Haha ,I just turned 60 and picked up the same car in your video ! I even got the same color ceramic white , and it came with the STi mufflers n short shifter ! I have a fully built 16 STi which I love to drive but can be challenging as a daily. I was on the fence since the Vb model came out due to it’s looks and measly 3 hp increase .I finally saw one in person at the Dealer n test drove it, a week later a 23 wrx was sitting in my driveway. I had a 15 wrx and hated the rev hang and tune ,but these new models are much more linear with the power delivery and no more rev hang ! It makes for a fun daily driver and so practical ! Thanks Subscribed
You’re lucky to have both a ‘16 STI and this new one. What do you think of the noise (highway noise, not engine sound) and the steering feel of the new vs old?
@@bruceknowsThe road noise has always been an issue with both of my Subaru’s , I just turn up the volume on the radio.The hard summer tire’s don’t help the noise or ride ! The electric steering rack lacks road feedback on the new WRX but I can’t remember how my 15 WRX compares lol.The new BMW’s also lack the road feel in the steering.The STi ‘s hydraulic rack has much more road feedback and is more driver oriented .Let’s not forget the STi’s smooth non notchy manual transmission ! The new WRX definitely drives better than the previous model.
I actually disagree with a few points (although, great review overall; no hate here). 1. I actually think the sweet spot for this car is the premium model with STI short throw. - It saves the time and money having to install a short throw shifter yourself. - It has the 18 inch wheels which actually look pretty good for this model year - It gives you slightly more durable seat cloth - It gives you the 11 inch screen (positive or negative depending on the person) - You get heated seats if you live in a colder climate - I used to not care about push button start, but I have THOROUGHLY enjoyed not having to fiddle with keys while my hands are full of groceries or backpacks/gear. Just open the door, sit, and go. It's really convenient once you have it. - It's not THAT much more expensive. I got mine for a hair over $32,000. The MSRP was $34something but many Subaru dealerships can and WILL give discounts for this car. 2. I actually don't think the Golf GTI and Elantra N are "better". They are slightly faster in a straight line because of less drivetrain loss, and the Elantra handles better on track, but other than that.... - Elantra is wheel hop city. Motor and trans mounts help, but if it rains (or there's a puddle) it's wheel hop city again. For semi-aggressive city drivers who want to be first out of the hole in order to pick the best lane at will, it's just NOT the car for you. It's even harsher than the WRX in terms of suspension, and Hyundai is notorious for having lots of engine problems (even MORE than Subaru, which is saying something). The DCT version had a serious recall already with tranny issues. - Golf GTI is... a Golf GTI. some of them get catastrophic engine failure from a transmission component that gives out under pressure (i forget which part exactly, but it was one of the reasons I didn't buy one). VW is plagued by electronics issues all the time. These things are pretty fun and definitely more refined, but are getting marked up even now and also have the same issues with FWD. 3. I think you have to get deep into the $40K range to find cars that are objectively "better" than the WRX. - Golf R has similar issues to the GTI, but in terms of performance, driving experience, comfort, and almost every other tangible metric, it's just BETTER. But it's approaching the $50K mark in terms of price. - Civic Type R is significantly quicker, has a trick diff system that mitigates much of the torque steer (although the wheel hop is apparently still somewhat an issue), way more comfortable and reliable, better interior, and will hold value better. But it's deep into the $40s MSRP and routinely gets marked up into the $60s. Yes, SIXTY THOUSAND DOLLARS. - Corolla GR is again, significantly quicker by most metrics. It also benefits from a fantastic AWD system, and Toyota reliability can't be argued against. However, it's even HARSHER, not even quite as spacious inside, and suffers from markups similarly to the Type R, and sometimes even more egregiously so. The final problem with the GR is that it's a tiny little 3 cylinder, which means it's already wrung within an inch of its life from factory. I constantly see videos about the new WRX reliably blasting out 340WHP with stupid simple mods (think intake and tune, MAYBE catback), where the GR is risking serious damage if you try to pump more out of it.
