Introduction to the Subaru WRX Legacy

The Subaru WRX has long been a favorite among car enthusiasts, renowned for its performance and rally heritage. With the recent launch of the latest variant, the WRX TS, buyers are showing a significant preference for the manual transmission option. The absence of a full STI model for the U.S. market might be a point of contention, but the WRX continues to appeal to driving purists.

The Enthusiast’s Choice: Manual Take Rate

A striking statistic from Kelley Blue Book reveals that an impressive 83 percent of Subaru WRX buyers are opting for the six-speed manual transmission. This trend places the WRX at the forefront of modern vehicles equipped with stick shifts. In comparison, even prestigious models like the Porsche 911 GT3 have only seen a 46 percent manual take rate. The WRX’s dominance in the manual transmission arena reflects a strong demand among enthusiasts who appreciate the control and engagement that comes with a traditional gearbox.

Performance Beyond the Numbers

While the WRX boasts a turbocharged flat-four engine delivering 271 horsepower, the model’s chassis performance is equally notable. Acceleration figures draw parallels with the inaugural 2002 WRX model, emphasizing that the latest iteration maintains the brand’s spirited driving experience. Although competitors like the Hyundai Elantra N present favorable automatic transmission options, the allure of a manual setup remains unchallenged for WRX buyers. The consistent performance of the automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT) cannot diminish the desire for a tactile driving experience that only a manual can provide.