Bad News, Scooby Fans: The New WRX Is Slow And Brilliantly Boring

The worst kept secret of the LA Auto Show is this: the new Subaru WRX. First, we got to see the plain styling, then the news that non-car guys can get an auto 'box as an option. And now we learn that the new WRX is slower than the outgoing model. The only saving grace is that you get a 6-speed manual as standard. (You should definitely get the manual).

The WRX gets a 2.0-litre turbo boxer, which churns out 268bhp. The stats? 60mph comes up in 5.4 seconds in the manual and 5.9 seconds in the CVT slushbox. Those figures aren't hugely impressive, and to make matters worse it means the new WRX is slower than the outgoing model. How's that for progress?

While the WRX's styling is starting to grow on us - the front-end looks more aggressive than it did in the original images - the rear wheels still look completely lost in those arches. Interior quality looks more like almost-but-not-quite from Subaru, although the digital gauges are a nice touch.

Hopefully despite the disappointing looks and performance figures, the new WRX will have the real-world hoonability that has defined its predecessors.