2014 Subaru WRX, STI Is Officially Launched In Malaysia: From RM238k & RM279k Respectively

With Russ Swift in special attendance to demonstrate the capabilities of the hot new cars, here are the 2014 Subaru WRX and Subaru WRX STI sedans, officially launched by Motor Image Malaysia, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles here. On top of the brand-spanking-new looks we first saw unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year, the two all-new models here are built on updated, stiffer chassis configurations, while also boasting a longer wheelbase for improved dynamics, and effectively a larger boot. The steering of the new WRX and WRX STI has also been quickened, needing just 2.5 turns lock-to-lock. More tech has also been thrown in to the mix, leaving us with a lot to tell you about. So here goes, starting with the more affordable WRX (non-STI) option which comes here for the first time: 2014 Subaru WRX Sedan: RM237,190 (with insurance)

• Engine: 2.0-litre Direct Injection Turbo (DIT) Boxer
• Transmission: Sport Lineartronic CVT (with manual shift mode)
• Power: 268hp @ 5,600rpm
• Torque: 350Nm @ 2,400 – 5,200rpm

With a brand new FA-series 2.0-litre DIT boxer engine to boast, the Subaru WRX arrives in Malaysia with 268 horses and 350Nm of torque under its hood. The new mill promises more fuel efficiency, and of course, more power than the outgoing 2.0-litre mill. And just like any Subaru available here, the sports sedan comes equipped with a Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, which ingeniously distributes torque to all four wheels for maximum traction. On to the exterior, and the most identifiable trait of the WRX Sedan is its lacking large rear wing as seen on the hotter STI variant - in place of this, the WRX gets a boot-lid spoiler. 17-inch alloy wheels are also spec-ed for this, while most of the other body panels and fitments are shared. The interior of the WRX Sedan most notably features fabric sport seats in the front with red stitching, a 2-DIN audio system with six speakers (Bluetooth, AUX, USB, CD), aluminium pedals, keyless ignition and entry, a rear-view camera and paddle shifters to manage the eight virtual ratios you get from the CVT gearbox. For performance, the WRX Sedan gets an enhanced version of the Active Torque Vectoring system on its front axle, while the SI-DRIVE (Subaru Intelligent DRIVE) powertrain management system lets drivers choose between three driving modes: Intelligent, Sport, Sport Sharp. 2014 Subaru WRX STI: RM278,720 (with insurance)

• Engine: 2.5-litre turbocharged Boxer
• Transmission: Six-speed manual
• Power: 300hp @ 6,000rpm
• Torque: 407Nm @ 4,000rpm

Making things a bit more exciting is the hotter, and more familiar Subaru WRX STI Sedan. With pretty much the same underpinnings as its WRX sibling, the STI wasn’t lucky enough to get a brand-new engine, opting instead to carry forward the previous 2.5-litre turbocharged EJ-series boxer powerplant. Managing the 300hp on tap is a six-speed manual transmission and a Symmetrical AWD system. With a large rear wing at the back and 18-inch BBS alloys to ride on, the STI is also treated with a leather-Alcantara mix upholstery, power-folding wing mirrors, and of course, STI badging to complete. Being the hotter variant, you do get quite a lot more go-faster bits too, beginning with a set of High Performance Brembo brake package, a driver-set rev indicator, and a multi-mode Driver Control Centre Differential system. We should also point out that the STI is some 13kg lighter than the regular WRX, and as it goes with the kind, there’s a unique STI-tuned suspension. Safety Features: Both cars here share nearly identical safety features, which live up to quite well to typical expectations. A seven-airbag system (front SRS, side, curtain and driver’s knee) is spec-ed as standard, and the usual suspects continue to include ABS, EBD, EBA, Hill-Start Assist and ISOFIX child-seat anchors. There is also a Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control system, which gives lets you have varying levels of protection and fun at the same time: Normal, Traction and Off Mode. Buyer’s Guide: Needless to say, there is a lot more to these hot sedans than what we’ve mentioned. On one hand, their performance abilities come from a heritage of wildly capable cars, while on the other, you do also get your money’s worth in the way of creature comforts typically found in a RM250k-RM300k sedan. Five colours are available at launch, ranging from Ice Silver, Crystal White Pearl, Lightning Red, Crystal Black Silica and WR Blue Pearl, and you can head on over to any of Subaru’s showrooms across Malaysia to view/ book your WRX or WRX STI model. Check out the launch here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0DdtpeG4yg&list=UUi2bFyhdDM1TA8v8RobMveg And if that wasn't cool enough, check out the legendary Russ Swift take a spin in the all-new Subaru WRX here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjDuZuZOW0s&index=2&list=UUi2bFyhdDM1TA8v8RobMveg