Starting at less than $30,000, the all-wheel-drive 2018 Subaru WRX near Lafayette, LA is a bargain-priced, high-performance sedan. Drivers have two options: the 268 hp WRX and the 305 hp WRX STI. Both cars are fun to drive, and both have turbo versions of the automaker's horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine. All WRXs come with a six-speed manual transmission as standard equipment, and there's a CVT available on the WRX. The 2018 model has upgraded styling, better handling, increased comfort, and greater safety. If a driver likes speed tempered with practicality and year-round usability, they're invited to come to one of our Lafayette LA Subaru dealers and take a test drive.
New for the 2018 Model Year
The 2018 Subaru WRX near Lafayette LA has received significant updates for 2018. They include a lowered, larger front grille, a suspension that's tuned for greater ride comfort and smoother handling, and increased sound dampening for a quieter cabin. Other new options for this year are the EyeSight driver safety system and a 19" wheel and tire package on the STI.
How it Feels Behind the Wheel
The sound of Subaru's turbo four-cylinder is unmistakable, and many people can hear a WRX from several blocks away. The 2.0L in the 2018 Subaru WRX near Lafayette LA makes plenty of power and, with the standard six-speed manual gearbox, it can get to 60 mph in under six seconds. With an upgrade to the 2.5L found in the STI, one can feel the extra power as soon as they sit in the driver's seat. Either option is comfortable enough for daily driving, but the experience is visceral. If a driver likes to hear the rumble of the engine and feel the surface of the road, the Subaru WRX and WRX STI are ideal choices.
Inside the WRX
This year, Subaru upgraded the interior of the WRX, adding insulation and thicker glass to limit cabin noise. Heated racing seats are available. They're comfortable and hold the driver in place during spirited cornering. The WRX's visibility is above average, and it's quite fun to look over the huge hood scoop. Tilt and telescopic steering are standard on all 2018 WRX models, and all controls are well-placed, attractive, and simple. Designer touches include red stitching and a flat-bottom steering wheel.
On the Outside
The 2018 Subaru WRX near Lafayette LA gets an enlarged lower grille that works well with the widened upper grille and working hood scoop. All WRXs get fender flares, a new rear bumper, and four exhaust tips, but the STI is the only model that gets 19" alloys and a huge rear spoiler for stability and downforce. If a driver wants the horsepower of the STI without the oversized spoiler, they can opt for the STI limited with its low-rise spoiler. STIs get Brembo brakes, cross-drilled rotors, and yellow calipers.
Standard Features
All 2018 Subaru WRX models have all-wheel drive, auto climate controls, cloth upholstery, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, backup camera, Bluetooth connectivity, a touchscreen infotainment system with a secondary screen, and a 17" wheel and tire package. With an upgrade to the STI, the driver gets a longer list of features such as dual climate controls, heated front seating, LED steering-responsive headlamps, and a more refined infotainment system. The STI's chassis gets some upgrades as well, with beefier Brembo brakes and a 19" wheel and tire combo.
WRX Options
The WRX has several trim levels, each with a varying amount of equipment. The Premium has 18" wheels, larger tires, fog lights, a power sunroof, heated front seats, and an upgraded audio and infotainment system. The top-of-the-line Limited gets push-button starting and responsive headlights. Drivers have the option to add navigation, blind spot monitoring, rear traffic alerts, and audio features. We suggest the Performance Package, which includes adjustable sport seats, aggressive brakes, and red calipers.
Engine Options
The hood scoop on the WRX doesn't just look sharp, it serves an important purpose. The scoop feeds air to the intercooler, which cools the air from the intake before it enters the engine. The WRX's 2.0L four-cylinder puts out 268 hp at 5600 rpm because of the turbocharger. The STI has a 2.5L engine with a correspondingly higher output. It puts out 305 hp at 6000 rpm. Both engines are mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, and all WRXs have all-wheel drive. However, there's an optional CVT on the WRX limited. As one may expect, all that speed comes at the expense of fuel economy. The WRX averages 22 mpg and the STI gets 16 mpg, but the turbo engine must have high-octane premium fuel.
The Subaru WRX, STI and STI Limited are ideal for the driver who wants practicality with a healthy dose of performance. These cars are fun to drive, and they can make even the most dedicated muscle car fan smile. For more information, or to set up a test drive, call or stop by one of the Subaru dealers near Lafayette today.
