What is it?
The VB-series WRX has been on sale in Australia since 2022 and remains one of the last turbo AWD sports sedans with a six-speed manual on the menu. Sedan and Sportswagon bodies, 202 kW 2.4-litre turbo boxer, Symmetrical AWD across the range.
The lineup runs from AWD (sedan, manual) at $48,290 plus on-roads, through to Sportswagon AWD tS at $61,490 plus on-roads. Warranty cover sits at 5 years, unlimited km.
Interior and Technology
Symmetrical AWD turbo sedan with a six-speed manual still on the menu in 2026, almost unique at the price. The Sportswagon body offers 492 L of boot with the same drivetrain.
9.9 L/100 km combined on the manual is thirsty for the output. Full EyeSight ADAS suite is only available on Sport Lineartronic CVT cars, so the manual misses some active safety kit.
Should you buy the WRX?
Reasons to buy
- Symmetrical AWD turbo sedan with a six-speed manual still on the menu in 2026, almost unique at the price. The Sportswagon body offers 492 L of boot with the same drivetrain.
- Warranty: 5 years, unlimited km.
- 5-star ANCAP (2022), full driver-assist suite.
- 411 L boot, segment-competitive cargo space.
Reasons to wait
- 9.9 L/100 km combined on the manual is thirsty for the output. Full EyeSight ADAS suite is only available on Sport Lineartronic CVT cars, so the manual misses some active safety kit.
- You want a hot hatch (Civic Type R, Golf R), a longer warranty (Korean rivals at 5 years still match, but Kia Stinger replacements run further), or sharper rivals on power (Type R and Golf R both make 235 kW).
- Manual cars lose the full EyeSight stack. If you want both the manual and the modern driver assistance suite, you cannot have it.
- Top trim climbs to $61,490 plus on-roads.
CarTell.tv review of the Subaru WRX is coming. Subscribe on YouTube and you will be first to see it.
