2015 Subaru WRX unveiled at LA Auto Show

It’s not blue, nor does it have the golden wheels from the concept. Still, we’d love to take this rather puffy-looking sedan, which happens to be the new WRX, out for a spin. The Subaru WRX was officially unveiled at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The new WRX does not look very similar to the dreamy concept. Under the hood, Subaru will still throw in a new 2.0-litre 4-cylinder Boxer engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger and intercooler, replacing the 2.5-litre unit. The result is 268 hp and 350 Nm of torque. It will be coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission as standard and will reportedly hit from 0-100 kph in 5.4 seconds. There’s a new Sport Lineartronic CVT as an option, which also comes with “6-speed” and “8-speed” paddle-shifter mode. The new lighter engine ensures that this WRX with a manual gearbox will be just 30 kg heavier than the previous model.

It will ride on 17-inch wheels wrapped within Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT tires. Of the two alternatives, torque will be equally (50:50) distributed to all four wheels in the 6-speed manual variant and the CVT will receive a torque distribution split of 45:55 with Subaru’s Variable Torque Distribution system.

The new WRX will be 25 mm longer wheelbase than the previous generation. So rear seat passengers gain nearly 51 mm of extra legroom. It also has a bigger boot and 60/40-split fold-down rear seats.

Inside, the Subaru gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel and sports seats covered in high-grip fabric. Buyers can also opt for leather seats and 8-way adjustable driver seat. Among other features is a power sunroof, a dual gauge instrument layout with a 3.5-inch LCD central screen displaying various functions and a new 4.3-inch multi-information central display providing a multitude of vehicle system functions.

There’s no word on when the Subaru WRX will be available for sale. But we’re hoping to see it in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the rest of the GCC by the later half of 2014.