Buying a new car is undoubtedly one of the most challenging tasks for anyone. Usually, the decision is boiled down to the variant offering the best set of features. On the other hand, the buyer might already have decided which engine-gearbox combination to purchase. And in most cases, the buyer is likely to buy a car with an automatic gearbox. After all, it eases the overall driving experience. Automakers are aware of the need and are keen to offer some of the best in business automatic gearbox options.
In the process, though, one such category has been hurt. It is a category of buyers, or rather enthusiast buyers, who do not want the ease of driving. Instead, such buyers prefer some raw mechanicals to get completely engaged while driving a car. And what’s that? Well, a good engine, paired with a sleek manual gearbox. Finding one in today’s world could be rare. However, there is one such car that has kept the love for a manual gearbox alive.
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Why Are Manual Cars Disappearing?
So, what exactly is happening in the automotive industry? Well, popular car brands are now focusing on offering various automatic gearboxes, even on base variants. After years of research, automakers have developed some of the best in-segment automatic gearboxes, including DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) or torque converter units. These gearboxes have not only enhanced the comfort of driving a car but are also more reliable than before and work silently in the background, without hampering the driving experience.
Additionally, recent technology has helped automakers improve overall fuel efficiency, a key factor that was previously a major reason why many chose manuals over automatics. Overall, the improvements in automatic gearboxes have helped automakers gain the confidence of buyers. And that has increased demand for such technologies. The result: demand for manual cars has declined in many global markets, with only a few performance cars left with such an offering. So, if you are an enthusiast trying to find yourself a performance sedan with a manual gearbox, you are left with only a few options. And among all, there is one such sedan that has truly nailed the combination of a fantastic manual gearbox with an equally juicy powertrain.
Are There Enough Options?
Finding a car with a tractable engine and an equally sleek manual gearbox could be tricky. Yes, there are some popular options to choose from, including cars like the Honda Civic Type R, BMW M2, or even the Porsche 911. The Civic nameplate ranked among the most popular manual cars, which also made it one of the best-selling models. However, there is another Japanese product that does not shy from grabbing the attention of enthusiasts. It is quick, has a character, and offers a beautiful ride and handling balance. It is the Subaru WRX.
Perfect For Manual Enthusiasts?
So, is the Subaru WRX really a perfect car for manual enthusiasts? Well, let’s first discuss what it has to offer. To everyone’s delight, the Subaru WRX has an option to be chosen with a six-speed manual gearbox. This gearbox has close ratios, which helps the driver to stay within the powerband while shifting gears. Also, Subaru has done an excellent job by pairing the gearbox with a limited-slip center differential. The setup ensures there is consistent traction by distributing torque equally to the front and rear wheels. Yes, the power is channeled to all four wheels in the Subaru WRX.
What makes the overall setup and the Subaru WRX a tempting car is the engine. The sports sedan comes with a 2.4-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder petrol engine. It is the popular Boxer engine that not only focuses on pure performance, but also does a great job of keeping the overall NVH levels low. And talking about the performance, the engine produces 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with the beautiful gearbox and all-wheel drive setup, takes the Subaru WRX from a standstill to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. But does the setup make the Subaru WRX an ideal enthusiast car?
To make the WRX a perfect driving machine, the car sports a track-tuned suspension setup. Upfront, it gets McPherson struts with internal rebound springs and a double wishbone setup at the rear. The setup is responsible for minimizing body roll and offers excellent stability. What also boosts the confidence of the driver are the performance Brembo brakes.
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Not Your Regular Performance Sedan
Now, if you think that the WRX is just like a regular performance sedan out there, then you are probably not an enthusiast. A real enthusiast is well aware of the legacy that the Subaru WRX has. The WRX nameplate holds great value in the Subaru lineup. Back in the 1990s, Subaru entered the world of rally racing with the popular Impreza WRX. Ever since then, Subaru dominated the World Rally Championship (WRC), and conquered the title for the first time in 1995. And despite being based on a rally sports car, the Impreza WRX was a perfect daily driver’s car. With the WRX, Subaru began a new era in the world of sports sedans. It always came with powerful turbocharged engines and an advanced AWD system, allowing drivers to go into the corners even in wet conditions with immense confidence.
2026 Subaru WRX Interior And Exterior Picture Gallery
The 2026 Subaru WRX starts at $32,495 with 271 hp, standard AWD, and a six-speed manual, with prices down across the board from outgoing models.
It Is Not Just The Performance
Step inside the WRX and you will be greeted with a technology-driven cabin, surrounded by high-quality materials. The base variant is well-equipped with features such as an 11.6-inch touchscreen system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and multiple charging ports. On the other hand, the fully loaded WRX gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a 10-way powered driver’s seat, and a sunroof.
Apart from the exclusive feature list, the WRX is a fairly practical sedan. It has plenty of cabin space that can accommodate up to five passengers. However, three full-size adults at the rear might sometimes prove to be a tight fit, especially with a slightly narrow hip room at 49.3 inches. The rear passengers have a good amount of shoulder room at 55.6 inches, along with impressive legroom and headroom. Also, if you plan a trip with your family on the WRX, Subaru is offering a trunk space of 12.5 cubic feet. Not the largest, but it can comfortably accommodate small and medium-sized suitcases.
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Reliability, Clutch Wear, And Warranty Protection
The Subaru is known to make reliable cars that are not heavy on the pocket when it comes to maintaining them. The WRX, or any Subaru car, is equipped with refined engine and clutch internals that are responsible for handling heat and stress, improper shifts, or even aggressive launches. However, that does not mean the clutches will not show their age after a certain time. The regular wear and tear is bound to happen, just like any other car.
Also, for a peaceful ownership experience, Subaru offers some of the best warranties on the WRX. It features a three-year or 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. On the other hand, the engine, the AWD system, and the transmission are covered under a five-year or 60,000-mile warranty. Having said that, if you ever get stuck on the road with your WRX, which is not usually the case, Subaru offers three years or 36,000 miles of 24/7 roadside assistance.
All in all, reliable sources, like Edmunds, claim that, over the period of five years, owning a WRX could cost you approximately $60,000. This includes insurance of $9,000, maintenance costs of $6,500, repairs of approximately $1,000, and taxes and fees of around $4,300. On the other hand, financing and depreciation might cost you for $6,600 and $15,000, respectively. The rest of the money is expected to be the fuel cost, which is around $18,000.
Overall, the Subaru WRX is one of the top priorities of enthusiasts. It is indeed a fun-to-drive car that not only focuses on performance but is also a practical car. Additionally, being a Japanese product and considering Subaru’s proven track record, the WRX does not cost heavily in the pocket. Also, it is the reliability of the Subaru that makes the WRX a perfect choice among manual enthusiasts.