@@mrslapside not all of them have it; you have to find one that shows it’s equipped with it or order it on your car. I’m saying that it’s best to get a premium + the short shifter package
I agree with you're reasoning for getting the Premium model. I personally wouldn't because I'd be putting on aftermarket wheels regardless, and that's the bulk of the Premium cost. The smart key would be awesome to have though. I think the Golf GTI and Elantra N are just better 'cars' to be commuting in. They're subjectively quieter and have what I consider a better (GTI) and far better (N) interior. Straight line speed weighed nothing on my reason for this - they're all similarly quick. Yes, the WRX is the better handler but it's not enough to sway my opinion. I agree with you, this crop of $30-somethings is really impressive. We are spoiled for choice! Thanks for watching @BahhJustaLamb and providing your own insight! I have a GTI video coming up so stay tuned...
I have one and was curious about what others thought, i absolutely love my car. Made the mistake of buying it in an automatic, trading it in in a week for a manual in white instead of WRB
I have the same car, have owned it for almost a year. My 20 cents: +Good: Great drive, amazing grip, traction and handling. AWD Manual Good overall price Visibility Enough power to have fun White canvas for mods, lots of aftermarket parts. -Bad: Terrible fuel consumption No Driving modes ( in base version) Noisy inside No DRL lights ( Base version) No good finishing inside. The design you either love it or hate it.
@@bruceknows the car is a blast to drive, but the fuel consumption is for me to high. There are even cars with more Hps and are more efficient, for example: Cupra Leon.
While the review feels a bit on the frantic side I think you touched on most of the important points. I think Bruce actually knows. This is coming from a 2007 WRX "sport wagon" owner who had his car for 12 years. It sounds like other than the old hatchback and weird EJ25 engine, the new WRX is pretty decent and true to its origins.
The only thing I dislike about the WRX (I'd get the Premium) is the fact that so many controls are part of the its-going-to-break multimedia tablet bolted to the dash.
Even the most reliable car out there (my 2015 RAV4) will eventually get some part of the screen dead. You're a real audio guy do you shop for cars based on their sound system?
i just got a premium yesterday. i will say the the acc pedal feels like i have to push it in too far to get a respone from the engine. is that whay you felt will driving? thank you and great video!!
Yes, thats exactly what boost lag is. Pushing the gas and having it over-respond after waiting for the boost to build is the nature of small-engine turbo cars. Believe me, yours is better than previous gen WRX's. Once you get used to boost lag, you'll figure out shifting to minimize the boost dropping during shifts. I just tested the Volvo XC40 B5 and it has a small electric motor that smooths out the boost lag successfully in that crossover. Stay tuned for that video, and thanks for watching!
If you want a manual and want/need AWD you don’t really have any other good options, not around $30k anyway. I haven’t gotten around to getting one yet (at least waiting for the 2024’s) but I’ve decided it’s going to be a base with fog lights and a short throw on account of every other trim level having push button start and having 2 screens rather than 1. In the long run, given that I could well be keeping the car until it dies, there’s less to fail (at least a turn key ignition will generally give you warning before it dies) and if there is infotainment failure there’s a 50/50 chance you’ll be able to live with it. If you have a single screen there’s a 100% chance you’ll have problems in case of failure. Obviously none of this matters if you’re trading it in in 3-5 years. But I’m one of those who won’t consider buying an automatic until I’m physically not capable of safely driving a manual. There’s no way of knowing if I’ll be able to trade it in for another in 5 years so have to hedge my bets.
I think now is definitely the last chance to buy a car with an actual key, and AWD, and a manual transmission. Too bad you can't forego the touchscreens but, at least as you said, it's separate screens so if one fails it's only 50% of them needing replacement!
