2017 Subaru WRX: New Features, Same Great Performance

Subaru Canada Inc.

• Updated manual transmission for improved shift feel.
• Added infotainment functionality with Siri Eyes free and MirrorLink compatibility
• Winner of the 2016 ALG Canadian Residual Value award, Best Sports Car

MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 4, 2016 /CNW/ - Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) today announced the release of its 2017 Subaru WRX. Subaru's performance sedan for the true enthusiast offers refined styling yet still delivers a powerful message. For 2017, the Subaru WRX boasts a revised manual transmission and new technologies designed to enhance the infotainment experience, along with the response, sharp handling and unmatched levels of control characteristic of this performance icon.

Spine-tingling Sport Performance

Powered by a 268-horsepower 2.0-litre direct-injection turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine, the 2017 WRX offers a choice between a six-speed manual transmission or a sport-tuned Sport Lineartronic automatic transmission that offers smooth shifting as well as an 8-speed manual shift mode with sharp shifting response. In Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE), selecting Sport Sharp (S#) switches to 8-speed shifting. SI-DRIVE's Sport Sharp mode (S#) within Sport Lineartronic emulates traditional shift points to let drivers feel the WRX's impressive power and performance.

Equipped with the Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive system built around the SUBARU BOXER engine, the WRX remains the symbol of Subaru AWD sport performance. The Subaru WRX employs an Active Torque Vectoring system that supplements the AWD system, making handling more precise and improved cornering. Multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control provides a precise and enjoyable driving experience.

Subaru's performance sedan for the true enthusiast offers refined styling yet still delivers a powerful message.

2016 ALG Canadian Residual Value Awards

Even more recognition of the low depreciation and high-value performance of the WRX / WRX STI comes via the recent announcement of winning the 2016 ALG Canadian Residual Value Awards, Best Sports Car. WRX / WRX STI took the top honours for the fifth time in eight years.

Subaru Canada also won the 2016 ALG Best Mainstream Brand award, for the second year in a row.

Geoff Helby of ALG says, "Subaru's strong brand perception and long-standing reputation as one of the leaders in turbo-charged performance vehicles has positioned the WRX as the best choice for consumers looking for the perfect blend of performance and safety. For a new generation of performance enthusiasts nothing compares to the raw power and gripping all-wheel-drive of the Subaru WRX."

Three Trim Levels, New Amenities

The 2017 Subaru WRX is offered in three trim levels: the entry level WRX, WRX Sport and WRX Sport-tech. For the 2017 model year, the WRX adds automatic up/down functionality to the front passenger's window, a soft woven fabric on the roof trim and a revised manual transmission offering improved shift feelThe 2017 WRX Sport has been given the same changes as the entry model but has otherwise not been changed for this model year.

In addition to the above changes, the 2017 WRX Sport-tech has been given new infotainment functionality, including Siri Eyes free compatibility for greater voice control, SiriusXM^® Traffic and Travel Link: Weather, Sports, and Stocks for detailed information seamlessly integrated into the navigation system, as well as MirrorLink compatibility, enabling connectivity between the vehicle and any MirrorLink-enabled Android smartphone, for easier and more responsible access to navigation, music and phone apps.

All-around Safety

Safety remains the top priority with the 2017 WRX and all Subaru vehicles. The combination of Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive, a light body, chassis rigidity and performance, oversized brakes with high-performance ABS, a highly advanced multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control system and active torque vectoring all work together to give the WRX the best hazard avoidance in its class – ensuring the driving is exciting, but safe in every scenario. In terms of passive safety, the WRX features exceptionally rigid construction and incorporates the latest thinking in passive safety protection. Like all Subaru models, the 2017 WRX uses the brand's proven ring-shaped reinforcement frame, which has been shown to excel in the small overlap test by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Subaru WRX also features a full complement of supplemental restraints, including dual-stage deployment front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, a driver's knee airbag, and side-curtain airbags for front and rear outboard occupants.

Model Overview

Trim: WRX

Price: $29,995

Engine: 2.0L horizontally opposed, 4-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine with Direct Injection

Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission

Horsepower: 268

Torque: 258 lb-ft

Features: Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive; 316 x 24 mm dual-piston caliper ventilated front disc brakes; 286 x 10 mm single-piston caliper solid rear disc brakes; driver and front passenger front and side-impact airbags; side curtain airbags; driver's side knee airbag; whiplash-reducing design front performance seats with height- and tilt-adjustable head restraints; engine immobilizer system and anti-theft security system; 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels; quad-tip high-performance exhaust; windshield wiper de-icer; automatic climate control; 4.3-inch colour multi-function display with centre-console mounted control (boost display, vehicle dynamics monitor, clock, outside temperature, maintenance reminder, customizable settings); AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio system with 6.2-inch high-resolution touchscreen display, STARLINK™ smartphone integration (including Aha™ radio), USB port/iPod^® control, auxiliary audio input and steering wheel-integrated controls; Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with voice activation and steering wheel-mounted controls; SiriusXM^® Satellite Radio installed (3-month trial subscription included); 3-spoke flat-bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching and audio, Bluetooth and cruise control switches; one-touch turn signals.

