2016 Subaru WRX And WRX STI Benefit From More Safety Tech, Premium Features

Once the undisputed king of bargain performance, Subaru’s WRX—as well as its more potent WRX STI sibling—has in recent years been challenged by the likes of the Golf GTI and Golf R from Volkswagen and the Focus ST from the Ford Motor Company [NYSE:F]. With its 2016 WRX and WRX STI, Subaru is reminding us that there’s still a lot of value to be had with its all-paw tarmac terror.

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No, there’s no extra performance available, as the cars still run their existing turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engines with outputs capped at 268 horsepower in the WRX and 305 hp in the WRX STI. However, buyers of the 2016 models now receive Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system and touchscreen interface as standard.

There’s also the automaker’s latest EyeSight camera-based safety system on offer, which includes more electronic driver aids such as Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. This is in addition to the previous Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Lane Departure Warning systems. A backup camera is also standard on all models.

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