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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
Coming from the Subaru WRX M/T, it’s immediately apparent that the WRX CVT feels more like a complete vehicle. From a glance, it doesn’t look any different from the M/T model, but the devil’s certainly in the details and that makes the CVT sinfully delicious. The WRX CVT’s most obvious difference is the smoked headlight clusters. Twist the headlight stalk and the headlights produce the unmistakable hawk-eye LED signature. Twist it again and an intense bluish-white light comes out courtesy of LED (yes LED) low beams. Oh, and it’s worth mentioning that in case you’re too lazy to turn on your headlights, the WRX can do that for you. It’s the same with the wipers. Take note, neither of these features: the automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers aren’t available on the M/T variant. The rest of the WRX though remains pretty much the same from M/T to CVT. All in all, the WRX isn’t pretty but it’s a design that works. It goes through Manila’s humps, bumps, and what have you without scraping (despite the lowered ride height) and the visibility all throughout the car is perfect.
Inside is where the additional P 70,000 premium from M/T to CVT makes itself felt. The CVT model is dolled up with enough luxury features to actually make it an executive sedan contender. Shared with the M/T variant, the CVT gets automatic climate control, Bluetooth hands-free, a full-featured audio system with 6 speakers, and reverse parking camera. Exclusively on the CVT, you get things like leather seats with red stitching, push button start/stop and power adjustable driver’s seat. All in all, it feels more of a complete product that justifies the P 1,888,000 price tag. Remember, the leather seats alone must be worth the P 70,000 already.
Despite the carbon fiber trimming scattered throughout the dash, the WRX’s interior is still short of design pizzazz. In fact, it can be mistaken easily for the Forester or even the more pedestrian Impreza. Still, the interior is very easy to understand, operate, and master. The driving position is simply spot on with seats that offer stellar body support and pedals that are perfectly spaced and positioned. The D-shaped steering wheel, with its thick rim and flat bottom not only contributes to the WRX’s sporty character, but is great to use. The fit and finish are excellent with none of the cheap feeling materials that plagued previous WRX and WRX STI models.
In as much as the interior’s a big improvement from previous WRXs, the biggest (and most welcome) change to the 2014 model is the way it drives. Using what’s essentially a turbocharged and beefed-up engine found in the BRZ, the WRX produces 268 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. More than just plain power figures though, the way this car delivers that power is something else. With peak torque coming in from as low as 2,400 rpm, the WRX produces instantaneous thrust from a simple jab of the gas pedal. And thanks to the excellent tuning of the Lineartronic CVT, the engine manages to keep the turbo spooled making this feel like a road-going shinkanesen; a warp speed bullet train you steer yourself. With the three-mode SI-Drive, you can opt to keep things civilized (Intelligent), bonkers (Sport), or insane (Sport #). In Sport or Sport # for instance, the power delivery of the WRX is feels brutal.
Again, though most WRX owners won’t care what sort of fuel mileage they’ll get, it’s worth noting that with the CVT, you’ll get pretty good mileage: 7.19 km/L in heavy traffic, 9.85 km/L in light traffic, and a shockingly good 16.12 km/L on the highway. For those keeping score, the manual transmission WRX fairs only slightly better in heavy traffic but loses in all other circumstances.
As brutal as the WRX’s power is, you always feel in control no matter the circumstance or the weather. Equipped with Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD, the WRX CVT has a standard torque split of 45/55 though the Active Torque Differential can send all the power to a set of wheels when needed. More than just all-wheel drive and torque splits though, the WRX’s steering-in feel and suspension tuning is sublime. The quick ratio steering makes for blistering quick turn-ins, and through the corner, the WRX turns on a dime. The new torque vectoring control system also helps keep the WRX in line. The suspension is nicely matched to the quick-witted behavior, but low speed ride does suffer a bit. However, as the speeds climb up (or surprisingly as you fill the car with more passengers), it sorts itself out. Firm as the ride is, at least the cabin feels solid making the WRX feel manageable through Manila’s less than perfect roads.
Relatively affordable sports cars have become the flavor of the month, but high-performance sedans are certainly timeless. Although some will dismiss the Subaru WRX as a boy racer’s wet dream, you cannot dismiss the fact that it’s much more practical than any 2+2 out there. And it can smoke most of them too. More than that, it’s actually become more refined and polished without sacrificing anything the WRX’s been known for. It’s one of those cars begging for a space in your garage and is certainly worthy of your hard-earned money.