In the U.S. not sure where you live need a premium for fog lights unless you buy an install them yourself the led bezel you can buy dont have the fog lights with them
I have a premium 23 white manual. I traded my 2020 wrx from my pfp in for it. Never thought it get rid of my 2020. The 23 is superior in every way. The infotainment works very well especially since they’ve worked out almost all the kinks. Everything about the 22+ other than steering has been upgraded in some way or another.
Just picked up a 23 base model in magnetite grey 3 days ago. After waiting 3 months for it to be built. Going from a 2002 2 door civic, its on a whole other level im absolutely having a blast its so fun to drive. The only concern i have is how much gas it loves to drink every time you put your foot down😅 Oh well, smiles per gallon right ?
The mpg isn't as bad as the sticker says if your not stomping on it everywhere I avg 25.5 doing normal driving nvr going on freeways 95% 25 to 40 mph roads shifting 2.7k to 3k
While I havent drove the VB yet, I did have a VA and absolutely thought it was a giant turd. Currently tho - aint nobody else other than the WRX in the 30k bracket(Yes GTIs exist but no dealerships are ordering S models - so they are right around 40k) so... Im surprised I see them on lots. Ive even looked at a few, dealerships are catching onto this I think and throwing addons on them like crazy now so they are all 3k over MSRP. Still, nothing really stands out unless you want the 200HP Civic SI which is also suffering markups.
Ive had mine 2 months really enjoy the car but i dissagree about getting the base the premium worth the extra money only reason to buy the wrx over others is the awd if you want awd you most likely drive in snow so heated seats are nice also the prem seats are all black an look nicer the fog lights make it look much better the 18s look nicer than the 17s an this being my first car with keyless entry something i thought id nvr care about its so nice but there definitely quite a few accessories id recommend like the sti short throw an door scuff protecters im 6ft an pretty kick the door everytime getting out when park nxt to other cars an all wheather mats wheater subaru or wheather tech
I personally don’t s”use heated seats unless they’re leather. Keyless entry is definitely great. But the wheels and fog lights are things I’d want to upgrade so I don’t think it’s worth the upcharge. Short shifter is 100% necessary in this car. Thanks for watching!
@bruceknows the upgraded fog light bezels just have the led running lights not the fog lights you have to buy that separate if they weren't originally on car also if you really like a short shifter I'd do a cobb shift plate kit the sti short throw does make it feel alot better an smoother but it's not short
In my driving it got mid 20's fuel consumption with plenty of spirited driving. I think that's commendable. Also a bit more power off boost thanks to the extra displacement makes it more tractable. Thanks for watching!
Everything about the car, from the exterior to the interios just screams dated. For the hc fans only imho...And I can understand why u would buy it as a hc subaru wrx fan. Becos the brand will be gone when EV hits the majority.
Good lord, focus on the road. Don’t ever put the camera behind you again.
Lol
Haha ,I just turned 60 and picked up the same car in your video ! I even got the same color ceramic white , and it came with the STi mufflers n short shifter ! I have a fully built 16 STi which I love to drive but can be challenging as a daily. I was on the fence since the Vb model came out due to it’s looks and measly 3 hp increase .I finally saw one in person at the Dealer n test drove it, a week later a 23 wrx was sitting in my driveway. I had a 15 wrx and hated the rev hang and tune ,but these new models are much more linear with the power delivery and no more rev hang ! It makes for a fun daily driver and so practical ! Thanks Subscribed
You’re lucky to have both a ‘16 STI and this new one. What do you think of the noise (highway noise, not engine sound) and the steering feel of the new vs old?
@@bruceknowsThe road noise has always been an issue with both of my Subaru’s , I just turn up the volume on the radio.The hard summer tire’s don’t help the noise or ride ! The electric steering rack lacks road feedback on the new WRX but I can’t remember how my 15 WRX compares lol.The new BMW’s also lack the road feel in the steering.The STi ‘s hydraulic rack has much more road feedback and is more driver oriented .Let’s not forget the STi’s smooth non notchy manual transmission ! The new WRX definitely drives better than the previous model.
Very authentic and down to earth! Thank you!
I actually disagree with a few points (although, great review overall; no hate here).
