Subaru WRX Sportswagon coming to Australia in 2022 with a 2.4 turbo engine and AWD

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Subaru Australia has confirmed that a WRX Sportswagon will arrive in Australia before July 2022, alongside the new-generation WRX sedan.

The ‘WRX Sportswagon’ is a rebranded name for the second-generation Levorg wagon, that first made its debut as an STI-badged concept at the Tokyo Motor Show back in 2019.

When it arrives, the WRX Sportswagon will join a short list of fast wagons offered in Australia, with key rivals including the Skoda Octavia RS and Volkswagen Golf R. 

A WRX in more than just name

Close DNA ties to the fifth-generation WRX sedan sees the 2022 WRX Sportswagon use the same FA24 2.4-litre turbocharged flat-four engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive system.

Outputs have not been confirmed for the WRX Sportswagon but expect them to sit close to the 202kW of power and 350Nm of torque expected for the new WRX sedan. 

While that power figure is only 5kW higher than the previous-generation WRX and Levorg, which both used a 2.0-litre turbo boxer engine, the WRX-tuned 2.4-litre engine is said to have more grunt from lower in the rev range than its predecessor.

In Australia, the WRX Sportswagon will exclusively use a CVT automatic transmission with eight simulated gears that drivers can control via the paddle shifters on the steering column.

WRX sedan buyers will have more choice in this regard, with the ability to option either a six-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission.

The WRX Sportswagon has also made the switch to the new Subaru Global Platform that now underpins the new WRX sedan, Impreza hatch and sedan, Forester midsize SUV, and Outback wagon.

While not yet tested in a performance vehicle, the platform has been credited for improving the dynamic capability and ride comfort of Subaru’s new-generation vehicles.

This is partly due to the fact that the new platform is more rigid, which should make the WRX Sportswagon much more capable in corners than the outgoing Levorg, which was never everything it could’ve been.

Subaru will also equip its new hot-wagon with adaptive dampers which are tied to selectable drive models. This will give drivers the ability to choose between a more comfortable setting to use every day or flick to a firmer set-up more suited to twisty roads and track days. 

What does the WRX Sportswagon include?

While Subaru is yet to finalise the full list of inclusions, the WRX Sportswagon will arrive here carrying features such as 18-inch alloy wheels and a huge 11.6-inch centre touchscreen as standard.

The WRX Sportswagon features a sharp LED headlight design, which has now made its way onto the MY22 Forester, matched with bulging wheel arches that subtly hint at its performance credentials.

Inside, drivers will find a set of bucket seats but no further interior details have been provided.

Those planning to use the WRX Sportswagon as a family car will also be glad to know Subaru will include the latest version of its EyeSight crash-avoidance technology, which typically includes features like lane-keep assist, AEB and driver-fatigue monitoring on most of its models.

And while there is no specific mention, you can expect features like ISOFIX child-seat anchorage points to be included in the rear seat.

A long time coming for wagon fans

When the WRX Sportswagon arrives in 2022, it will mark 16 years since the WRX was last offered in a wagon body style, way back in the second-generation Impreza with the ‘hawk eye’ facelift. 

Subaru introduced the previous-generation model, known as the Levorg, to Australia in 2016 which was often criticised for being unable to live up to its sporting appearance, even in the STI Sport grade, which featured no major performance benefits over the regular model.

While a final verdict will have to wait until the new WRX Sportwagon arrives for a full review, the huge list of improvements hints at a grand return for Subaru’s performance wagons.