All New Subaru A Must-Have

Kgomotso Molelekeng | Monday June 2, 2014 17:07

The launch of the new Subaru edition, currently available in South Africa, started with a brief demonstration of what the WRX is capable of compared to previous vehicles of the same brand.

The minute the WRX was unveiled, the gathered crowd could not stop showering it with praises.  The three cars on display had many wishing they had their chequebooks with them so that they took one home. The display was followed by a test on the tar, which included the WRX braking distance and how a driver can easily avoid being in an accident.

Speaking at the launch, Subaru Southern Africa managing director Carlos De Abreu said that safety is one of their brand tenets and they are extremely proud to have earned a top safety pick rating for their performance models.  

“We are committed to providing engaging driving together with safety and the award we won is testament to that commitment,” he said.

He explained that the WRX was awarded the 2014 top Safety Pick award by US crash test giant, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS).

The audience was then treated to the vehicle’s spectacular performance.  De Abreu explained that in developing the new WRX, Subaru engineers sought out to provide power and control at a higher level than before and not just in numbers on paper.

 He said a holistic approach was adopted on all the factors, which culminate in producing absolute speed.

He added that the quest for driver engagement was also highlighted.

“Comfort has always been a WRX selling point and in the new version this has been reemphasised by the supportive sports bucket seats and an increase in rear legroom specifically enhancing the WRX duality as an everyday vehicle,” he said.  

He added that the new WRX has a 2.0 litre direct injection turbo engine, embodying the latest in Subaru design DNA.  The taut, muscular and wide stance of the new WRX conveys an immediate sense of sporty and powerful driving fun.

The car was then test-driven by potential buyers.

One driver Loeto Goaitse told Showtime that the experience of being and the car and being able to drive it was unbelievable.

“When you are inside, you do not feel the speed at all, it is as if you are flying. I really love how one can easily brake after speeding.  This is a must-have car because it has all the qualities of a sports car,” he said.