1. I actually think the sweet spot for this car is the premium model with STI short throw.
- It saves the time and money having to install a short throw shifter yourself.
- It has the 18 inch wheels which actually look pretty good for this model year
- It gives you slightly more durable seat cloth
- It gives you the 11 inch screen (positive or negative depending on the person)
- You get heated seats if you live in a colder climate
- I used to not care about push button start, but I have THOROUGHLY enjoyed not having to fiddle with keys while my hands are full of groceries or backpacks/gear. Just open the door, sit, and go. It's really convenient once you have it.
- It's not THAT much more expensive. I got mine for a hair over $32,000. The MSRP was $34something but many Subaru dealerships can and WILL give discounts for this car.
2. I actually don't think the Golf GTI and Elantra N are "better". They are slightly faster in a straight line because of less drivetrain loss, and the Elantra handles better on track, but other than that....
- Elantra is wheel hop city. Motor and trans mounts help, but if it rains (or there's a puddle) it's wheel hop city again. For semi-aggressive city drivers who want to be first out of the hole in order to pick the best lane at will, it's just NOT the car for you. It's even harsher than the WRX in terms of suspension, and Hyundai is notorious for having lots of engine problems (even MORE than Subaru, which is saying something). The DCT version had a serious recall already with tranny issues.
- Golf GTI is... a Golf GTI. some of them get catastrophic engine failure from a transmission component that gives out under pressure (i forget which part exactly, but it was one of the reasons I didn't buy one). VW is plagued by electronics issues all the time. These things are pretty fun and definitely more refined, but are getting marked up even now and also have the same issues with FWD.
3. I think you have to get deep into the $40K range to find cars that are objectively "better" than the WRX.
- Golf R has similar issues to the GTI, but in terms of performance, driving experience, comfort, and almost every other tangible metric, it's just BETTER. But it's approaching the $50K mark in terms of price.
- Civic Type R is significantly quicker, has a trick diff system that mitigates much of the torque steer (although the wheel hop is apparently still somewhat an issue), way more comfortable and reliable, better interior, and will hold value better. But it's deep into the $40s MSRP and routinely gets marked up into the $60s. Yes, SIXTY THOUSAND DOLLARS.
- Corolla GR is again, significantly quicker by most metrics. It also benefits from a fantastic AWD system, and Toyota reliability can't be argued against. However, it's even HARSHER, not even quite as spacious inside, and suffers from markups similarly to the Type R, and sometimes even more egregiously so. The final problem with the GR is that it's a tiny little 3 cylinder, which means it's already wrung within an inch of its life from factory. I constantly see videos about the new WRX reliably blasting out 340WHP with stupid simple mods (think intake and tune, MAYBE catback), where the GR is risking serious damage if you try to pump more out of it.
I’m
Ready to cop one!
So the premium model has sti short shifter?
@@mrslapside not all of them have it; you have to find one that shows it’s equipped with it or order it on your car. I’m saying that it’s best to get a premium + the short shifter package
I agree with you're reasoning for getting the Premium model. I personally wouldn't because I'd be putting on aftermarket wheels regardless, and that's the bulk of the Premium cost. The smart key would be awesome to have though.
I think the Golf GTI and Elantra N are just better 'cars' to be commuting in. They're subjectively quieter and have what I consider a better (GTI) and far better (N) interior. Straight line speed weighed nothing on my reason for this - they're all similarly quick. Yes, the WRX is the better handler but it's not enough to sway my opinion.
I agree with you, this crop of $30-somethings is really impressive. We are spoiled for choice!
Thanks for watching @BahhJustaLamb and providing your own insight! I have a GTI video coming up so stay tuned...
@@BahhJustaLamb I see thank you
I have one and was curious about what others thought, i absolutely love my car. Made the mistake of buying it in an automatic, trading it in in a week for a manual in white instead of WRB
PRO TIP: always get the manual. hope it works out for you
I have the same car, have owned it for almost a year.