2014 Subaru WRX CVT
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| Ownership | 2014 Subaru WRX CVT |
| Year Introduced | 2014 |
| Vehicle Classification | Sports Sedan |
| The Basics | |
| Body Type | 4-door sedan |
| Seating | 5 |
| Engine / Drive | F/AWD |
| Under the Hood | |
| Displacement (liters) | 2.0 |
| Aspiration | T |
| Layout / # of Cylinders | F4 |
| BHP @ rpm | 268 @ 5,600 |
| Nm @ rpm | 350 @ 2,400-5,200 |
| Fuel / Min. Octane | Gasoline / 95~ |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Cruise Control | Yes |
| Dimensions and Weights | |
| Length (mm) | 4,595 |
| Width (mm) | 1,795 |
| Height (mm) | 1,475 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,650 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1,528 |
| Suspension and Tires | |
| Front Suspension | Independent, MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Independent, Double Wishbone |
| Front Brakes | Vented Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Disc |
| Tires | 235/45R17 |
| Wheels | Alloy |
| Safety Features | |
| Airbags | 7 |
| Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) | Yes |
| Traction / Stability Control | Yes |
| Parking Sensors | No, Reverse Camera |
| Exterior Features | |
| Headlights | LED |
| Fog Lamps | Yes, Front and Rear |
| Auto Lights | Yes |
| Auto Wipers | Yes |
| Interior Features | |
| Steering Wheel Adjustment | Tilt/Telescopic |
| Steering Wheel Material | Leather |
| Seating Adjustment | Electric (driver) |
| Seating Surface | Leather |
| Folding Rear Seat | Yes, 60/40 |
| On-Board Computer | Yes |
| Convenience Features | |
| Power Steering | Yes |
| Power Door Locks | Yes |
| Power Windows | Yes |
| Power Mirrors | Yes, with Fold |
| Climate Control | Yes |
| Audio System | Stereo CD Aux USB Bluetooth |
| No. of Speakers | 6 |
| Steering Wheel Controls | Yes |
When subaru went to cvt, i discontinued everything about it. Lawnmover kit anyone for an aspiring track kid? Hey toyota what did you do with subaru? For one the subaru line up all luks like the outgoing toyotas, starting with the forester.
ReplyDeleteThere's the 6 speed manual transmission option. Quit whining about the CVT.
DeleteNice review!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, para sa mga spoiled rich kids, take note! Worthy of your hard-earned money daw. Keyword: HARD-EARNED MONEY.
Kaya kayong mga douchebag rich kids, dahan dahan lang kayo sa pagyayabang ng sasakyan niyo, di niyo naman yan pinaghirapan. Pa post post pa sa instagram at facebook ng "ride" nila, akala mo kung mga sino... Haha.
eh mahirap ka lang pala eh, iyak ka nalang at sumakay ka ng mrt, jeep, at bus. hahahaha
DeleteSino nagsabi mahirap ako? I'm not really billionaire-level rich but I can proudly say I'm living a comfortable life.
DeleteNo thanks dyan sa mga public transportation, I prefer driving my own 2.4L CR-V which I acquired with HARD-EARNED money.
Dami talagang tinamaan na mga douchebag rich kids dito. Hahaha. Ok lang naman magpabili kayo ng sasakyan pero wag naman sana kayo magyabang sa social media! Haha!
you forgot those networking kids na mahilig magmayabang pero hindi naman sa kanila talaga. pang props lang para makahatak ng victim
DeleteTama pala, isa pa yang mga networkers na yan. Akala mo kung mga sino mag pose, sa kanila daw kunyari yung Lamborghini.
DeleteAng yayabang, gagamitin yung sasakyan pang attract sa facebook tapos may caption pa na "Dreams do come true." or something... Hahaha!
wow may hater. wag k nga poser na may crv ka tpos 2.4l pa eh mukha ka naman walang pambili nabasa mo lng sa flyers yan. Mag MRT ka muna boy para makaipon ka pambili ng crv mo.
DeleteBelieve what you want to. Hahaha. Kung ayaw mo maniwala ok lang. I don't give a shit.
DeleteNetworker ka siguro no?
eh ano naman kung binili ng parents? HARD EARNED MONEY ng pamilya nila yan eh. gusto mo makihati at mabigyan ng biyaya? may pinaghuhugutan ka bang sama ng loob sa magulang mo? the F do you care kung galante magulang at deserving ang son? binili mo crv mo with your own money, congratulations. now STFU.
