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The redesigned 2022 Subaru WRX household appears a bit totally different from years prior. With the STI now DOA and this new GT mannequin topping the vary, you’d be forgiven for seeing this transformation as an about-face for a nameplate that grew a global following based mostly on its motorsports forays. However regardless of the GT’s more luxurious pretensions, it brings some efficiency options to the WRX household for the primary time, meriting analysis even when its transmission — a CVT by one other title — does little to awaken our curiosity.
We’ve lined the usual WRX fairly extensively, so in the event you’re curious as to how Subaru’s sport compact performs sans CVT, adaptive suspension and upgraded infotainment, try our earlier first drive and road test. Spoiler alert: The handbook WRX is fairly rattling good.
However on to the GT. As we hinted at above, this mannequin takes the WRX formulation and provides tech. A multi-mode adaptive suspension replaces the fastened metal coils and dampers of the WRX, permitting drivers to dial of their most popular trip. The WRX’s commonplace entrance buckets are changed by some deeply scalloped and comely Recaro sport seats. The infotainment system is upgraded from the bizarre, stacked double-screen setup to a single portrait-style display screen, whereas Subaru’s Eyesight security suite is added due to that commonplace computerized. Subaru hasn’t bothered to make all of it work with the handbook. There are additionally some GT-specific visible parts, which you’ll be able to see within the element photographs we included right here.
As for that commonplace computerized, it’s necessary and sure, it’s a CVT. Subaru would relatively we use its advertising and marketing time period for it, which is “SPT” for “Subaru Efficiency Transmission.” Take that how you’ll. Like all trendy efficiency automatics, the CVT’s programming is tied to the GT’s drive modes. Subaru gives eight fastened ratios and says the “shifts” between them are each bit as fast as these of a dual-clutch computerized. Dial it again to one thing extra sedate, and it’ll carry out like another Subaru CVT — for higher or for worse.
Hearth it up, and also you’ll instantly discover the GT’s subdued exhaust be aware. It’s apparent Subaru needed to work across the NVH constraints of the CVT SPT and its engineers did a fabulous job of containing the not-so-desirable low-frequency noise typically related to rubber-band transmissions. On the flip facet, it’s quiet. GT-quiet? Maybe. No matter it’s, it’s positively not STI-loud. Mentally setting that apart, I took the GT out for an extended drive across the Detroit ‘burbs to see precisely what it might do this the usual WRX couldn’t. If the GT goes to make sense wherever, it’s right here on the cratered streets ringing Michigan’s crumbling metropolis.
In its softer modes, the adaptive suspension performs admirably. In truth, simply puttering round on floor streets, the GT does a convincing impression of a bog-standard Impreza. Dial it over to its sportiest setting and it turns into a bit flinty, however nonetheless largely tolerable. It’s far more at dwelling within the curves — ideally on recent, clean pavement, nevertheless it’s not overly upset by regular imperfections. However the identical might be stated of the usual WRX’s suspension. Like its RWD cousin, the BRZ, it is remarkably comfy. The GT boasts extra granularity of choice, certain, however the base suspension is a textbook instance of an ideal compromise delivered straight from the manufacturing unit.
If I am lukewarm on the suspension, I am chilly on the transmission. Round city, the powertrain moans distantly and responds adequately. Get it out on an empty again highway and crank the drive mode over to one thing sporty and the CVT SPT will dutifully flip up the wick, retaining you excessive within the rev vary. Subaru even offers you paddle shifters so you’ll be able to play together with the pretend “gearing” in the event you’re so inclined, however absent a scenario the place high-quality management is important, they’re strictly pointless. For those who’re like me and you end up using such issues commonly, they’re helpful for retaining the revs beneath management in sportier drive modes, however adjusting the person drive mode configuration will repair that simply as nicely — and as completely as you want.
To Subaru’s credit score, the transmission and suspension work in tandem to ship on the GT’s promise — a WRX for individuals who need somewhat extra comfort and refinement. Just like the CVT’s low-frequency droning, highway noise is subdued sufficient by the GT’s tuning to make it far much less intrusive than what you’d anticipate from Subaru, which has historically been on the coarser facet with regards to sound intrusion. In that context, the Recaros appear to be an odd inclusion. Certain, it is a premium title for a premium package deal, however what do they contribute?
These seats look nice however they’re a bit on the slim facet; I discovered myself (36” waist) resting towards the bolsters relatively than being engulfed by them. However, I finished noticing virtually instantly, which is an effective signal. The eight-way energy driver seat adjustment is welcome; it’s regular for such sport seats to regulate manually. They remind me a little bit of the Fiesta ST’s (RIP) seats, main me to consider they’ll doubtless break in a bit with of time, however as supportive as they have been within the twisties, they have been in no way what I would envision because the optimum selection for any individual who desires an computerized gearbox, adaptive cruise management and a plushy suspension.
Lastly, since Eyesight is a key piece of the GT puzzle, it’s value noting that its adaptive cruise management works nicely sufficient and gives lane-centering steering help. The system’s greatest weak point rears its head in the best lane of the freeway, the place exiting visitors prompts an overabundance of warning. Abrupt off-ramps make it tough for the system to discern the distinction between respectable slowdowns and visitors that’s within the strategy of exiting till it clears the freeway solely.
So, are all of the GT’s extras well worth the trade-off of the CVT SPT? Properly, the Recaro seats are enticing, supportive and the driver-side eight-way energy adjustment is a pleasant sweetener. Simply be sure you slot in them first. The adaptive suspension does an admirable job and permits for particular person customization (Subaru says the GT’s drive modes might be configured 430 alternative ways) nevertheless it’s not a night-and-day enchancment over the usual WRX’s fastened coils and dampers. As these are the 2 important attracts, the reply to the above query is finally “no” except you have been already set on getting an computerized.
After I drove the WRX final yr, I informed you all to attend patiently for the STI in the event you felt the usual automobile wasn’t fairly sufficient. Oops. However don’t sweat the GT. On the finish of the day, you’re not lacking a lot. If the shortage of Recaros and adaptive suspension is actually consuming you, I’ve the sensation Subaru will give you an answer. Maybe a 2023 WRX tS (tuned by STI)? The components are there, in spite of everything.
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