Joseph Weaver Key Takeaways
- Subaru has not officially announced the return of the WRX hatchback, but rumors suggest that it may make a comeback in the near future.
- The WRX hatchback was discontinued after the 2014 model year, but it remains a beloved model among enthusiasts.
- The demand for hatchbacks has been increasing in recent years, which could be a factor in Subaru’s decision to bring back the WRX hatchback.
- It’s important to take rumors and speculation with a grain of salt and wait for official announcements from Subaru.
Subaru is a brand that’s known for its practicality, reliability, and all-wheel drive performance. Its WRX model is a popular choice among car enthusiasts who want a sporty and fun-to-drive sedan that can handle a variety of driving conditions. However, there’s one version of the WRX that fans have been clamoring for: the hatchback.
The WRX hatchback was discontinued after the 2014 model year, much to the disappointment of its loyal fans. However, rumors have been swirling that Subaru may be bringing the hatchback back. In this article, we’ll explore the possibility of the WRX hatchback’s return and what it could mean for car enthusiasts.
The History of the WRX Hatchback
The Subaru WRX has been around since the late 1990s, but it wasn’t until the 2002 model year that the hatchback version was introduced. The WRX hatchback quickly became a popular choice among car enthusiasts thanks to its practicality and performance.
Over the years, the WRX hatchback underwent a few design changes and updates. The third-generation WRX hatchback, which was introduced in 2008, featured a wider body and a more aggressive front-end design. It also had a larger cargo area than previous models, making it a practical choice for those who wanted a sporty car that could also haul groceries and gear.
Despite its popularity, the WRX hatchback was discontinued after the 2014 model year. Subaru cited a lack of demand for the model as the reason for its discontinuation. However, many fans of the hatchback were disappointed by the news and have been hoping for its return ever since.
Why the WRX Hatchback Might Make a Comeback
While Subaru has not officially announced the return of the WRX hatchback, there are several reasons why it could make a comeback in the near future.
Firstly, the demand for hatchbacks has been increasing in recent years. According to a report by Car and Driver, hatchbacks accounted for 15.5% of new car sales in 2020, up from 12.5% in 2015. This suggests that there is a growing market for hatchbacks, which could be a factor in Subaru’s decision to bring back the WRX hatchback.
Secondly, the competition in the performance car market is fierce. Rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf R and the Honda Civic Type R offer hatchback versions of their popular performance models, giving customers more options to choose from. By bringing back the WRX hatchback, Subaru could gain an edge in this competitive market and attract more customers.
Finally, Subaru has a history of listening to its customers. The brand is known for its dedicated fan base, and it often takes customer feedback into consideration when making decisions. If enough customers express a desire for the WRX hatchback to return, Subaru may be more likely to make it happen.
The Rumors Surrounding the WRX Hatchback’s Return
While there’s no official word from Subaru on the return of the WRX hatchback, there have been several rumors and reports that suggest it may be in the works.
In 2019, Subaru of America President and CEO Tom Doll hinted in an interview with Autoblog that the WRX hatchback could make a comeback. Doll stated that Subaru was "always looking at" the possibility of bringing back the hatchback, but that it would depend on the demand for the model.
More recently, a report from Japan’s Best Car Web claimed that Subaru is planning to release a new WRX hatchback in 2022. According to the report, the new WRX hatchback will be based on the recently redesigned Impreza and will feature a more powerful engine than the previous model.
While these rumors are exciting for fans of the WRX hatchback, it’s important to take them with a grain of salt. Until Subaru makes an official announcement, it’s impossible to know for sure whether or not the hatchback will return.
What a Return Could Mean for Car Enthusiasts
If the WRX hatchback does make a comeback, it would be a big win for car enthusiasts who have been clamoring for its return. The hatchback version of the WRX was beloved for its practicality and performance, and its return would likely be met with enthusiasm from fans.
In addition, the return of the WRX hatchback could signal a renewed focus on performance for Subaru. While the brand has always been known for its all-wheel drive performance, some enthusiasts have felt that recent models have strayed too far from their performance roots. The return of the WRX hatchback could be a sign that Subaru is listening to its customers and refocusing on performance.
Ultimately, the return of the WRX hatchback would be a welcome addition to the Subaru lineup. However, it’s important to remember that nothing has been confirmed yet. Fans will have to wait for official word from Subaru to know for sure whether or not the hatchback will make a comeback.
FAQ
Will the WRX hatchback be returning to Subaru’s lineup?
While there have been rumors and reports suggesting that the WRX hatchback may be returning, Subaru has not made an official announcement on the matter. It’s important to take rumors with a grain of salt and wait for official word from Subaru.
Why was the WRX hatchback discontinued?
Subaru cited a lack of demand for the WRX hatchback as the reason for its discontinuation.
What could the return of the WRX hatchback mean for Subaru?
The return of the WRX hatchback could signal a renewed focus on performance for Subaru and could attract more customers to the brand.
