Subaru’s latest WRX and WRX STI performance sedans have only been on sale for about a year, but already the automaker is giving the fast four-doors some upgrades. The changes all center around the WRX and WRX STI’s infotainment and safety rosters, with every model now getting Subaru’s latest Starlink infotainment system with a 6.2-inch touch screen, a backup camera, and Bluetooth.
Beyond the starry Starlink addition, as well as the newly available EyeSight safety suite (adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, blind-spot detection, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert) on CVT-equipped WRX Limited models, not much else has changed. The 2015 WRX STI Launch Edition has been dropped because, well, the car has launched. The WRX can still be had in base, six-speed-manual-only trim, Premium spec (manual or CVT), or Limited spec (also with either transmission). The WRX STI can now only be had in base or Limited guises, and just as before, a six-speed manual is the only transmission choice. We’ve broken down each model’s changes and prices below:
WRX: $27,390; Price rises by $300 relative to the 2015 WRX, thanks to the new 6.2-inch Starlink interface.
WRX Premium: $29,690 (plus $1200 for the CVT automatic); price rises by $400, and there are new 18-inch wheels with summer tires. Premium buyers can opt for a 7.0-inch Starlink screen with navigation, a nine-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system, and two USB ports for $2100—so long as the manual is selected.
WRX Limited: $31,190 (plus $1200 for the CVT automatic); price rises by $400, and the Limited continues to distinguish itself from other WRXs by way of a leather interior, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and LED low-beam headlights. Those who opt for the automatic can also order the EyeSight safety technologies (plus proximity key with push-button starting, navigation, and a Harman/Kardon nine-speaker audio system) for $4095, while stick-shift buyers can get the same kit minus EyeSight for $3100.
WRX STI: $35,490; price rises by $200, still comes standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, heated door mirrors, and windshield wiper de-icer. Just as on regular WRXs, the STI gets a standard backup camera and the 6.2-inch Starlink display. Buyers may add a $2600 package that includes a proximity key with pushbutton starting, navigation, and a Harman/Kardon nine-speaker audio system.
WRX STI Limited: $40,790; price rises by $1500, but newly standard equipment includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, proximity key with push-button starting, navigation with the larger Starlink screen, and the Harman/Kardon audio system. Leather, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and a power moonroof remain standard, leaving pretty much the only buyer choice to a low-profile lip spoiler or the classic full-bore rally wing.
We really dig the WRX STI, but Subaru’s upgrades for 2016 add more value to what some see as a semi-pricey performance car. The expansion of EyeSight to more Subarus makes some sense, but to us, WRX buyers tend to be hard-core enthusiasts, most of whom don’t want or need safety nannies to help them drive. Still, we suppose it may nag a few texting drivers into stopping such behavior—or at least prevent them from ramming into the cars in front of them. Adding Starlink has us excited, too, for Subaru’s old infotainment system is something of a nightmare to use. We’ll be checking it out soon—the 2016 WRX and WRX STI arrive in dealers this summer.
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