Subaru WRX S4: The S4 Is Now... A Subaru?
We have just seen the next iteration of the S4. However, it is not an Audi, even if the German manufacturer has used the name for the last 23 years. It will be a Subaru.
According to the Japanese manufacturer, S4 means Sports performance, Safety performance, Smart driving and Sophisticated feel. Under that fancy description, the car is a modified WRX.
First of all, the WRX S4 gains an appreciable power gain, now boasting 296 ponies. This cavalry is sent to the four wheels via a CVT automatic transmission. Purists may be enraged by this decision, but it is important to note that, according to our testers, it is one of the least bad of its genre.
The chassis is then firmed up, as is the suspension. The engineers also improved the electric power steering and the driving mode selector over the standard WRX. The S4 is also longer by an inch, giving the rear occupants some legroom.
Inside, there is a flat-bottomed steering wheel, leather seats with contrasting stitching and decorative carbon fibre accents. The Subaru is also equipped with the EyeSight system, which can detect an oncoming collision and veer to avoid it.
Sadly, this S4 will only be available in Japan… at least for now.