Here's Subaru Trying To Convince Us That The Boring WRX Isn't Actually Boring

When we showed you the new Subaru WRX, the general consensus was that it looked plain and uninspiring. Perhaps gauging the public's reaction, Subaru has released this video which goes in-depth, explaining some of the styling cues and detailing the engine's performance.

Firstly, the iconic bonnet scoop has been made lower and wider, which allows more air to ram into the intercooler. Beneath the hood, the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine is all-new, chucking out 268hp and 258lb/ft of torque, and is physically smaller than Subaru's previous 2.0-litre engines. This allowed the engineers to mount it lower in the chassis, improving overall handling. Also improving its chuckability is the heavily modified suspension and stiffer chassis.

The exterior has undergone a full makeover. The designers wanted to make it look more aggressive, so the car is wider and keeps the distinctive flared arches from previous WRX models. The rear gets a modest lip spoiler, and a wide rear valance intended to look like a fully functional rear diffuser, though not making a difference to anything other than styling.

Inside the interior has been made to look a little sportier. The steering wheel is chunkier with indented grips for when you get a little carried away, and a flat bottom - because race car. The manual, which should be the only option you consider, has a short shifter with carbon gear synchros in 1st and 2nd gear. The top-spec model receives a Harman Kardon entertainment system for when you're bored of that Boxer burble.

The styling is growing on us slowly. We can only hope that, once we're behind the wheel, the performance makes up for the uninspiring look. With a 0-60mph time of a little over 5 seconds it's hardly ballistic, but if the dynamics are right we might be forgiving.

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