Insane or ingenious? Subaru has found a way to increase its product portfolio by teasing what’s essentially a WRX crossover.
Showing posts sorted by date for query Subaru WRX. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query Subaru WRX. Sort by relevance Show all posts
August 6, 2023
Subaru Levorg (WRX) Layback Puts That Black Cladding To Good Use
Insane or ingenious? Subaru has found a way to increase its product portfolio by teasing what’s essentially a WRX crossover.
August 3, 2023
The Subaru WRX Is Going Rallying Minus The Black Cladding
Subaru’s FA24DIT is already a race-proven engine by finishing the grueling Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race this year. However, that isn’t enough to convince its US-based rally team which is sticking to a custom-built 2.0-liter flat-4 for 2023.
July 30, 2023
Review: 2024 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i-S
Whenever a carmaker comes up with a new nameplate, it comes with the expectation that the overall experience would be new and transformative. Yet when Subaru decided to axe the “XV” name in favor of “Crosstrek,” the resulting crossover feels like it took two steps forward and two steps back. It continues the Subaru XV’s careful, and at times, painfully slow evolution. To be fair, the crossover formerly known as the XV, is hard to beat. Among its competitors—the beautiful Mazda CX-30 among them—the Crosstrek is the one we’d take in a heartbeat. It’s a bit boring, sure, but it’s just so well-attuned to our road conditions be it in design, packaging, and safety.
June 4, 2023
Review: 2023 Honda Civic Type R
The newest Honda Civic Type R is something else. Around the racetrack, it’s guaranteed to have more talent than most drivers out there, thereby cementing itself as a venerable track day hero. It’s so good (no disclaimer needed), that there’s little need to touch any of the FL5’s track credentials anymore. Instead, let’s focus on just how easy (or hard) it is to live with on a daily basis.
May 22, 2023
The Subaru WRX's 2.4-liter Turbo Is Now A Race-Proven Engine
Subaru’s FA24DIT, used in the current-generation (VB) WRX, can be considered as motorsports proven as it managed to finish the 24 Nürburgring 24 Hours Race.
May 9, 2023
Heads Up! Ford Philippines Is Launching The Next-Generation Ranger Raptor On May 18
Well, that didn’t take long. After a surprise preview at the Manila International Auto Show (where it was nonchalantly displayed at their booth), Ford Philippines is launching the next-generation Ranger Raptor. Mark your calendars because it’s happening on May 18.
April 23, 2023
Subaru To Race All-New WRX At Nürburgring 24 Hours
Subaru and motorsports division, STI, will once again participate at the 51st Nürburgring 24 Hours Race using, what else, but with the all-new WRX. Set for May 20 to 21, this will be Subaru’s 14th time to participate in the world’s toughest endurance race, and the first to use an all-new racing engine and platform.
April 20, 2023
The 2024 MG 7 Is Quicker Than A Subaru WRX
The mid-sized sedan (aka executive sedan) segment is all but gone here in the Philippines, but if there’s one that could potentially bring it back to life (or at least spark a conversation), it’s this: the 2024 MG 7.
March 13, 2023
Subaru PH Bumps Up Prices Of Forester, WRX, Outback
Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the country, has increased the prices of several of its models effective immediately.
February 10, 2023
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Drops Hybrid, Gains 182-Horsepower Engine For U.S. Market
Five months after its global debut in Japan, the all-new 2023 Subaru Crosstrek has been unveiled for the U.S. market. During its jump across the Pacific (and its shift from right- to left-hand drive), the compact crossover lost its hybrid engine. Instead, it comes with a choice between two traditional combustion engines.
January 13, 2023
The 2024 Subaru Impreza Goes For Hybrid Power In Japan
Just two months after its global unveil in the United States, the all-new Subaru Impreza has made home market debut in Japan.
January 2, 2023
The Subaru Levorg Sport # Is The Closest Thing We'll Get To A WRX STI Wagon
At the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon, Subaru used the annual tuning show to present the Levorg (local market WRX Wagon) tweaked by their in-house tuner, STI. Known as the Levorg STI Sport, it featured handling enhancements led by the brand’s first use of electronically-controlled dampers. Three Tokyo Auto Salons later, Subaru is bringing a sharper version of their fast grocery-getter appropriately named the Levorg STI Sport Sharp (stylistically written as Levorg STI Sport #).
