We officially promise that we will stop referring to limited-run Subaru WRX models as farewells to the iconic ICE rally-around performance sedan.
Subaru NZ is a master at creating small-batch specials like this new WRX Todoroki, which does have one really big USP: it's based on the manual-transmission entry-level Rex that isn't otherwise available here.
So despite other extras like special steering and suspension tune, 19-inch wheels with Bridgestone Potenza S007 tyres, Brembo brakes front and rear, a big "STI-style" (Subaru's words) rear wing and Recaro front seats, the Todoroki is $64,990 - $3k cheaper than the standard WRX tS automatic.
That's the good news. The bad news is that there are only 10 Todoroki ("roar" or "well-known") models available, all in WR Blue, each numbered with a special key box. Subaru NZ is also throwing in a $1000 STI watch for all buyers, although there's isn't a whiff of an STI badge anywhere on the car.
The whole thing is being pitched as a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the WRX. We're quite surprised at how much global coverage this model has received, with overseas media outlets lamenting the fact that the factory has made NZ a special WRX that you can't get anywhere else.
We'd say steady on, people. Subaru NZ has been doing this for years: take a factory WRX, add a particular combination of factory options with your own badge (Todoroki has a special kanji graphic on the bootlid) and voila, you have a "special edition".
It did the same with the WRX Aka in 2023 (meaning "red", also available in manual and it actually did have some STI bits), the genuine STI Saigo ("last or final", and it was) in 2021, WRX Saigo in 2020 and winding back the clock a bit more, Blizzard and Nemesis (both 2013), Crouching Tiger and Ace of Spaces (both 2012).
You get the picture. Is it all a bit cynical? Maybe, but it's also a bit of fun for keen Kiwi buyers and there seems to be an appetite for this kind of thing, otherwise Subaru NZ wouldn't keep doing it.
Todoroki is arguably one of the more interesting ones, which has a bit to do with timing: it's manual-only (Aka was a 50/50 split), which is a real novelty in 2024 when three-pedal cars are an endangered species.
The massive advance in automatic technology, including Subaru's own continuously variable transmission (Subaru Lineartronic), means the WRX manual is more about nostalgia and driver-involvement than superior performance. The automatic feels faster and it is, while having the audacity to be substantially more economical (9.5l/100km versus 11l/100km).
With the manual, you have to battle a slightly laggy takeoff in town and the classically crunchy WRX gearchange, but it still feels right to shift your own gears in a WRX.
The steering and suspension have been sharpened up, but not at the cost of ride comfort; the WRX has always been good at that kind of day-to-day/dynamic balance and the Todoroki is no exception. The Brembo brakes provide impressive stopping power, too.
There's little doubt that the Todoroki will appeal to Subaru fans of a certain age and there's nothing wrong with that. If a manual WRX is your thing, the chassis and brake upgrades make this one of the better ones. And if you've missed out, don't worry... there will likely be something similar coming along later.
What are the key statistics for the Subaru WRX Todoroki?
Same engine as the standard WRX: a 2.4-litre turbo-four with 202kW/350Nm, but the Todoroki has a 6-speed manual transmission - something not otherwise currently available in the WRX for NZ. Other key mechanical changes include unique suspension tune and Brembo brakes.
Is the Subaru WRX Todoroki efficient?
Nobody ever accused a performance Subaru of being thrifty. Subaru NZ doesn't quote a specific figure for the Todoroki, but delve into the Government Rightcar ratings and you'll see 11l/100km for a manual WRX of this generation; the continuously variable automatic version actually does much better at 9.5l/100km.
Is the Subaru WRX Todoroki good to drive?
It's a bit old-school in some ways: minor turbo-lag and a clunky manual gearchange. But both are kind of WRX tradition. Dynamically the WRX is still hugely impressive, with great AWD and a nicely judged ride/handling balance. When you're able to bring it all together, it's really satisfying to drive on a winding road.
Is the Subaru WRX Todoroki practical?
It's one of the few remaining mainstream sedans on the market, so if that's your thing the Subaru is a spacious example of the genre. If it's not, don't forget Subaru still sells the WRX in wagon form (although you can't have a Todoroki/manual one of those).
What do we like about the Subaru WRX Todoroki?
It looks pretty smart in WR Blue with all the black cladding of the latest WRX. It's still a nice balance of performance and handling and there's a fair bit of nostalgia value in the whole package. Are you listening, kids?
What don’t we like about the Subaru WRX Todoroki?
It doesn't feel that fast in these days of EVs and highly responsive automatic transmissions; the manual shift isn't that smooth, either. That huge wing is... matter of taste.
What kind of person would the Subaru WRX Todoroki suit?
Somebody's who's keen on a version of the current WRX that's collectible. Or somebody who remembers the glory days of the "Impreza" WRX and is attracted to the nostalgia of WR Blue and that three-pedal transmission.
