The 2018 Subaru WRX in Covington, LA: A Budget-Friendly Performance Car
The 2018 Subaru WRX near Covington, LA is a budget-friendly alternative to other performance sedans, and it delivers AWD performance in a package that’s noted for its reliability, safety, and resale value. While the newest WRX doesn’t yet sit atop Subaru’s global platform, it has received a few small upgrades. Read on to learn more about what this year’s WRX has to offer.
New for 2018
For this year, the WRX got some minor exterior tweaks, but the most significant changes are under the surface. The revised suspension, AWD system, and brakes all help to increase the car’s performance, and the Limited now comes with responsive LED headlamps while the STI gets 19” wheels. The EyeSight system has been tweaked on vehicles so equipped, and the new Performance Package includes Recaro seats, eight-way adjustability for the driver, red brake calipers, and the moonroof is deleted for increased body stability and decreased weight. We like it for its great value, AWD, fuel economy, engine choices, and interior comfort.
Fuel Mileage
The 2018 Subaru WRX in Covington, LA has a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder boxer engine that puts out 268hp and 258 lb. ft. of torque. Fuel economy with the six-speed manual gearbox is 21mpg in the city and 27 on the highway, while the CVT gets 18/24. The beefier WRX STI has a 2.5L engine that puts out 305hp; it only comes with a manual transmission. It gets an EPA-estimated 17mpg in the city and 22 on the highway.
Features and Options
The WRX and the STI come in five trims: the WRX, the Premium, the Limited, the STI, and the STI Limited.
· The base model has a six-speed transmission, 17” alloys, a sport suspension, hill start assist, wheel-mounted Bluetooth and audio controls, aluminum pedal covers, the Starlink multimedia system, cruise control, a six-speaker audio system with satellite radio, lighted power window buttons, electric assist power steering, auto climate controls, power windows, doors, and locks, sport seats, tilt/telescoping steering, and a backup camera.
· The WRX Premium includes the all-weather package with heated mirrors and seats, fog lights, lighted vanity mirrors, 18” wheels, power sunroof, a larger touchscreen, trunk spoiler, and paddle shifters for automatic-equipped models.
· The Limited gets a ten-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, leather upholstery, responsive LED headlamps, and new welcome lighting.
· The STI has a powerful 2.5L engine, LED low beams, auto activated wipers, 19” alloys, limited slip differentials on the front and rear, and fog lights.
· The STI Limited has Recaro seats, auto headlights, blind spot monitoring, reverse auto braking, power sunroof, push-button start, keyless entry, and a nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio setup. Buyers can pick the traditional spoiler or a low-profile option.
EyeSight can only be had on the WRX Limited with the CVT, although rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring can be added to manual models. Visit us to find out which dealer-installed options are available.
Safety
All WRX and STI cars come with front side impact airbags, rear and front side-curtain airbags, driver knee airbag, stability and traction controls, hill start assist, and more. The STI also has Brembo brakes for increased stopping power. While the IIHS hasn’t yet tested the WRX, the previous year’s model gets the best rating in every category, and it was also named a Top Safety Pick.
What We Thought Behind the Wheel
While some of the cockpit’s design touches feel a bit plastic, we can overlook it simply because the WRX is such a great performer. In spirited driving, the 2.0L turbo is ready, willing, and able to serve up plenty of power. The torque vectoring feature helps to prevent understeer on the way out of the corners, and the stiffer suspension holds the vehicle in the turns. While most drivers want a manual transmission in a performance car, we liked the CVT automatic, too. With SI-Drive, the system mimics manual shifts via paddle shifters. In the STI, the driver’s ability to adjust differential and torque distribution settings, along with the stout 305hp engine, offers an experience normally found only in expensive supercars. It’s really no wonder that the WRX line has attracted many driving enthusiasts who can’t afford a BMW or an Audi, but won’t let that keep them from having fun.
There are a lot of reasons for shoppers to like the 2018 Subaru WRX in Covington, LA, and we’ve discussed some of the best here. Call us at (888) 486-3576 to learn more about the WRX, or visit our local dealership to see it in person and take a test drive.
