2022 Subaru WRX upgrades coming!

Subaru Australia seems to understand that its customers want to be able to buy and modify their cars - especially those who are shopping for a performance model like the new 2022 WRX and WRX Sportswagon.

So it comes as no huge surprise that the brand is set to offer a range of accessories for buyers to choose from, including aesthetic touches from the STI parts catalogue, and some more driver-focused upgrades that will appease those who have been left wanting a more visceral experience from their new-gen Rex.

One of the biggest criticisms from the media at the launch of the new-generation WRX was the fact it’s so quiet. In my review I called out the fact that the refinement levels are unprecedented for the WRX nameplate, but that’s not necessarily a good thing for the customer of this performance-oriented car.

The brand will offer a range of accessories, and has already confirmed a couple of special edition models - hopefully similar to the STI Sport R version seen in these images. That car clearly gains a number of additions, such as red-trimmed Recaro sports seats, a digital instrument cluster, and more aggressive bodywork and wheels, not to mention a few requisite STI badges.

Subaru Australia managing director, Blair Read, admitted that there will be buyers who want to make their WRX their own, and that the company is planning to offer a range of accessory items to do exactly that - including a (much needed) sports exhaust system.

“There’s not an exhaust yet - but that type of stuff that the customer base demands, we are working on that,” said Mr Read.

“There’s an initial range of stuff, and there’s a lot of options to come with this car both in accessory format, and what we can do in the space of special editions, which we’re already working a year to three-years ahead with the factory on.”

What those special edition models might look like remains to be seen, but the company offered up some strong hints at the launch event - showcasing two accessorised models.

The WRX sedan model seen in these images brandished some $9500-plus of accessory items, comprising: the Sport Grille ($757), STI front spoiler in Cherry Red (don’t call it pink - $1028), side spoilers in the same colour ($1132), STI side rear spoiler ($955), STI rear under spoiler ($771), boot lid spoiler ($1127), 18-inch alloy wheels ($3453) and the lovely mirror caps ($287).

The WRX Sportswagon shown by Subaru had a few less optional extras totalling $7505, and you can make your mind up about whether you like the look of the sedan or wagon more. The accessories fitted include a Sport Grille ($914), 18-inch alloys ($2980), Thule Vector Roof Box with interior lighting ($3005), and Thule roof rack cross bars ($606).

It remains to be seen if Australian buyers will score the digital instrument cluster of the Japan market WRX S4 STI Sport R, though we hope that might be offered in future.