My 20 cents:
+Good:
Great drive, amazing grip, traction and handling.
AWD
Manual
Good overall price
Visibility
Enough power to have fun
White canvas for mods, lots of aftermarket parts.
-Bad:
Terrible fuel consumption
No Driving modes ( in base version)
Noisy inside
No DRL lights ( Base version)
No good finishing inside.
The design you either love it or hate it.
The car is well worth the money and fuel consumption thanks for watching!
@@bruceknows the car is a blast to drive, but the fuel consumption is for me to high. There are even cars with more Hps and are more efficient, for example: Cupra Leon.
@@victorherrero4790 is the Leon cupra all wheel drive? And as spacious a car as the Subaru?
@@bruceknows size is similar, not AWD but 300 hp Turbocharged engine. And it gives better fuel-efficiency.
Bruce knows head on collisions.
😂 that’s the last time I do that 👎🏻
While the review feels a bit on the frantic side I think you touched on most of the important points. I think Bruce actually knows. This is coming from a 2007 WRX "sport wagon" owner who had his car for 12 years. It sounds like other than the old hatchback and weird EJ25 engine, the new WRX is pretty decent and true to its origins.
tHANKS FOR WATCHING!
Oh my … that pin strip needs to come off 😂
its like a civic that discovered creatine and went to the gym
with the back acne to prove it
It’s a shame that this care only comes with summer tires. Have to spend more money.
The only thing I dislike about the WRX (I'd get the Premium) is the fact that so many controls are part of the its-going-to-break multimedia tablet bolted to the dash.
Even the most reliable car out there (my 2015 RAV4) will eventually get some part of the screen dead. You're a real audio guy do you shop for cars based on their sound system?
@@bruceknows In part, yes, but it's more of an issue that all the HVAC controls are built into the screen.
i just got a premium yesterday. i will say the the acc pedal feels like i have to push it in too far to get a respone from the engine. is that whay you felt will driving? thank you and great video!!
Yes, thats exactly what boost lag is. Pushing the gas and having it over-respond after waiting for the boost to build is the nature of small-engine turbo cars. Believe me, yours is better than previous gen WRX's. Once you get used to boost lag, you'll figure out shifting to minimize the boost dropping during shifts.
I just tested the Volvo XC40 B5 and it has a small electric motor that smooths out the boost lag successfully in that crossover. Stay tuned for that video, and thanks for watching!
If you want a manual and want/need AWD you don’t really have any other good options, not around $30k anyway.
I haven’t gotten around to getting one yet (at least waiting for the 2024’s) but I’ve decided it’s going to be a base with fog lights and a short throw on account of every other trim level having push button start and having 2 screens rather than 1. In the long run, given that I could well be keeping the car until it dies, there’s less to fail (at least a turn key ignition will generally give you warning before it dies) and if there is infotainment failure there’s a 50/50 chance you’ll be able to live with it. If you have a single screen there’s a 100% chance you’ll have problems in case of failure.
Obviously none of this matters if you’re trading it in in 3-5 years. But I’m one of those who won’t consider buying an automatic until I’m physically not capable of safely driving a manual. There’s no way of knowing if I’ll be able to trade it in for another in 5 years so have to hedge my bets.
I think now is definitely the last chance to buy a car with an actual key, and AWD, and a manual transmission. Too bad you can't forego the touchscreens but, at least as you said, it's separate screens so if one fails it's only 50% of them needing replacement!
In the U.S. not sure where you live need a premium for fog lights unless you buy an install them yourself the led bezel you can buy dont have the fog lights with them
I have a premium 23 white manual. I traded my 2020 wrx from my pfp in for it. Never thought it get rid of my 2020. The 23 is superior in every way. The infotainment works very well especially since they’ve worked out almost all the kinks. Everything about the 22+ other than steering has been upgraded in some way or another.
You didn't really mention the awesome AWD for snow and dirt roads.
