There is a subset of haters out there who will dismiss the VB generation Subaru WRX on the grounds that there is no STI version so power output is middling, or that the black plastic wheel arches give it a crossover appearance. After spending a week with the new tS Spec B, we think there is more to it than that.
According to VFACTS figures for August 2025, sales have held steady with 1425 units shifted so far this year, just down on the 1551 units shifted in the same period last year. For 2025, some crucial changes have been made, including ADAS features now spread across the manual range. Before you turn away, this is actually a brilliant thing too, as I will explain.
2025 Subaru WRX tS Spec B: 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: 19×8.5, 245/35
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 1522kg
Power-to-weight: 7.53:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 10.4L/100km
Our consumption: 9.8L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 63L/95 RONPower efficiency: 19.42kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 2.88 seconds*
0-100km/h: 6.30 seconds*
60-110km/h: 4.37 seconds*
1/4 mile: 14.31 seconds at 159.0km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.995g*
100-0km/h braking: 36.22m in 2.94 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.460g*
Decibel at idle: 47*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 86*
Starting price: $61,490
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2025 Subaru WRX tS Spec B: How much does it cost?
From $61,490, the tS Spec B sits at the top of the WRX sedan tree, which starts from $48,190 for the manual base model, and from $53,490 for the RS manual (before on-road costs).
Subaru Australia offers capped-price servicing, which spans five years or 75,000km – whichever comes first. Visits range from $379.04 for an ‘A’ service, up to $864.05 for a ‘D’ service. Total cost over five years is $2694.66 – not unreasonable for a performance car. There’s also a five-year, unlimited km warranty with up to five years roadside assistance.
With a median fuel price of $1.94/L in Sydney at the time of writing, it would cost $122 to fill the WRX’s 63-litre tank. Official consumption of 10.4L/100km is reasonable, given its capability. We were able to keep it in the high 9s, despite mixed driving and the odd squirt. Cruising at 100km/h, the WRX manual sits at about 2800rpm.
2025 Subaru WRX tS Spec B: Interior & packaging
For that jump in price you get Recaro front seats with eight-way electric control for the driver, adaptive dampers (previously only available on the automatic tS), and Subaru’s full suite of EyeSight ADAS tech. Previously, manual cars missed out on features such as adaptive cruise and lane-keep assist.
It really looks the part, with the large STI-style rear wing, Brembo brakes with gold calipers peering through gorgeous matte grey 19-inch alloy wheels shod with 245/35 Bridgestone Potenza tyres. Quad exhaust tips are just the cherry on the cake, with STI mufflers. It certainly has the visual clout of an STI, even if Subaru won’t bring it back from the dead.
A very high-quality affair inside. Typically Japanese precision and intuitiveness is apparent the moment you open the door, with awesome pink stitching for the flat-bottomed steering wheel, seats and along the Alcantara-lined dash and door cards.
If you are short-fused and prone to frustration, the execution of the WRX’s ergonomics and user-friendliness is a soothing antidote to the ills that afflict many new cars on the market right now – particularly new Chinese cars and, to a lesser extent, Korean. The reason for this is that once you defeat the attention monitor or audible speed alert, it stays off even after restarting.
The alloy pedals and position of the gear lever are just perfect and sit readily to hand. The interior has all the makings of a grand tourer with a sporting edge.
The 11.6-inch portrait infotainment touch-screen – flanked by two generously-sized vents – is a masterclass in user-friendliness, with tuning, volume knobs, climate adjustment buttons cleverly integrated for distraction-free operation.
My absolute favourite feature would have to be the 12.3-inch instrument cluster which can even be configured to show Waze from your Apple CarPlay. It may only be in night mode, but it is such a useful and delightful feature where many rivals fail.
The touch-screen is crisp responsive and layered, and it can adopt a split-screen layout with your Apple CarPlay/Android Auto,. This means no distraction when jumping back and forth between apps. The 10-speaker Harman Kardon stereo with subwoofer pumps, with no distortion as volume climbs. There’s even a CD player in the centre console.
