The Evolution of the Subaru Impreza WRX: Rally Spirit for the Road
Born in the forests of the World Rally Championship and perfected on winding back roads, the Subaru Impreza WRX has long delivered turbocharged performance, all-wheel-drive grip, and everyday usability. With rally legends like Colin McRae behind the wheel, the WRX earned global respect throughout the ’90s and 2000s. Here’s how Subaru’s most iconic performance car has evolved over the years.
GC8 WRX (1992–2000) – The Rally Icon is Born
Launched in 1992, the original GC8 WRX offered a 2.0L turbocharged flat-four, all-wheel drive, and a practical four-door layout. Japanese models had around 237 bhp, while other markets saw slightly detuned versions. The WRX STI, introduced in 1994, brought forged internals, upgraded suspension, and rally-grade tuning. The WRX gained cult status thanks to its WRC success and a certain blue-and-gold livery.
GDA WRX (2000–2002) – The Bugeye Era
The first of the second-generation WRX models, the GDA “bugeye” had round headlights and a curvier, more modern shape. It introduced a stiffer chassis, improved safety, and more refinement, while power remained around 218–250 bhp depending on region and trim. While initially divisive in styling, the GDA platform laid the groundwork for a new generation of performance.
GDB WRX (2002–2007) – Sharpening the Edge
The GDB brought subtle but important improvements. Facelifts gave it “blobeye” (2003–2005) and later “hawkeye” (2006–2007) front-end styling, while mechanical updates refined handling and responsiveness. STI versions came with DCCD (Driver Controlled Centre Differential), Brembo brakes, and a robust EJ207 engine in JDM models, producing up to 276 bhp and offering serious performance on both road and rally stage.
GE/GH/GR/GV WRX (2007–2014) – Hatchback and Heavier
The third-gen WRX moved to a softer, more rounded design, and introduced a five-door hatchback as the main body style. Early models were criticised for feeling watered down, but Subaru responded with stiffer suspension and more power in later versions. The STI hatchback, with its wide body and rally DNA, still had plenty of performance cred, especially in GRB form with over 300 bhp.
VA WRX (2014–2021) – Back to the Saloon
Subaru split the WRX from the Impreza nameplate and returned to a saloon-only layout. The standard WRX featured a new 2.0L direct-injected turbo flat-four (268 bhp), while the STI retained the older 2.5L EJ25 (300+ bhp). While fast and capable, this generation was starting to show its age in terms of interior and tech, even as its core driving experience remained solid.
VB WRX (2022–Present) – A New Era
The current WRX rides on Subaru’s Global Platform, with improved stiffness, ride quality and refinement. Power comes from a 2.4L turbocharged flat-four with 271 bhp, and it's still paired with a six-speed manual (or a CVT for automatic versions). Styling has been divisive, with plastic cladding and more aggressive lines, but it’s still a WRX at heart. There’s no STI version—at least for now—as Subaru has paused development of petrol-only STIs in favour of future electrification.
From the rally stages of the '90s to today’s tarmac-focused turbo saloon, the WRX has always been about accessible performance, everyday practicality, and unmistakable character. Whether you're a fan of the raw GC8, the aggressive blobeye, or the modern WRX’s grown-up feel, there’s a generation for everyone. Which one’s your favourite? Let us know in the comments.