You're unfortunately correct. I completely forgot to mention it so I put it on the list of 'likes'. Thanks for watching!
Just picked up a 23 base model in magnetite grey 3 days ago. After waiting 3 months for it to be built.
Going from a 2002 2 door civic, its on a whole other level im absolutely having a blast its so fun to drive. The only concern i have is how much gas it loves to drink every time you put your foot down😅
Oh well, smiles per gallon right ?
Thanks for watching! I got a new Civic review coming up on the channel, coincidentally…
The mpg isn't as bad as the sticker says if your not stomping on it everywhere I avg 25.5 doing normal driving nvr going on freeways 95% 25 to 40 mph roads shifting 2.7k to 3k
While I havent drove the VB yet, I did have a VA and absolutely thought it was a giant turd. Currently tho - aint nobody else other than the WRX in the 30k bracket(Yes GTIs exist but no dealerships are ordering S models - so they are right around 40k) so... Im surprised I see them on lots. Ive even looked at a few, dealerships are catching onto this I think and throwing addons on them like crazy now so they are all 3k over MSRP. Still, nothing really stands out unless you want the 200HP Civic SI which is also suffering markups.
Ive had mine 2 months really enjoy the car but i dissagree about getting the base the premium worth the extra money only reason to buy the wrx over others is the awd if you want awd you most likely drive in snow so heated seats are nice also the prem seats are all black an look nicer the fog lights make it look much better the 18s look nicer than the 17s an this being my first car with keyless entry something i thought id nvr care about its so nice but there definitely quite a few accessories id recommend like the sti short throw an door scuff protecters im 6ft an pretty kick the door everytime getting out when park nxt to other cars an all wheather mats wheater subaru or wheather tech
I personally don’t s”use heated seats unless they’re leather. Keyless entry is definitely great. But the wheels and fog lights are things I’d want to upgrade so I don’t think it’s worth the upcharge. Short shifter is 100% necessary in this car. Thanks for watching!
@bruceknows the upgraded fog light bezels just have the led running lights not the fog lights you have to buy that separate if they weren't originally on car also if you really like a short shifter I'd do a cobb shift plate kit the sti short throw does make it feel alot better an smoother but it's not short
the stock shifter feels like churning butter @@JoshDillon-lm3hw so any improvement would be welcome.
FUEL EFFICIENT? How so?
If you lay off the throttle you’re in the 20’s that’s good enough in my opinion. Thanks for watching!
I have one, same that the one in the video.
City: 8-8.5 kms x liter
Highway: 11-13 Kms x liter
Not good fuel consumption.
What makes it a good engine?
In my driving it got mid 20's fuel consumption with plenty of spirited driving. I think that's commendable. Also a bit more power off boost thanks to the extra displacement makes it more tractable. Thanks for watching!
Oh no, did you pay like a $1000 extra for those dealer ripoff pin stripes?
If you look closely they have the lyrics to W.A.P. written out. So, yeah who’s laughing now 😂
Eyes forward when driving dude. wtf…
Like the si better which is what I purchased wrx was in the running but the car in my opinion is ugly previous gen look way better
What year is your Civic? I'm having trouble sourcing a Civic Si for testing. New one looks so good inside and out! I wasn't feeling the previous gen.
I have a 23 wrx and this guy does not know what he is talking about
I've been accused of worse! thanks for watching though. hope it was entertaining for you, at least
Elaborate.
What does he not know?
@@richardmichael59?
Everything about the car, from the exterior to the interios just screams dated. For the hc fans only imho...And I can understand why u would buy it as a hc subaru wrx fan. Becos the brand will be gone when EV hits the majority.
I wouldn’t think of it as dated. Are you saying dated compared to EVs? Can you give me an example of what is dated about it?
These are 31k brand new now. Guess no one bought them.
screaming deal at that price.
31 for a base, 34 for a premium
Spend a bit more. Don't get the base model with that horrendous split screen infotainment mess. Get the beans.Get the toys.
Car with many existing issues
what existing issues does it have?