In a surprise addition to the next generation Subaru WRX line-up, New Zealand will receive a 2.4-litre, turbo WRX-GTB (Grand Touring Boxer) wagon early next year.
Customers can register their interest for the all-new Subaru WRX 2.4T and WRX-GTB wagon at: www.subaru.co.nz/new-gen-wrx/kmi
Destined solely for New Zealand and Australian Authorised Subaru Centres, this exciting, rally-bred model combines the legendary turbocharged performance of the WRX sedan, with a touch of sophistication, and an abundance of practicality. While the next generation Subaru WRX sedan was recently revealed in the United States, the wagon variant will not be seen anywhere else in the world in this thrilling format.
The WRX-GTB wagon has a larger capacity, more powerful, turbocharged 2.4-litre Boxer engine, producing 202kW, and driven by an 8-speed paddle shift performance-tuned Sport Lineartronic® transmission. The sport shift feature provides faster shifting and downshift blipping control.
The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) WRX-GTB wagon replaces the Levorg model and also becomes the true successor of the discontinued Legacy GTB wagon, which was well-loved by many Kiwi Subaru loyalists.
Subaru of New Zealand’s Managing Director Wallis Dumper says the 2.4 turbo WRX-GTB has been a well-kept secret model globally and is destined to arrive in Australasia by April next year.
“The WRX sedan was no surprise but its 2.4T new, clean technology grunty engine was! No one had a clue that New Zealand was getting this WRX-GTB wagon. Given all the pressure on car manufacturers to produce electric vehicles and our own patient wait for production details around Subaru’s new, all-electric SOLTERRA, we were unsure if this latest generation WRX would actually arrive here.”
The WRX-GTB wagon and WRX 2.4T sedan features an extensive list of features
Mr Dumper adds: “Performance wagons have a special place in New Zealand’s Subaru history. Before WRX moved globally to sedans only, we used to sell about 50/50 sedans to wagons. The Legacy GTB earned its own cult status here with literally thousands of these ultra-popular wagons flooding the market in the late 1990s. When the Legacy won the Subaru World Rally Team its very first WRC event in Aotearoa, driven by the late, great Colin McCrae, this model’s illustrious reputation grew larger still.”
“When we replaced the Legacy GTB with the Levorg, although it was a great sports wagon and it sold well, many motoring industry commentators simply couldn’t adjust to its distinctive name. Even though in 2021, the new Levorg won Japan Car of the Year and it has a 1.8-litre engine, not our grunty 2.4 version. However, we worked away diligently with Subaru Corporation to find something special to take on the performance wagon mantle.”
“The result was the 2.4T WRX-GTB and it is absolutely a worthy replacement. Born from a true rally-bred vehicle that has earned an iconic level of prestige over the decades, the WRX-GTB offers New Zealanders a performance machine with enhanced wagon-shaped practicality.”
“The WRX-GTB wagon is a model in its own right, with both the WRX-GTB and WRX 2.4T sedan featuring unique specification tailored to their respective audiences. We’re confident the all-new WRX-GTB wagon and WRX 2.4T sedan will continue to build upon the performance model’s rich heritage as they usher in a new era of style, technology, razor sharp handling and exhilaration.”
“The WRX-GTB will provide a best-value offering for those who are considering purchasing a performance AWD wagon. Realistically its rivals will probably be European and anything comparable will be over double the price.”
“Unfortunately, due to global supply challenges, the reality is that customers will probably need to forward order the Subaru WRX-GTB,” Mr Dumper concludes.
The all-new 2022 WRX-GTB wagon and WRX 2.4T sedan combine Subaru’s iconic raw performance with a new level of technology and sophistication. With two modernistic body styles to choose from, the new WRX heralds the reincarnation of a long-time legend.
Stay tuned for more information, including further local specification and pricing.
Customers can register their interest for the all-new Subaru WRX 2.4T and WRX-GTB wagon at: www.subaru.co.nz/new-gen-wrx/kmi
- Overseas model shown in accompanying imagery and video.
- The WRX-GTB wagon will be marketed in Australia as the WRX Sportswagon.