DeleteKayong mga spoiled ass rich kid, talaga bang mahihina ang comprehension ninyo? Its a good thing kung bilhan kayo ng parents niyo ng sasakyan, I don't care. Pero kung magyayabang kayo sa facebook, instagram o kung saan pa ba at akala mo kung mga sino, tsaka tayo magkakaroon ng problema. Gets?
Deletepinag yayabang mo rin pala ung 2.4 crv mo eh... douchebag haha for all we know, you got the money to buy that car from your dead parents or dying parents.
Deletebaka walang pambili ng smart phone to use instagram or facebook so inggit paren nga haha
DeleteDi naman sa pagyayabang, sinabi ko lang na may crv ako para malaman niyo ang perspective ng talagang kumakayod para magkaroon ng sasakyan. Hindi yung puro pabili sa parents tapos akala mo na kung sinong big time. Hahaha.
DeleteAng taas ng EGO nung "RICH KID HATER"...
DeleteAdmit it or not lahat tayo dumaan tayo sa pagka bata, anak ng isang magulang or kid. Sa sobrang pag mamahal ng magulang binibigyan tayo ng gift/regalo. Lahat ng tao "pinagmamayabang o pinagmamalake" ang gift/regalo na natangap nila. Wala ako nakilalang tao na hinid nila pinag malake ang natanggap nilang regalo or gift! For sure kahit ikaw "MR.HATER" may natangap karin regalo galing sa magulang mo kahit ano pang klaseng regalo yan! at pinag malake mo rin yun! (sasabihin mo bang hindi mo pinag mayabang/pinag malake ang regalong natanggap mo galing sa magulang mo?) Meron bang pinag ka iba ang pinag mamalake sa pinag mamayabang? Example pangit ba or may pinag ka iba ba pag sinabing
"pinag mamayabang ko na pilipino ako!"
"pinag mamalake ko na pilipino ako!"
Ipag malaki mo na HARD WORKING ka o ang HARD-EARNED money mo. Wag mo na isama ang EGO mo.
Dahil iba iba ang estado ang buhay ng tao
May taong:
Sakto lang nakakaraos, may mayaman, may mayaman na mayaman at may ubod ng yaman na parang sapatos lang ang pag bili ng auto.
Kaya ngayon ikaw "MR.HATER" kung mag kaka anak ka man o may anak ka man o may reregaluhan ka man na mamahalin gamit gugustuhin mo bang tawagin duchebag ang niregaluhan mo?? Hindi kaba nireregaluhan ng ibang tao? o ikinakahiya mo ang mga nireregalo nila sayo? ISIP ISIP rin pag minsan hindi yung EGO mo lang ang iniisip mo. TSK TSK TSK
-FROM POOR KID TO RICH KID
Point taken, it's fine to let others know that you received a gift. Pero minsan demanding yung iba kung makahingi sa parents. Yung iba naman sobra rin kung makapagyabang. Ok lang magyabang paminsan pero pag sumobra, hindi na nakakatuwa. Ang pinakamasama sa lahat yung mga rich kid na akala mo sila ang bumili ng sasakyan nila, kung maka asta akala mo kung sinong mga correct.
DeleteANG JOLOGS MO! you hate rich people out of insecurity! my goodness! Btw, Nice review thanks Carguide! Is thre any chance to have a black matte version of this car?
DeleteIngit ka naman wala pambili
ReplyDeleteEh pati yang mga rich kids na yan, wala naman talagang pambili yan sa totoo lang. Puro hingi lang kay daddy nila. Walang sariling pera.
DeleteTinamaan ka? Isa ka rin siguro dyan sa mga spoiled rich boys... Hahaha!
at the end of the day, hindi paren nawala ang inggit mo
DeleteAs if naman nakakainggit. Hahaha. Nasa isip niyo lang yan kasi puro pagyayabang lang alam niyong mga rich kids! Douchebags!
DeleteKaya pala nag comment yang si Jeremy Saile. Search his name on facebook. Look at his cover photo. Rich kid pala, tinamaan nga ata. O_o
DeleteDi naman lahat ng rich kids ay spoiled brats. Hindi naman nila kasalanan na mayaman sila at saka pag nagtrabaho yang mga yan, masisipag kaya nga sila yumayaman eh. (Bukod nalang sa mga corrupt na politicians)
DeleteP.S.
