First things first; you won't be getting this
Subaru WRX S4
in your local dealer. Chances of it ever being sold out of Japan? Slim and none. But we got a chance to drive one; rude not to report back on the experience!
Audi might have something to say about this...
So what is the S4, other than likely to get Audi's trademark lawyers into a bit of a froth? It's basically a more powerful version of the 2.0-litre WRX sold in Japan, the US and elsewhere but not in Europe. This car uses the latest direct-injection, twin-scroll turbo FA Subaru boxer four and in standard form has 268hp. For the S4 this has been upped to 300hp, just 8hp short of the STI. Just launched in Japan, this uses the older 2.0-litre EJ engine, complete with red crackle finish inlet manifold to keep the fanboys happy - as has been the way for a while now we stick with the
2.5-litre chugger
that actually launched ahead of the JDM version.
According to our Japanese PR man the WRX has been doing well in America where its affordability compared with the STI has been attracting a younger crowd. So who's the S4 for then? Seemingly those who want STI performance but without the 'yo' wings and other addenda. So a bit like the old Spec D STI we used to get here.
It's WRX looks with STI power and CVT - very JDM
Sadly the S4's USP in Japan is probably the reason it won't be attracting the attention of anyone outside of its home market. And that is its Lineartronic CVT gearbox. Will they do it with a manual like the regular WRX? No, says our PR man, it's meant to appeal as an all-rounder.
What to say about this transmission? Well, it's not as bad as you'd fear, seemingly lacking that horrendous slipping clutch sensation others of its type display. There are even paddles and a 'manual' mode, this exerting some semblance of control over proceedings. Holding it in a higher 'ratio' lets the engine pull from low revs, where it shows some surprisingly old-school lag until about 3,000rpm where it suddenly wakes up and fires the S4 forward on a suitably exciting wave of boost. It's definitely a different character from the torquey 2.0-litre turbos found in VW products, including the 300hp Audi S3saloon that would seem the most obvious rival. Left to its own devices the lag is less evident and the S4 feels fast, alert and very direct. At least as far as we could tell with a quick squiz around downtown Tokyo.
Bilsteins, BBS and Type S badge for WRX STI
While there's no traditional flat-four warble certain Subaru character traits shine through, including the tightly sprung and bobbly ride and low front scuttle framing excellent forward visibility, the back of the bonnet scoop always in view.
Frankly that CVT limits the appeal outside of Japan but the other variant launched alongside it, the WRX STI Type S, is one that might in another age have attracted the grey import brigade. With that fizzier 2.0-litre engine, a set of rather tasty forged BBS wheels and upgraded Bilstein dampers it seems like the wait has been worth it for the Japanese Subaru faithful. 308hp at a feisty 6,800rpm and 311lb ft of torque at 4,400 say much about its character, our 2.5 doing 300hp at 6,000rpm and 300lb ft at 4,200rpm. At least ours still burbles, the JDM cars smoother with their equal length headers but a little less charismatic.
Sadly that one remained in the glitzy new Tokyo showroom and wasn't allowed out to play but the chance to have a quick spin in the S4 wasn't to be sniffed at. A little bit quirky and seemingly oddly positioned in the very small niche between the standard WRX and the full-blown STI it seems to be the one Subaru thinks hits the spot for the domestic market. Which is why there it will remain.
SUBARU WRX S4
Engine: 1,998cc flat-4 turbo
Transmission: 'Sport Lineartronic' CVT, four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 300@5,600rpm
Torque (lb ft): 295@2,000-4,800rpm
0-62mph: N/A
Top speed: N/A
Weight: N/A
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
Price: Go on, guess ... yes, N/A