Subaru Australia release ’50 Years Edition’ WRX

To commemorate its 50th Anniversary, Subaru Australia has released limited-edition versions of some of the most popular Subaru models, including the WRX.

Applicable to both the WRX sedan and WRX Sportswagon, the ’50 Year Edition’ is defined by a number of exterior cosmetic features, along with special trim and spec upgrades inside. Announced in late May, the 50 Year Edition is also available on Forester and Outback SUVs.

“This year marks 50 years since the start of a national importer and nationwide dealer network for Subaru in Australia,” explained Subaru Australia’s Managing Director, Blair Read. “Since those humble beginnings, over 1 million Subaru’s have made their way to driveways all over the country.

“50 years is a significant milestone for our company, and we wanted to celebrate it with something special for our customers. The special edition models are a tribute to our rich history and the enduring appeal of the Subaru brand in Australia.”

While the Forester has been Subaru’s top-selling model in Australia, the WRX arguably has the most loyal customer base, so it makes sense for the 50 Years Edition to be offered on this halo model for the brand here in Australia.

That loyalty started soon after the Impreza WRX was released here by Subaru Australia in 1994; just two years after its Japanese market debut (the ‘Impreza’ part of the model name would be dropped in 2014).

In 1998, Australia was one of the first markets outside Japan to get the Impreza WRX STi variant, while the WRX was the model with which Subaru enjoyed its most success in the Australian Rally Championship. The WRX reached a local milestone in 2021 when the 50,000th example was sold.

For the 50 Years Edition, the WRX sedan is unchanged mechanically, with a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing peaks of 202kW at 5600rpm and 350Nm at 2000-5200rpm. This DOHC Boxer engine is matched to either a six-speed manual transmission or Sport Lineartronic CVT, driving all four wheels via Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

Suspension and brakes are unchanged from the stock WRX, too, meaning a MacPherson strut front and double wishbone rear set-up, with 315mm front and 290mm rear ventilated discs, while the wheels are 18x8.5-inch alloys all round.

Upgrades and alterations over the standard WRX sedan include a Crystal Black finish for the mirror caps, rear spoiler and shark fin antenna, as well as black rear badging and a ’50 Years Edition’ badge on the front doors.

Inside, the seat upholstery is upgraded to Ultrasuede fabric in a combination of black and grey. Blue stitching on the seats is also applied to the doorcards, instrument panel, shifter boot for the six-speed, centre console padding, front centre armrest and steering wheel.

The steering wheel itself is upgraded to premium leather trim with blue stitching, the front seats gain power adjustment (including power lumbar adjustment for driver’s seat) and a pair of USB-A ports are added for rear seat occupants.

Instrumentation and infotainment is unchanged from the regular WRX, including the 11.6-inch centre touchscreen and six-speaker sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, DAB+ digital radio and wireless Bluetooth.

Available on WRX sedans with the manual or CVT, the 50 Years Edition can be had in WR Blue, Crystal Black, Ceramic White or Solar Orange.

The WRX Sportswagon 50 Years Edition gains most of the same features as the sedan, with the same Crystal Black exterior trim, power front seats, Ultrasuede trim and blue contrast stitching, leather steering wheel and special badging.

Unlike the WRX sedan, the existing WRX Sportswagon is only available with the CVT. This is unchanged for the 50 Year Edition. The 2.4-litre Boxer four is the same as the existing WRX Sportswagon (with the same 202kW/350Nm maximums), as are the suspension, brakes and other mechanical specs.

Exterior colour options for the package on the WRX Sportswagon are limited to WR Blue, Crystal Black and Crystal White.

While Subaru Australia haven’t put a cap on numbers for the 50 Years Edition WRX sedan and sportswagon, they do say that both will only be available for a limited time. Interested customers are advised to contact their local Subaru dealer to secure their 50 Years Edition WRX.