Kahit na i-bash mo yung mga sinasabi mong rich kids, mas mayaman parin sila kesa sayo at mabibili nila yung mga gusto nila.
P.P.S.
Halatang inggit ka haha
Please respect and dont spoil the otherwise nice review. keep your bashings and rich kids douchebags to yourself or adress it in other forums. sheesh!
ReplyDeleteRebuttal: Please respect the freedom of speech and let other people voice out their opinion, be it good or bad. Hahaha.
Deletepuwede ba tumigil ka na? nakakainis ka na pre! pati ba naman dito sa cvt gumagawa ka nanaman ng eksena? sheeesh! ingit ka lng tlga sa mga rich ass noh? try mo kaya ilagay sarili mo sa lugar nila? puwede ba! we are living in a democratic country and we can buy everything we want except things that are against the law. kaya hayaan mo na yang mga douchebag rich kids na mag post ng mga pictures sa kanilang mga instagram and facebook because it's a FUCKING FREE COUNTRY!
DeleteAs you said, its a free country. I can voice out my annoyance towards those obnoxious rich kids.
DeleteNabubuwisit din ako sa mga obnoxious rich kids na yan. Angyayabang! Kala nga nila sila ang naghirap sa pera nila eh hindi naman! Piinagdarasal ko na kapag naging rich din ako ay hindi ako maging mayabang na show-off douchebags tulad nila.
DeleteBtw, I drive an X-Trail with 18" mags & imported tires.
Its ok to be rich. Its ok to have successful parents. Pero pag nagyabang na, dun na ang pagkakamali nila.
DeleteTama ka jan boss chief. Gumawa nga tayo ng Samahang Asar sa mga Mayayabang na Rich Kids o SAMaRiKs. Tiyak na marami tayong masasagap na miyembro. Gawa rin tayo ng facebook at twitter page. Dati pa talaga ako asar jan sa mga showoffs na yan. Kaya nga ang daming kumokontra sayo ditong mga rich kids eh, pero bilib talaga ako sa mga hirit mo. Astig! -Xtrail Kid
DeleteIT'S A FREE COUNTRY. IT'S A CAPITALIST COUNTRY. MAY PANGBILI FAMILY NG RICHKIDS. IKAW WALA. END OF STORY.
DeleteBOBO KA BA? SABI NA NGA NA OK LANG MAGING RICH ANG PAMILYA, WAG LANG MAYABANG.
Delete@ Anon 9:24 PM
DeleteMahirap ata yan tol. Sigurado ako pag gumawa tayo ng page, ipapasara agad yan ng mga crybaby spoiled rich kids. Alam mo naman yan sila, lahat ng gusto nakukuha. Sumbong agad kay daddy nila. Hahaha.
okaaay so we got your point kid, ang kulang nlng sayo is maging radio commentator bro, now could you please stop your not so related comments here in this review. samok kaayo mura ka'g bae. ngantoy ngaran mo?
DeleteAng taas ng EGO nung "RICH KID HATER"...
DeleteAdmit it or not lahat tayo dumaan tayo sa pagka bata, anak ng isang magulang or kid. Sa sobrang pag mamahal ng magulang binibigyan tayo ng gift/regalo. Lahat ng tao "pinagmamayabang o pinagmamalake" ang gift/regalo na natangap nila. Wala ako nakilalang tao na hinid nila pinag malake ang natanggap nilang regalo or gift! For sure kahit ikaw "MR.HATER" may natangap karin regalo galing sa magulang mo kahit ano pang klaseng regalo yan! at pinag malake mo rin yun! (sasabihin mo bang hindi mo pinag mayabang/pinag malake ang regalong natanggap mo galing sa magulang mo?) Meron bang pinag ka iba ang pinag mamalake sa pinag mamayabang? Example pangit ba or may pinag ka iba ba pag sinabing
"pinag mamayabang ko na pilipino ako!"
"pinag mamalake ko na pilipino ako!"
Ipag malaki mo na HARD WORKING ka o ang HARD-EARNED money mo. Wag mo na isama ang EGO mo.
Dahil iba iba ang estado ang buhay ng tao
May taong:
Sakto lang nakakaraos, may mayaman, may mayaman na mayaman at may ubod ng yaman na parang sapatos lang ang pag bili ng auto.
