Used Subaru WRX 2014-2021 review

Many will be relieved to find that it’s the focused simplicity of the new Subaru WRX that you immediately sense as you settle in behind the wheel. It’s the near-forgotten pleasure of inserting and twisting a traditional key to ignite the throbbing, flat four. It’s the welcome lack of adjustable drive modes. You just get in the WRX and go.

The new 2.0-litre engine fitted to that rigid body shell makes plenty of power and has minimal turbo lag. It may not have the character of past WRX engines but it’s still rather impressive. It’s only flawed by overly anxious boost control on light throttle and a lack of verve past 6000rpm.

On the road, you immediately feel that stiffness of the body shell. The steering is precise and accurate, with an impressive amount of feel for an electric setup. It is clear Subaru learned something from the BRZ.

You sense the higher rate springs but the dampers keep all in order. It doesn’t ride brilliantly but given the focus of the car and the body control offered, it’s a good setup - at least on U.S. roads.

The turbocharged boxer combined with the sorted chassis makes you want to flog the WRX and flog it hard. It’s impressive up to a certain point but when really pushed, you end up with a neutral to understeer attitude.

The WRX features open front and rear differentials and, when driven like a hooligan with the ESP off, you tend to get inside wheelspin instead of lurid slides. A shame.

Inside, the interior is an improvement but still carries some classic Subaru demons. The 4.3-inch centre LCD display is nice, showing boost pressure and other info. The steering wheel feels special, although we wish Subaru learned from the BRZ that a proper, round setup is preferred (versus the flat-bottom).

The cloth seats are grippy and comfortable. It’s the detailing and the plastics that remind you that the Japanese still don’t play at the same level as the Germans in this segment.

The UK isn’t getting the standard WRX. It’s the £28,995 WRX STI or nothing. Should you care? Maybe, but likely not. The STI’s 305bhp engine, hydraulic power steering, hand-built 6-speed manual gearbox, and trick differentials are all welcomed. Plus, the new WRX STI is £4000 cheaper than the old STI.