December 14, 2022
Top 5 Picks For 2022
With 42 entries spanning everything from sub-compacts to luxury SUVs, it’s time to our Top 5 Cars of 2022.
As usual, our Top 5 Picks is done differently (see the past winners here: 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011). Instead of categorizing cars to try to make everyone a winner, we lump them together to get the five cars that we thought were outstanding.
Our methods are simple. First, we should have driven it extensively and on the roads that we’re familiar with. This means no around the block test drives (including track days), no “first drives”, no junkets. Second, it should be fairly mainstream. For that, the list is capped with a maximum MSRP of P 4 million. Finally, it’s something we’d be willing to spend our own money own, and we’re willing to be caught dead in.
With that out of the way, here’s our Top 5 Picks of 2022:
#5. Subaru WRX
Still our go-to for a well-rounded, yet relatively affordable sports sedan, the all-new Subaru WRX is still hard to beat. The combination of a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive means it can serve up the fun. This time, though, it won’t be trying to shake your fillings out half the time as the much-fangled Subaru Global Platform’s much more, gasp, refined. The WRX STI is gone, but at least you get much higher equipment levels—including more safety gear and even optional adaptive dampers. In short, it’s a WRX that’s equally capable of taking on the daily commute as it is a slick, mountain road. Sadly, no amount of suede or Alcantara could change the fact that it looks ugly as sin.
Read our review.
#4. Toyota Corolla Cross
Though fuel prices have softened of late, it did manage to bring hybrids and EVs into mainstream conversation. And among the growing list of hybrids out there, the Toyota Corolla Cross, we find, is the most well-rounded. The styling looks like it was designed by accountants during their lunchbreak, but at least it’s darn economical. We consistently did 20 km/L without breaking a sweat—something we couldn’t do with a “gas-charged, electric-driven crossover.” Fuel sipping abilities aside, the rest of the package is solid—pliant ride, secure handling, roomy interior, and decent (for a Toyota) specs. An added bonus is that there’s a GR Sport version, but a forewarning: the added spice does little to uplift the bland driving flavor.
Read our review.
#3. Toyota Raize
When Toyota decided to enter the sub-compact SUV genre, everyone knew they’d be a force to be reckoned with. Some may say “it’s just a Daihatsu,” but who the fuck cares? The resulting Toyota Raize is a well-engineered and well-thought-out car. Dynamically, it’s got surprisingly good NVH, precise steering, and a punchy engine (well, at least for the turbo). Naturally, for its price, you can’t expect plush materials (and yeah, everything’s rock hard), but at least build quality is pretty decent. Add styling that’s angular as opposed to jellybean-like, solid levels of safety (it got a 5-star rating at the ASEAN NCAP), usable packaging, and of course, Toyota’s promise of painless ownership means the Raize ticks all the right boxes.
Read our review: Raize 1.2 G, Raize 1.0 Turbo.
When Toyota decided to enter the sub-compact SUV genre, everyone knew they’d be a force to be reckoned with. Some may say “it’s just a Daihatsu,” but who the fuck cares? The resulting Toyota Raize is a well-engineered and well-thought-out car. Dynamically, it’s got surprisingly good NVH, precise steering, and a punchy engine (well, at least for the turbo). Naturally, for its price, you can’t expect plush materials (and yeah, everything’s rock hard), but at least build quality is pretty decent. Add styling that’s angular as opposed to jellybean-like, solid levels of safety (it got a 5-star rating at the ASEAN NCAP), usable packaging, and of course, Toyota’s promise of painless ownership means the Raize ticks all the right boxes.
Read our review: Raize 1.2 G, Raize 1.0 Turbo.
#2. Mazda CX-5 Turbo
Subaru turned their back on the fun-loving family man with the death of the Forester XT, so its mantle was taken over by a certain little carmaker from Hiroshima: Mazda. Realizing an unfulfilled gap in the compact SUV segment, the CX-5 Turbo is the choice for everyday thrills with its 253-horsepower, 434 Nm turbocharged engine. Beyond serving up straight line thrills, its revamped chassis sharpens up the handling while also upping the overall refinement and equipment levels. An added bonus is that it’s much more economical than any past Forester XT too. It’s also a constant reminder that, despite its age, the CX-5 still is the one of the best, if not the best compact SUV out there. This new turbocharged variant though enables them to raise the middle finger against mediocrity.
