Think of the Subaru WRX (and its STI siblings) and one’s mind would no doubt conjure up images of a massive hood scoop, the occasional rear wing that doubles as a dinner table and, of course, a blue (occasionally airborne) car with gold wheels. So focussed is the WRX on performance that one might view the introduction of a more luxurious variant as an act that completely bastardises said nameplate.
With that said, the folks at Subaru are adamant that there is a market – in Japan, at least – for a WRX with a touch of luxury. Enter the Subaru WRX S4 SporVita. Introduced earlier on and making its physical debut at the ongoing 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, the WRX S4 SporVita is said to express “the sporty performance of a Subaru vehicle and the uncompromising pursuit of a quality interior.”
Considering the fact that emphasis has been placed on establishing a more luxurious ambience, very little attention has been paid to the exterior. The only major difference on the outside appear to be a unique Lapis Blue Pearl finish and the addition of 18-inch alloy wheels nicked from the STI (but with a satin silver finish) wrapped in 245/40 tyres.
As for the interior, the Japanese claims that the restyled cabin is the result of a collaboration between Subaru and Italian leather house, Mario Levi. As a result, the seats, gear shifter, steering wheel and door cards are trimmed in two-tone brown and black leather. Elsewhere, matching bicolour stitching and piano black accents on the dashboard further adds to the upmarket atmosphere.
The Subaru WRX S4 SporVita is equipped as standard with the marque’s Advanced Safety Package platform which brings along its EyeSight safety platform. No mechanical changes are touted – the WRX S4 SporVita soldiers on with the same turbocharged 2.0 litre flat-four engine with 300 PS and 400 Nm of torque. A CVT gearbox transfers the power to all four corners via Subaru’s trademark Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
Subaru’s CVT has been over criticized, but still, whats with Subaru only giving a CVT option on their levorg and WRX (JDM)?
Subaru CVT criticized? How so?
if u look at the british and US auto press…they always criticise thats its not smooth, should have put in a dual clutch like their favourite VW….bias is more like it…the cvt on the subaru isn’t bad at all to be honest…honda’s is much worse
Subaru’s CVT is unique, one of the best CVT in my opinion. It doesn’t use belt link, instead it uses chain link which eliminates rubber band feel. just search in youtube ‘cvt lineartronic’
Lapis Blue? Their designers must have fond memories on Kuih Lapis during their visits to Malaysia.
That interior looks like… baseball glove.
But at least the Lineartronic CVT operates well.