Search CarGuide.PH

December 14, 2021

Subaru PH To Rebrand Levorg To WRX Wagon For 2022


Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the country is aiming to re-embrace its performance-oriented roots by confirming the arrival of the WRX and WRX Sportswagon in 2022.

Alongside the second-generation Subaru BRZ, this trio of performance vehicles will give Subaru enthusiasts something to smile about, especially since the all-new WRX STI isn’t expected to break cover until mid to late 2022 for the 2023 model year.

Like the 2022 Forester, Motor Image Pilipinas will announce local specifications closer to launch. However, there’s not much wiggle room. Globally, the WRX is available with just one engine and that’s a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-4 making 271 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. In the U.S., it’s being offered with a choice between a 6-speed manual or the brand-new Subaru Performance Transmission CVT. It’s very likely that the Philippines will follow suit given the WRX’s past, though expect the 6-speed manual to go the indent order route.

Things get more interesting when it comes to the WRX Sportswagon. Following the Australian market, the Philippines will drop the Levorg nameplate. Instead, they will capitalize on the WRX nameplate to sell and market their great but underappreciated sporty wagon.

Like the WRX, it will have a 271-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-4, although this one will be available solely with the Subaru Performance Transmission CVT.

Both the WRX and WRX Sportswagon migrate to the Subaru Global Platform which enables it to gain up to 28 percent better torsional rigidity and a 75 percent increase in suspension mounting point rigidity. It also has a longer suspension stroke, while the rear stabilizer is now mounted directly to the body for less roll during cornering. Both are also offered with optional adaptive dampers for the first time.

At the front, the steering features a dual-pinion setup that separates the driver’s input shaft from the motor assist shaft resulting in quicker response to inputs, improved accuracy, and a more natural steering feel.

Motor Image Pilipinas hasn’t given the exact timing of the WRX and WRX Sportswagon launch, however, they are targeting a mid-2022 launch date (June) for both models.

6 comments:

  1. Like the 2022 Forester, Motor Image Pilipinas will announce local specifications closer to launch

    - any whispers on when the 2022 Forester will be launched locally?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sorry posted my comment too early as you just posted an article specifically on the 2022 Forester :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Don't worry about it hahaha....we're writing this as the press con is on-going.

      Delete
    2. Wow real time updates! hope there's more exciting announcements (ask them about wilderness models please)

      Delete
    3. Unfortunately no Wilderness models. Those are specifically designed for the North American market.

      Delete
  3. kinda prefer the Levorg name, much cooler :D

    Then again WRX is more known, so that's quite understandable

    ReplyDelete

Feel free to comment or share your views. Comments that are derogatory and/or spam will not be tolerated. We reserve the right to moderate and/or remove comments.