I’m a dad of a young family of five, and I know the pains (and joys) of choosing a car. As the head of the household, one of my primary considerations is the amount of space inside, and I’m sure a lot of you dear readers can relate to this. That’s why MPVs and SUVs are such a hit in our country, and that’s why the number of seats is such an effective selling point for car buyers.
But for car enthusiasts or those who have the need for speed, the dilemma is even tighter for we also want to be able to have fun with our vehicles whenever possible. We want a sporty ride while still having the capacity to ferry our family comfortably and safely. But really, is there a middle ground?
I might have just found one in the Subaru WRX. Read along.
Exterior
Subtlety isn’t a question here as the WRX, even without the STI badge, doesn’t care about understatement. The massive foglamp housings, the blacked-out grille and rims, the side faux vents, and the huge quad tailpipes partnered with diffusers – all of these constitute to an aggressive, no-holds-barred styling. Even the lip spoiler adds a bit of flair to the design, accentuated further by the sharp LED DRLs and hood vent.
I have always been a fan of the WRX’s blue hue since day one, and that still holds true until today. By looks alone, you won’t believe that I’m even considering it as a family sedan, but more on that later.
Interior
Believe it or not, the WRX has a spacious cabin, good enough for a small family. Sure, the bolstered front seats pose a bit of a challenge for non-slim individuals; good thing there’s a flat-bottom steering wheel for my thick thighs. The rear bench, on the other hand, is more like a typical sedan – comfortable for two adults or three kids.
Up front, the layout’s quite familiar if you’re a fan of Subarus, with a total of three screens displaying essential information, and more. There are plenty of cubbyholes, as are leather and soft plastic touchpoints for a bit of a plush feel. Motorized seat adjustments are a huge plus, especially for those who are particular with their seating position.
The WRX’s trunk space is commendable, big enough for a month’s worth of grocery, which can be expanded by folding the rear backrests.
Technology & Safety
Subaru pretty much pulled all the stops with the EyeSight technology, even equipping its sporty cars with this high-tech extra pair of eyes. With automatic braking ready to trigger anytime, combined with proximity sensors, lane-keeping aids, and seven airbags, I’m confident that each drive with my family in the WRX is a safe one.
Best part? Adaptive cruise control in heavy traffic. You may do so without anxiety involved, and that’s the beauty of the EyeSight technology. It also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, which is a huge selling point for younger car buyers nowadays.
One thing missing, though, are speed-sensing door locks, which are something I would have expected in a car of this price. Well, Subaru’s not really keen on equipping its cars with this feature, but they really should.
Driving & Handling
Where do I begin? As the non-STI WRX, you’ll find a 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer engine under its hood that’s good for 268hp and 350Nm torque. It’s not as powerful as the STI, but it has the legs to provide excitement. Turbo lag isn’t really noticeable, while the Lineartronic CVT is one of the best-performing CVTs that I’ve ever tested, almost void of the infamous rubber-band effect that this transmission type is known for. Well, almost…but not quite, especially at mid- to high-speed ranges.
But overall, it has a sporty and satisfying power delivery, especially when in S# mode. Just remember to engage that when you’re driving alone.
You’ll also love the WRX’s on-road behavior. It can absorb reasonable road impurities with decent damping, way better than the rigid suspension of its rally-ready STI brother. The steering’s not too tight, too, but firm enough for tactile ground feedback. Also, having a symmetrical all-wheel-drive system proves to be handy in tackling winding roads.
Fuel Efficiency
With a high-compression engine that needs high-octane, the WRX isn’t really the car to look at if you’re looking for a thrifty sedan. Fuel economy isn’t its best trait, with the best number I got was around 14 km/l at an average speed of 80 to 90 km/h.
Of note, that number was taken with conservation in mind and with cruise control engaged, which is kind of a moot point if you want to enjoy your sporty sedan.
Verdict
With all things considered, the Subaru WRX is a perfect case for a sporty family sedan, one that could win over your wife’s approval. It’s the middle ground for those dads who still want to have fun after ferrying their loved ones to their destinations.
At P2,158,000, the WRX is of course pricey when compared to other run-of-the-mill compact sedans. But that’s the point – the WRX isn’t your run-of-the-mill sedan. It’s a special car that has a rally racing pedigree flowing down its veins. It just so happens that it has four doors, can seat five, filled with tech and safety toys, and arguably comfortable enough to be considered as a family vehicle.