Read our review: CX-5 Turbo.
Subaru turned their back on the fun-loving family man with the death of the Forester XT, so its mantle was taken over by a certain little carmaker from Hiroshima: Mazda. Realizing an unfulfilled gap in the compact SUV segment, the CX-5 Turbo is the choice for everyday thrills with its 253-horsepower, 434 Nm turbocharged engine. Beyond serving up straight line thrills, its revamped chassis sharpens up the handling while also upping the overall refinement and equipment levels. An added bonus is that it’s much more economical than any past Forester XT too. It’s also a constant reminder that, despite its age, the CX-5 still is the one of the best, if not the best compact SUV out there. This new turbocharged variant though enables them to raise the middle finger against mediocrity.
Read our review: CX-5 Turbo.
#1. Honda Civic
You can’t go wrong with the Honda Civic, and the all-new 11th generation model is no different. Despite the so-called “odd-numbered” Civic curse, this one is a winner. We’ve driven all of its variants (S Turbo, V Turbo, RS Turbo), and we’d have to conclude that Honda’s turned in some Dean’s Lister caliber work. In the face of an impending crossover/SUV invasion, including its very own stablemate, the HR-V, the Civic proves it still serves up an unbeatable formula. It’s not perfect (the S Turbo, in particular has a cheap-feeling interior), but overall, it balances wants and need perfectly with class-above space, tight handling, punchy yet fuel efficient engine, and cutting-edge driver assist system. You can’t ask for more in a daily driver. Our top pick goes to the top-of-the-line Civic RS Turbo, but the V Turbo is still pretty solid—it offers 80 percent of the experience for less than P 1.5-million.
You can’t go wrong with the Honda Civic, and the all-new 11th generation model is no different. Despite the so-called “odd-numbered” Civic curse, this one is a winner. We’ve driven all of its variants (S Turbo, V Turbo, RS Turbo), and we’d have to conclude that Honda’s turned in some Dean’s Lister caliber work. In the face of an impending crossover/SUV invasion, including its very own stablemate, the HR-V, the Civic proves it still serves up an unbeatable formula. It’s not perfect (the S Turbo, in particular has a cheap-feeling interior), but overall, it balances wants and need perfectly with class-above space, tight handling, punchy yet fuel efficient engine, and cutting-edge driver assist system. You can’t ask for more in a daily driver. Our top pick goes to the top-of-the-line Civic RS Turbo, but the V Turbo is still pretty solid—it offers 80 percent of the experience for less than P 1.5-million.
December 1, 2022
Subaru WRX STI, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions Are Now Considered As Collectible Cars
With the discontinuation of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution in 2016 and the planned phase out of the Subaru WRX STI after this generation, it has had a positive effect when it comes to collectability.
November 18, 2022
Feast Your Eyes On The 182-Horsepower 2024 Subaru Impreza
The all-new Subaru Impreza has made its world debut bringing with it an all-new design, improved performance, enhanced safety features, and updated multimedia features.
November 17, 2022
Subaru Russ Swift Precision Stunt Show Heading To Davao On November 25-27
Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the country, is bringing back British precision driver Russ Swift, who is also a world-renowned stunt driver and Guinness World Record holder, to SM Ecoland, Davao City, this November 25 to 27, 2022.
November 14, 2022
Subaru's First Small SUV Shows Something Terribly Wrong With The Brand
Subaru just dusted off a nameplate they haven’t used in a while: the Rex. This time though, it’s not being attached to a sub-compact mini or a kei car, but they’re slapping it on the first sub-compact SUV. And if it looks very familiar, well, it should be.
October 21, 2022
Subaru's Entire 2022 Line-Up Is Now A Top Safety Pick
Subaru has completed the last piece of its safety puzzle with the announcement that the all-new Subaru WRX has been bestowed with a Top Safety Pick+ by the U.S.-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or IIHS.
October 3, 2022
Heads-Up! Russ Swift Returns For First Pampanga Show
Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the country, is bringing back British precision driver Russ Swift to Clark, Pampanga this October 7 to 9, 2022.
September 15, 2022
Subaru Unveils All-New 2023 Crosstrek Compact Crossover
Subaru has sprung a surprise by dropping the “XV” name for its all-new compact crossover. Instead, it will take on the “Crosstrek” name globally.
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