 Subaru WRX RS: Key attractions/reasons to buy

• Engaging performance: The 2.4T delivers strong power, providing a thrilling driving experience with a distinct mechanical feel.
• Manual gearbox delight: In a now rare offering, an engaging six-speed manual gearbox enhances the connection between driver and machine, making it a standout feature for enthusiasts.
• Well-balanced heritage preservation vs modern tech: A primitive feel, analogue gauges, and only the inclusion of a large touch-screen keeps the car feeling in touch with it roots.
• Rally-inspired dynamics: With help from a new inner-frame construction and Subarus famous symmetrical all-wheel drive, the WRX is more rigid for lively handling.

2024 Subaru WRX RS: Key considerations before you buy

• Manual transmission sacrifices: When paired with a manual, you miss out on some tech; like drive mode selection, pre-collision braking and throttle system, reverse auto braking, auto door mirror adjustment, and auto driver seat adjustment. Adaptive dampers are also reserved for tS variants (all auto).
• Weak fuel efficiency: In a world with high fuel costs, an average official consumption of 9.9L/100km might impact affordability for some.
• Higher insurance costs: Might be a good idea to run some quotes on your individual circumstances.

2024 Subaru WRX RS: Video