Space for the outboard occupants front and rear is more than ample, with comfortable and supportive rear seats. Legroom is at the front of this class, considering it is positioned against models such as the Corolla and i30. There’s a 411L boot at the back.
From a functionality standpoint, it gets full marks and we wish other manufacturers would take note. It is a very comfortable place for traffic jams and long-distance cruising, as well as balls-to-the-wall performance driving.
2025 Subaru WRX tS Spec B: Powertrain & handling
Reporting for duty is the 2.4-litre, FA24F turbocharged boxer four-cylinder, developing a meaty 202kW at 5500rpm with 350Nm on call from as low as 2000rpm. The Lineartronic CVT automatic is not available in the Spec B, which, we think is just the way it should be.
Those after an auto might be better served with the identically-priced tS Sport Lineartronic, which foregoes the large spoiler, 19s wheels, STI mufflers (optional), and other STI-flavoured tweaks.
Starting up the boxer engine, the typically gruff character of Subarus is evident when cold, before it settles into a smooth din. Instead of the gritty and notchy gearshift of older models – and the BRZ – the slickness of the manual here is a very pleasant surprise.
Five driving modes (Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+ and Individual ) set the dampers, steering and throttle response according to the scenario. The Comfort setting is noticeably more compliant in ride, with a nice balance for relaxing touring. Sport+, on the other hand, turns the car into a little switchback destroyer.
Driven along tight, technical roads, the steering has great feel and transmits feedback in tandem with a very tied-down and capable chassis. So capable is the WRX that, when you reach the apex, you find even more grip than you thought you had initially, and the Bridgestone Potenzas bite in with ferocious tenacity.
When it’s time to wash off speed, the six-piston front, two-piston rear Brembos perform with great force. Nothing this side of two laps of a long circuit would cause them to fade. The pedal feel is also very natural, and the pedal placement makes heel-and-toe downshifting easy.
This is also the first car I’ve driven this year where the ADAS features such as lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise, cross-traffic alert and AEB add to the car rather than detract from the experience. The forward collision alert projects a red HUD light in your sight line, and the blind-spot indicator is mounted on the side of the mirror – unmistakably big and bright.
That Subaru has managed to pull this off in a slick, engaging sports sedan is nothing short of a revelation. To anyone who thinks the WRX has gone soft, you need to take one for a test drive. The gear ratios could be a tad taller and more torque would certainly be welcome with taller ratios, but other than that, it is the most well-rounded performance sedan under $70,000 right now.
2025 Subaru WRX tS Spec B: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Brilliant manual gearbox feel: The 6-speed shift action is refined and positive, far better than any WRX before it and the current BRZ. You no longer have to fight it to get from 1st to 2nd gear.
- Handling that flatters and thrills: The WRX tS Spec B encourages you to drive harder mid-corner, revealing more grip and neutrality than expected thanks to adaptive dampers and Potenza rubber.
- Class-leading ADAS with restraint: Subaru’s EyeSight suite is as comprehensive as they come, but respects driver settings and doesn’t nag like many rivals.
2025 Subaru WRX tS Spec B: Key considerations before you buy
- No STI-style power bump: Despite the ‘Spec B’ badge, there’s no extra grunt over the RS or GT – and that might leave some wanting.
- Waze display permanently in night mode: While navigation through the instrument panel is superb, the inability to switch Waze back to day mode is a bit annoying. This isn’t an issue at night.
- Taller gear ratios would be nice: Taller overdrive gears would reduce rpm at 110km/h cruising, and therefore fuel consumption. This would necessitate a bump in torque though.
2025 Subaru WRX tS Spec B: Key considerations before you buy
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X-factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
It’s great to see Subaru bringing back the Spec B and STI badges, and, for the most part, this is a highly engaging and highly capable sports sedan for the money. However, traditional Rexy fans will miss the ‘good old days’ of original STI models that offered more serious power and hardware.