Kaya ngayon ikaw "MR.HATER" kung mag kaka anak ka man o may anak ka man o may reregaluhan ka man na mamahalin gamit gugustuhin mo bang tawagin duchebag ang niregaluhan mo?? Hindi kaba nireregaluhan ng ibang tao? o ikinakahiya mo ang mga nireregalo nila sayo? ISIP ISIP rin pag minsan hindi yung EGO mo lang ang iniisip mo. TSK TSK TSK
-FROM POOR KID TO RICH KID
Boss chief idol, ano ang stand natin sa mga biglang yaman na sariling-kayod douchebags, ihe-hate dn ba natin?
DeleteYang mga mayayabang na tulad ni Willie Revillame. -Xtrail Kid
Willie Revillame is douchebag whether he has money or not. He gives a money to people but in exchange, he acts like an asshole. Ganun din. Mas mabuti pa manahimik na lang at wag na magbigay ng pera.
DeleteI've ownded one for about 4 months and counting. Review is spot on. One thing I noticed is a slight delay in response to roll forward when coming from standstill. At times it lurches as well in sport intelligent mode from same situation. This doesnt happen though in my 2011 FXT, where I get instant acceleration. When its moving, the CVT's accleration is blindingly quick and linear.
ReplyDeleteI recently acquired one and can say without a doubt that the cvt transmission has made a believer out of me. Never would have considered getting an auto gearbox for such a car but the loss of amenities from the manual was not worth just the 70k discount. I don't care what other people say i am so glad I got the cvt over the manual
ReplyDeletepopcorn mode. hahaha. nagaaway sa review. hahaha. haay. mga anon naman. hahaha! ang asar talo. hahaha! btw. good read.
ReplyDeleteAlin ang good read? Ang review o ang away? Jajajajajaja!!!!!!111
DeleteHaha! What is this? They can buy all they want, and you can hate all you want. Ikaw nga lumalabas na nagyayabang e. But its ok, its a free country.
ReplyDeleteAnger, envy, fear, dislike, lets just talk and love this car, there is lot to like and love about this car, and dont bash the owners, man.
ReplyDeleteHahaha si mr.hater puro satsat. Asan crv mo madaling mgyabang eh ang mahirap jan asan. Puro ka satsat. O kng totoo ngang may crv ka eh nakikitira k nman. Ego ampota! Wag kng magyabang. Umaasa ka lng din! Pag mayaman mayaman wala k ng pake. Pag may nakita kang mayabang edi awayin mo hindi dto ka magyayabang! Puro ka satsat
ReplyDeleteI'm a rich kid with 5 cars and will stick rich kid hater's kariton into his candy ass until it comes out of his poor mouth
ReplyDelete^
DeleteHahaha. Douchebag alert!
Nagyabang pa. Nakakahiya ka!
Goin to do it again and again until the poor boy eats his monkey crap, knows his role and shuts his mouth.
Deletethere's no point in this because the reviewer himself is a rich kid..dont know if he's a douche bag though...lol
ReplyDeletePre lets stick to the car review and not about how you feel if you feel hurt by others, dun ka na lang sa forum ng mga, brokenhearted, sobra emotional mo.
ReplyDeleteDoes this car got FULL LED Headlight? Low and Highbeam? Or Highbean just Halogene?
ReplyDeleteLED for the low beams and the park lights. It uses halogens for the high beam.
DeleteAnsarap magbasa ng review dito....
ReplyDeleteSir may I know what's the key differences of the CVT version and manual version of WRX, bukod dun sa ilaw at upuan nya. thank you.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.carguide.ph/2014/08/subaru-adds-new-variants-to-wrx-and-wrx.html
DeleteAko po ay isang hamak na engineer at tatay ko po ay hindi congressman, senador o drug lord. I'm just here for the review.
ReplyDeleteIts took me some time to decide whether to get the manual only STI or the CVT WRX. I live in a one car garage condo and the traffic would kill me using the manual. Note that STI has a heavy clutch. Decision... decision. After a long research I got the CVT WRX. Many would say a CVT would kill the fun in driving this beast. Take a look at this facts. The newer FA20 of the WRX has direct injection and a twin scroll turbo hence quicker response, 2000 rpm against 4000 for the STI. Next a CVT does not have off-boost shifts. Race drivers know about this. The WRX is lighter, no DCCD, LSD etc and less component to deliver power to the wheels (power loss, engine Hp vs wheel Hp). Lastly, the true letdown of a CVT is launching it. Search Youtube on how to launch a CVT WRX. At the end of the day this Cheetah cub can keep up with its adult brother. Am I happy with my decision? Definitely YES.