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Weekend car swap: Living with a Subaru WRX

12th July 2021, 18:03 by Rahul Nagaraj

The WRX purrs along like a tamed animal in normal drive conditions, however, spot a gap and a quick dash later, it’s gone.

BHPian benbsb29 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I’ve never owned a fast car. Nope, never.

My Ford Ikon back in India gave the impression of being quick (a different joy in itself), but not in numbers. I’ve been attracted to big SUVs since childhood, after seeing my dad’s little car in Dubai be bullied by Arabs in their big Land Cruisers and Nissan Patrols back in the days. Also, having being dropped to school as a little kid by dad in his Arab employer’s Pajero, I knew I had to get one when I could, and I did. As much as I love proper SUVs, there is always a part of me that’s wanted to drive fast, experience speed with great handling to boot. I’ve had opportunities to drive a few as part of events I participated in, but these are in a closed environment, and for limited time.. not the same as owing one and using it as part of normal family life yet having the power to have some fun while there.

Fast forward many years later, I regularly accompany kiku007 in his Subaru WRX for drives and events with a local driving club which has some rather prestigious company such as AMGs, M cars, Golf Type R, Porsches and Skylines to list a few. One thing that has stood out in these drives is how the WRX in kiku007’s capable hands stands tall in the company of the big boys. There have been many times where other folks have walked up to him, and appreciated the WRX. Goes to show the weapon it can be in the right hands. With AWD and rally heritage to boot, the 2L Boxer engine surely does pack a punch and exceptional handling that is super obvious on the twisties. Kiku007 has also accompanied me with family when we took the Pajero to the beach for some off-roading and enjoying some time away from the tarmac. The respect for either car is mutual, and it sure is horses for courses.

During one of our conversations, I mentioned on how I haven’t driven the WRX over a longer distance. Kiku007 had flicked me the keys to this car when it was barely a month old, IIRC when we met for the first time in Brisbane. I had a short drive along the nearby esplanade, but it was a new car then. It thereby came up, why not a weekend car swap? Use the car for regular chores and activities. What better way to evaluate a car, than living with it? And so the plan was made – A Weekend Car Swap!

So, what’s it like living with a WRX?

First impressions – I have travelled shotgun in this car so many times, it just feels at home. Ergonomics are spot on. Everything is where it should be, and it didn’t take long to get comfortable. Pairing my phone was super easy, although it took me a few moments to work out what I was looking for on the Head Unit.

Kiku007 showed an option to turn on the camera on the left side, super awesome when it comes to parking. I absolutely adore this feature. Helps place the wheel perfectly.

Dials are backlit in red, giving a hint of the sporty nature of this monster. The fuel gauge is visually so well integrated with the dials, I was actually searching for it.

Red backlit dials are pleasing and sporty to look at

Don't miss the WRX silhouette when entering the car.

The suspension is stiff, which is expected in a car of this nature. I have seen how this, along with the AWD which allows it to achieve superior handling on our drives.

Later that evening I pick my wife from the railway station and after asking her to hold on, a quick burst and the push back into the seat was exhilarating.

The WRX purrs along like a tamed animal in normal drive conditions, however, spot a gap and a quick dash later, it’s gone. The pace at which it dons it’s alternate avatar is amazing, despite the CVT transmission. Steering is perfectly weighted, and I must admit this is THE BEST steering I have steered in recent times, which also includes the Jaguar F-Type I drove around on track. In my extended use driving the car in urban conditions, as well as on the highway, it was pretty obvious the WRX feels at home on the highway, whereas it seemed reluctant at times in urban conditions. I sense the CVT may be the main contributor to this feeling.

Brakes are spot-on, and do a great job to rein in the horses on the move.

Activate S mode on the car from the Subaru Intelligent Drive, and you can feel the change in throttle response. I – Intelligent mode is the default mode when the car is turned on, but I found myself regularly switching to S - Sport mode. Suddenly, even a short dab of the accelerator sees you rocket ahead, closing gaps rather quick.

Toggle between the various drive modes