Exhilarating performance just got more refined as Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru announces the availability of the 2019 WRX and WRX STI. Subaru’s performance flagship, the 2019 WRX and WRX STI both have subtle yet much-appreciated upgrades that improve their comfort and convenience without sacrificing any of its dynamic qualities.

For 2019, both the WRX and WRX STI boast of an upgraded infotainment system. The Subaru Starlink system makes its debut here featuring a  touchscreen interface along with 6 Harman Kardon speakers. It also boasts of a more seamless smartphone interface thanks to the integration of both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Additionally, both models benefit from the added convenience of a front-mounted camera. Supplementing the already standard rearview camera, it will help WRX and WRX STI drivers negotiate tight parking spaces better.


From there, the WRX and WRX STI offer their own model-specific 2019 updates.

For the WRX, it swaps the standard mechanical parking brake for an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) system also found in its wagon sibling, the Levorg. Coinciding with the introduction of the EPB, it also gets Auto Vehicle Hold or AVH. AVH keeps the vehicle still even when the driver’s foot is removed from the brake pedal, improving the WRX’s overall comfort in stop-and-go traffic situations.

And speaking of stop-and-go traffic, the WRX also gets a feature that’s much appreciate in Manila’s congested traffic: the Subaru EyeSight driver assist system. Using a pair of stereoscopic color cameras, the Subaru EyeSight system gives added functions that improve driver’s comfort and safety: adaptive cruise control, low speed follow, pre-collision braking, vehicle lane sway and departure warning, pre-collision throttle management, and lead vehicle start assist.

Since Subaru EyeSight is limited to models equipped with an automatic transmission, the WRX STI still doesn’t get it for 2019. Don’t fret, however. Befitting a flagship performance model, it does get more luxury features this time around.


The 2019 WRX STI adds more maturity thanks to its new high-gloss piano black accents which replaces the old carbon fiber ones. Then, the seats are now covered in full leather, a big upgrade from the leather/Ultrasuede number it had previously. Finally, the WRX STI also gets a sunroof as standard.

Mechanically, both the 2019 WRX and WRX STI remain unchanged and that means the WRX remains powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter FA20DIT making 268 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque mated to a high-torque version of the Lineartronic CVT while the WRX STI continues on with its turbocharged 2.5-liter EJ25 with 300 horsepower and 407 Nm of torque mated to a 6-speed manual.

With the addition of Subaru EyeSight, the price for the 2019 WRX goes up slightly to P 2,058,000 while the 2019 WRX STI remains the same at P 2,748,000. Both of these models are now available.