2016 Subaru WRX opens at $27,930

Building on its 2015 makeover, the 2016 Subaru WRX line adds all of the automaker’s latest infotainment and safety features to its equipment roster on select WRX and WRX STI models. While all key powertrain elements on both of these enthusiast-oriented all-wheel-drive sedans carry over unchanged, WRX Premium and Limited trims move up from the standard 235/45 tires on 17-inch alloys on the base WRX to the 18-inch rims and 245/40 rubber found on the WRX STI. 

Starlink Multimedia now standard 

Base price for the 2016 Subaru WRX begins at $27,930, a $300 bump over the 2015. The WRX Premium and WRX Limited are each up $400 and open at $29,690 and $31,190, respectively. Pairing the WRX’s 286-horsepower/2.0-liter turbocharged flat-4 engine with the optional Sport Lineartronic CVT automatic in place of the standard 6-speed manual transmission adds another $1,200 to each. However, all WRX models now upgrade to Subaru‘s Starlink Multimedia system that features a 6.2-inch touchscreen and AM/FM/CD, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, HD Radio and Bluetooth connectivity. Also included are a USB port, AUX jack, smartphone integration and connectivity with Aha plus Pandora and iHeart Radio as well as a rearview camera. 

Also: Class of 2016 — New Cars Ready to Roll

Moving up to Premium grade allows for an optional Starlink Multimedia Navigation system with 7.0-inch LCD screen with multi-touch gesture controls. Standard issue in the leather-trimmed WRX Limited, the bigger screen also brings dual USB ports and a 9-speaker Harman-Kardon premium sound system. The top-line WRX with Lineartronic CVT also offers Subaru’s new EyeSight collision avoidance system that includes low-speed pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist as well as an electronic parking brake, integrated external mirror turn signals and steering-responsive fog lights. The Rear Vision Detection System with Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert is available on Limited models with either transmission, as is a new PIN Code Access feature for the Keyless/Push Button starting system.   

WRX STI — wing it, or don’t  

Packing a 305-horse/2.5-liter turbo flat-4 backed only by a 6-speed manual transmission, the 2016 Subaru WRX STI kicks off at $35,490 with the WRX STI Limited opening at $40,790 – each figure up by $500 from 2015. Here, too, the same 6.2-inch and enhanced 7.0-inch Starlink infotainment packages are part of the 2016 remix with the latter being optional on the base WRX STI. While EyeSight is not offered on any STI, the Rear Vision Detection System is standard on the Limited model and buyers can now opt for a no-cost, low-profile trunk spoiler in place of the still-standard rear wing. 

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