Subaru WRX 2017 Review

The C-segment performance car market has always been a battlefield for "pure driving enthusiasts" and the "daily practicality crowd," and the 2017 Subaru WRX 2.0 CVT tries to strike a balance between the two – it retains the performance genes of the WRX series while lowering the threshold for daily driving with a CVT transmission. The main goal of this test drive is to verify whether it can simultaneously offer the fun of weekend mountain driving as well as the practicality for weekday commuting, and whether its compromises compared to the more hardcore STI version are worthwhile.

From the exterior, the WRX 2.0 CVT continues the family-style sporty design, with compact and impactful overall lines. The hexagonal front grille paired with a honeycomb mesh, along with the two raised lines on the hood, clearly denote its performance identity; the sharp-shaped LED headlights on both sides are connected by a chrome trim on top of the grille, visually broadening the width. The character line along the side of the body extends from the front fender to the rear, complemented by 17-inch multi-spoke wheels and 235/45 R17 tires, giving it a stable posture. The sporty feel is further enhanced at the rear with the spoiler and dual exhausts. The LED taillights have high recognizability when lit, and the overall design is neither too ostentatious nor too understated, enough to make passersby instantly recognize it as more than an ordinary family sedan.

Sitting inside, the interior design leans towards practicality without excessive flamboyance. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, accented with silver trim, and the texture fits expectations for this price range. The 10-way electrically adjustable driver's seat comes with memory function and offers good support, ensuring comfort even during long drives. The front passenger seat is 4-way manually adjustable, and the rear seats support a 60:40 split-fold, providing decent flexibility. The screen in the center console is of moderate size with a simple operational logic, though its smoothness is just average. The multifunction steering wheel comes with paddle shifters, offers a solid grip, and has well-laid-out buttons for easy access to commonly used functions. In terms of features, it comes equipped with keyless entry, push-button start, single-zone automatic air conditioning, and rain-sensing wipers, basic but adequate for daily use. On the safety front, it is equipped with seven airbags, vehicle stability control, and hill-start assist, ensuring a solid sense of security.

Space performance meets the standards of C-segment cars: the 2650mm wheelbase provides ample rear legroom, with 175cm passengers enjoying two-fist legroom space, and the headroom does not feel restrictive. The 460L trunk capacity can easily fit two suitcases, and with the rear seats folded down, the storage capacity expands to meet the needs of short family trips. The rear seats are equipped with air conditioning vents and power outlets, reflecting attention to passenger comfort in detail.

The dynamic aspect is the core highlight of the WRX 2.0 CVT. It is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine with a maximum output of 268PS and a maximum torque range of 2400-5200rpm, paired with a CVT transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. During daily driving, power delivery is quite linear, with brisk starts and smooth acceleration, without the shift shock typical of traditional automatic transmissions. When switched to Sport mode, the throttle responsiveness increases, and the revs are maintained above 2000rpm, offering a noticeable surge of power when the turbo kicks in. It has sufficient power reserve for overtaking with a deep press on the accelerator. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 6.2 seconds, placing it in the upper-middle range among performance cars in the same price bracket, which should meet the needs for occasional spirited driving in daily life without an issue.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel is precise, with minimal play and clear directionality, giving the driver enough confidence when cornering. The suspension setup, with a front MacPherson strut and rear double wishbone, is tuned on the firmer side. It doesn’t completely filter out road bumps but offers great support, effectively limiting body roll during cornering. Coupled with the all-wheel-drive system, the vehicle provides strong grip on the road, remaining stable even on wet roads. The braking performance is also commendable, with a linear brake pedal feel and even distribution of braking force. During emergency braking, the car maintains a stable posture. Noise control during daily driving is decent, with some tire and wind noise at high speeds, though it doesn't affect in-car conversation. The seats offer good wrapping and support, making long drives less tiring. In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 8.5L/100km. During test drives, urban conditions yielded about 9-10L/100km, while highway conditions were around 7-8L/100km. This performance is reasonable for a 2.0T all-wheel-drive model.

Compared to the same series STI 2.5 MT, the WRX 2.0 CVT has slightly weaker power output, with acceleration being 1 second slower. However, the CVT transmission provides a smoother everyday driving experience and is nearly 60,000 MYR cheaper, offering better value for money. The two models have similar configurations, with the main differences being the STI's manual transmission, larger wheels, and dual-zone air conditioning. Compared to other performance cars in the same class, the WRX 2.0 CVT's all-wheel-drive system is a significant advantage. It performs more stably on wet roads and during cornering, offering greater practicality.

Overall, the 2017 Subaru WRX 2.0 CVT is a model that balances performance and practicality. It retains the sporty genes of the WRX series while lowering the barrier for daily driving with a CVT transmission and comfortable interior design. It's suitable for those who like performance cars but also need to meet daily family usage needs, such as young families or drivers seeking balanced performance. If you're looking for a performance car that delivers driving enjoyment on weekends and comfortable commuting during workdays, the WRX 2.0 CVT is a great choice.