While in the United States, the Subaru WRX is rated at 268 horsepower, in Japan, the automaker has launched it directly with an upgraded version which comes with 296 horsepower.
Offered exclusively in Subaru’s home market, the new Subaru WRX S4 is powered by a tuned version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged Boxer engine which produces 300PS (296hp) at 5,600 rpm and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. The engine is offered exclusively with the Sport Lineartronic CVT automatic and returns 13.2 km/l (7.6 l/100 km or 31 mpg US), according to Japan’s JC08 mode.
The name S4 does not hint at Audi, with Subaru saying it denotes the four values of “sports performance”, “safety performance”, “smart driving” and “sophisticated feel”.
The Subaru WRX S4 features new equipment including the EyeSight driving assist system, Multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), Active Torque Vectoring, and electric parking brake. Other new systems include the Active Lane Keep steering assistance system, Pre-Collision Reverse Throttle Management and Brake Light Recognition.
In terms of styling, the Subaru WRX S4 looks very much like the US-spec WRX, unless one specifies it with STI Performance styling upgrades – like those seen on the car from the opening photo. The WRX S4 is offered with new 18-inch alloy wheels and two new exterior colors, WR Blue Pearl and Crystal White Pearl.
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