Trim: WRX (Sport Lineartronic)

Price: $31,295

Engine: 2.0L horizontally opposed, 4-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine with direct injection

Transmission: Sport Lineartronic features SI-DRIVE performance management with 6-speed and 8-speed manual shifting modes and steering wheel paddle switches

Horsepower: 268

Torque: 258 lb-ft

Features: Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive; 316 x 24 mm dual-piston caliper ventilated front disc brakes; 286 x 10 mm single-piston caliper solid rear disc brakes; driver and front passenger front and side-impact airbags; side curtain airbags; driver's side knee airbag; whiplash-reducing design front performance seats with height- and tilt-adjustable head restraints; engine immobilizer system and anti-theft security system; 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels; quad-tip high-performance exhaust; windshield wiper de-icer; automatic climate control; 4.3-inch colour multi-function display with centre-console mounted control (boost display, vehicle dynamics monitor, clock, outside temperature, maintenance reminder, customizable settings); AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio system with 6.2-inch high-resolution touchscreen display, STARLINK™ smartphone integration (including Aha™ radio), USB port/iPod^® control, auxiliary audio input and steering wheel-integrated controls; Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with voice activation and steering wheel-mounted controls; SiriusXM^® Satellite Radio installed (3-month trial subscription included); 3-spoke flat-bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching and audio, Bluetooth and cruise control switches; one-touch turn signals.

Trim: WRX Sport

Price: $32,795

Engine: 2.0L horizontally opposed, 4-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine with direct injection

Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission

Horsepower: 268

Torque: 258 lb-ft

Features (in addition to WRX): low-profile rear spoiler; LED low-beam automatic off/on headlights; multi-reflector halogen fog lights; power tilting and sliding glass sunroof; 8-way power driver's seat; door mirrors with LED-integrated turn signals; welcome lighting; Subaru Rear/Side Vehicle Detection System (SRVD).

Trim: WRX Sport (Sport Lineartronic)

Price: $34,095

Engine: 2.0L horizontally opposed, 4-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine with direct injection

Transmission: Sport Lineartronic features SI-DRIVE performance management with 6-speed and 8-speed manual shifting modes and steering wheel paddle switches

Horsepower: 268

Torque: 258 lb-ft

Features (in addition to WRX): low-profile rear spoiler; LED low-beam automatic off/on headlights; multi-reflector halogen fog lights; power tilting and sliding glass sunroof; 8-way power driver's seat; door mirrors with LED-integrated turn signals; welcome lighting; Subaru Rear/Side Vehicle Detection System (SRVD).

Trim: WRX Sport-tech

Price: $36,095

Engine: 2.0L horizontally opposed, 4-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine with direct injection

Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission

Horsepower: 268

Torque: 258 lb-ft

Features (in addition to WRX Sport): 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels; proximity key with push-button start; AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio system with 7-inch high-resolution capacitive touchscreen display with GPS navigation system; STARLINK™ smartphone integration (including Aha™ radio), Siri Eyes free compatible, SiriusXM^® Traffic and Travel Link: Weather, Sports & Stocks (3-month trial subscription included), MirrorLink compatibility, dual USB port/iPod^® control, auxiliary audio input and SMS text messaging capability; SiriusXM® Satellite Radio installed (3-month trial subscription included) with SiriusXM® Advanced Audio Services; Harman Kardon 440-watt amplifier; Harman Kardon premium speaker system (9 speakers including subwoofer); leather seating surfaces.

Trim: WRX Sport-tech (Sport Lineartronic)

Price: $37,395

Engine: 2.0L horizontally opposed, 4-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine with direct injection

Transmission: Sport Lineartronic features SI-DRIVE performance management with 6-speed and 8-speed manual shifting modes and steering wheel paddle switches

Horsepower: 268

Torque: 258 lb-ft

Features (in addition to WRX Sport): 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels; proximity key with push-button start; AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio system with 7-inch high-resolution capacitive touchscreen display with GPS navigation system; STARLINK™ smartphone integration (including Aha™ radio), Siri Eyes free compatible, SiriusXM^® Traffic and Travel Link: Weather, Sports & Stocks (3-month trial subscription included), MirrorLink compatibility, dual USB port/iPod^® control, auxiliary audio input and SMS text messaging capability; SiriusXM® Satellite Radio installed (3-month trial subscription included) with SiriusXM® Advanced Audio Services; Harman Kardon 440-watt amplifier; Harman Kardon premium speaker system (9 speakers including subwoofer); leather seating surfaces.

About Subaru Canada, Inc.
Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of 92 authorized dealers across Canada. For more information, please visit www.subaru.ca or www.pr.subaru.ca or follow @Subaru_Canada on Twitter.

SOURCE Subaru Canada Inc.

Image with caption: "2017 Subaru WRX (CNW Group/Subaru Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160504_C6635_PHOTO_EN_682804.jpg

Julie Lychak, [phone], [email protected]; Sebastien Lajoie, Media Relations, Quebec Region, [phone], [email protected]