It’s Time For The Subaru WRX Sedan To Ride Off Into The Sunset
Is it time for the 2024 Subaru WRX sedan to be put to rest? Put to rest permanently. There's an interesting image of the Subaru WRX riding off into the sunset from Subaru, Canada. I would say it could be a good idea now, but before I explain why, here is what Subaru had in mind.
The WRX riding off into the sunset is not what Subaru Canada had in mind when it posted the image on its Facebook page. It was meant to celebrate sunsets. Subaru Canada says, "We want to see your sunset pics to celebrate the sun. Share your #SubarusAndSunsets photos in the comments!"
What Are The WRX Trends Now?
I've written extensively about why Subaru needs to bring back the WRX hatchback. I recently wrote about its dismal sales, which have been on a downward slide for nine consecutive months. Now, after the April sales report from Subaru of America, WRX sales have decreased ten months in a row. That's significant.
WRX Fans Send Direct Message To Subaru @SubaruReport @torquenewsautohttps://t.co/LydUvKPX3n#subaru #wrx #subaruwrx #wrxsti #sti #subarusti pic.twitter.com/b5VZ4IXRlY
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) April 8, 2024
Subaru of America reports that the WRX sold 1,886 performance sports cars in April, compared with 2,667 models in April 2023. The WRX performance sedan decreased 29.3 percent in April, and for the first four months of 2024, the WRX dropped 38.8 percent, the most of any Subaru model.
The WRX Has Decreased Ten Consecutive Months.
- April 2024 -29.3%
- March 2024 -38.9%
- February 2024 -46.3%
- January 2024 -41.6%
- December 2023 -37.1%
- November 2023 -37.3%
- October 2023 -14.7%
- September 2023 -2.7%
- August 2023 -27.2%
- July 2023 -25.1%
Ok, So What Does The WRX Need?
Let's review where the WRX has been. Subaru performance enthusiasts remember when it was the Impreza WRX. Subaru dropped the Impreza name from WRX in 2015, which was a good move for Subaru. The same year, the Japanese automaker dropped the WRX hatchback. I would say that was not a good decision.
The current WRX is underperforming, as the sales numbers validate. So, something needs to change. I'm not advocating for Subaru to drop the WRX like they did the Legacy sedan. I am saying that Subaru Corporation needs to drop the sedan and bring back the WRX hatchback.
Subaru dropped the Impreza sedan from the lineup and went with a hatchback-only on all trim levels. They need to do the same with the WRX.
Giving the WRX a hatchback body style would create a buzz around the performance car that would last for years. A hot WRX hatch would increase sales and provide the WRX with new life.
What Subaru Doesn’t Want You To Know About The WRX @SubaruReport @AllSubaru @torquenewsautohttps://t.co/TGazFnRYkC#subaru #wrx #subaruwrx #sti #wrxsti pic.twitter.com/IgI0UxoALX
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) March 10, 2024
The WRX Sedan Is Old
The hatch offers more utility, and it's sportier than the sedan. Sedans are out as more buyers choose the crossovers and hatch models. But the WRX is still in the dark ages with a sedan body style.
It's precisely what Subaru of America needs to ask Subaru Corporate for—an all-new 2025 WRX hatchback body style. Subaru needs to drop the WRX sedan.
IT'S YOUR TURN
What about you? Would you like to see Subaru Corporation bring back the WRX hatch? Should the Japanese automaker drop the WRX sedan? Click on the red Add new comment below and let us know what you think.
Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed the Subaru WRX story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.
I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News and Subaru reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time. Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!
Please leave your comments below, share the article with friends, and post X to your followers!
photo credit: Subaru