The 2018 Subaru WRX near Slidell, LA offers Louisiana’s drivers a cost-effective alternative to high-priced performance and sports sedans. It offers great AWD performance from an automaker that’s known for its reliability, safety, and high resale values. While this year’s WRX doesn’t yet ride atop Subaru’s global platform, it does get enough styling upgrades to satisfy most drivers. Here, customers can learn more about the new Subaru WRX.
New for 2018
For this year, the WRX and its sibling the STI get a few minor styling changes, with the most substantial upgrades coming on the inside. The vehicle’s revised suspension, brakes and AWD system bring increased performance, and the WRX Limited gets steering-responsive headlamps. There’s a Performance Package available, which comes with Recaro seats, red brake calipers, and a moonroof delete option for lower weight and increased rigidity.
Power and Fuel Mileage
The 2018 WRX has a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder boxer engine that puts out 268hp and 258 lb. ft. of torque. The six-speed manual version gets 21mpg city/27 mpg highway, while the auto CVT version gets a respectable 18/24. The powerful STI has a turbo 2.5L engine that offers 305hp, and it only comes with a manual transmission. EPA estimates put its mileage at 17/22.
Options and Standard Features
The 2018 Subaru WRX near Slidell, LA is available in five trim levels: the WRX, the Premium, the Limited, the STI, and the STI Limited.
· The base model comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, 17” alloys, sport suspension, hill start assist, wheel-mounted controls for Bluetooth and audio, alloy pedal covers, cruise control, an audio system with AM, FM, CD, satellite radio, and USB integration, auto climate controls, power windows, doors, and locks, a backup camera, and tilt/telescoping steering.
· The Premium is available with a manual or CVT automatic, and it gets heated mirrors, windshield defroster, and heated seats. It also comes with 18” wheels, fog lighting, lighted vanity mirrors, power sunroof, a 7” touchscreen audio system, two manual shifting modes, and wheel-mounted paddle shifters on automatic models.
· The Limited gets a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, leather seating, steering-responsive headlights and more.
· The STI has a powerful 2.5L engine, LED low-beams, hydraulically-driven power steering, auto headlights with wiper usage, 19” alloys, Brembo brakes, a limited slip differential, and fog lights.
· The Limited includes eight-way power adjustable Recaro seats, auto headlights, blind spot monitoring, reverse auto braking, lane keep assist, power sunroof, keyless entry, push button start, navigation and a nine-speaker audio system.
With all these options, it’s easy to see why the WRX is such a popular choice. Ask us about dealer options such as performance exhaust or a short-throw shifter.
Safety Features
All 2018 WRX and STI models get front-seat side-impact airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver’s side knee airbag, electronic stability and traction control, and hill start assist. The STI’s Brembo brakes provide substantial stopping power. While the 2018 model hasn’t yet been tested by the IIHS, it’s expected to perform similarly to the 2017 version, which got a rating of Good in all categories, as well as Top Safety Pick status.
Our Impressions Behind the Wheel
While some drivers may find the WRX’s cabin noise off-putting, it makes up for it in terms of performance. The car performs in ways that put other, more expensive sports sedans to shame, and on track days, the 2.0L turbo offers up plenty of power. The new torque vectoring system prevents understeer on the way out of the corners, and the stiffened suspension holds the car steady on the way into them. While most enthusiasts would rather have a manual transmission in a performance vehicle, we prefer the CVT automatic in most situations. With SI-DRIVE engaged, the system allows for simulated manual shifts via wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The STI’s ability to choose differential and torque distribution settings, along with the beefy 305hp engine, creates a behind-the-wheel experience once found only in the world’s fastest supercars.
Utility
Although it’s no longer available in a hatchback version, the 2018 WRX still has plenty of trunk area and split folding rear seats, which makes it perfect for owners’ active lifestyles. With the wide availability of aftermarket accessories, buyers can further enhance the vehicle’s utility. While the armrest compartment and glovebox are modest in size, they’re big enough for most drivers’ and passengers’ needs.
With all this, it’s really no wonder that the 2018 Subaru WRX near Slidell, LA is attracting drivers who want performance but can’t quite afford a German sports sedan. Call us at (888) 486-3576 or visit us at our dealership to test drive the WRX.
