Attention WRX fans, New Zealand is in for a rare, red-hot Subaru WRX special edition release, with ten 2.4T AKAs available from late May 2023.
This version of Subaru’s much-loved performance model takes its name from the Japanese word for red - AKA – and it is only available to the New Zealand market.
Subaru of New Zealand have a limited total of ten red WRXs. Five of the WRX 2.4T AKAs will have a 6-speed manual transmission and the other five will have the Subaru Performance Transmission (automatic).
The WRX 2.4T AKA is an exciting opportunity for performance car enthusiasts, and considering the way the automotive market is changing, these may be some of the last manuals available in New Zealand.
The brand’s New Zealand Managing Director Wallis Dumper says this WRX will represent iconic Subaru history.
“Just like the Saigo (which translates from Japanese as the last) WRX, and Saigo STI limited edition models that were released in 2020 and 2021 respectively, these AKA WRXs won’t be made again. We only have ten limited edition models, which means they will be solely available to those who act fast.”
The Subaru WRX 2.4T AKA has a Recommended Retail Price (RRP) of $59,990,* and features the following additional specification:
- STI 18” black alloy wheels
- Sports bucket seats
- STI body kit (front, side and rear)
- Sports mesh grille
- STI strut brace
- STI gear shifter
- STI push button start
- Black WRX badge and limited-edition AKA badging
- STI cross drilled rotors (front only for manual)
- Presentation key box and numbered limited edition keyring (e.g. 1/10, 2/10)
While some of the WRX 2.4T AKA STI parts are purely aesthetic, other additional features also provide performance benefits. The STI strut brace provides extra stiffness between the strut towers which enables better handling and stability when cornering, ensuring less body roll.
The STI cross drilled rotors ensure the brake pads and rotor surfaces remain clean and clear of dirt, and moisture. This increases brake bite and helps keep the brake performance in tip-top shape.
The sports bucket seats not only add to the performance car vibes, they also provide great support and stabilisation for the driver’s and passenger’s bodies.
The presentation key box includes a limited-edition numbered keyring and has moulded compartments akin to a jewellery box for the AKA owner’s key and spare.
Mr Dumpers says the Subaru WRX 2.4T AKA offers “huge bang for buck.”
“We have priced this special edition model competitively and truly believe there is nothing else on the market that can deliver on performance, price, and spec like the WRX 2.4T AKA does.”
“The current WRX starts from $59,990* and was recently awarded New Zealand Autocar magazine’s 2022 Car of the Year ‘Best Bang for Buck’ accolade. For the same price and with the addition of up to ten extra features, worth thousands of dollars, the AKA limited edition WRX model represents extremely good value for money,” Mr Dumper says.
He recommends WRX enthusiasts act quickly before the increase in Clear Car Discount fees take effect on July 1st.
“The government has revised the Clean Car Discount fee which will see the WRX attract several thousand dollars more for the customer to pay at the point of registration. To avoid paying these extra fees, the WRX AKA must be registered before July 1st,” he says.
Fortune has favoured some of the recent Subaru WRX limited edition model owners where these models have appreciated over time, adding even more appeal to buyers.
Mr Dumper adds: “We have also witnessed just how highly collectors of special Subaru models prized our limited-edition cars when we rapidly sold out of the Saigo WRXs and STIs. Then we saw their values skyrocket over the course of a year, as they were resold to Kiwis keen to capitalise on their rarity.”
Over the years several WRX STI limited-edition models have hit the market, such as the 400 WRX 22B STI Subarus made globally, along with variants like the S202. The 22B STI achieved legendary status, which was demonstrated recently, when an immaculate version, stamped with the serial number 156 out of 400, sold for over $430,000.
Mr Dumper believes the special edition WRX models’ popularity is based on these rally-bred Subarus being so well ingrained in the brand’s performance history. First launched in 1994, the WRX STI brought rally-proven technology to the masses, with the turbocharged Subaru Boxer engine coupled with the Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD) and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive engineering prowess.
The WRX became a popular rally car of choice both here and overseas, with a Subaru WRX STI winning the New Zealand Rally Championship in 2019, and a Subaru Impreza WRX winning it in 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015.
The latest generation WRX features the new aggressively aerodynamic design, new driver and front passenger bucket seats, and an 11.6” infotainment centre. Its safety credentials include the fourth generation EyeSight® clever crash avoidance technology in Subaru Performance Transmission models - all of which can be found in the WRX AKA limited edition model.
To find out more about the WRX 2.4T AKA visit: www.subaru.co.nz/wrxaka
To secure yours before they sell out, contact your nearest Authorised Subaru Centre: www.subaru.co.nz/dealer
*Subaru WRX 2.4T AKA is available to order from Authorised Subaru Centres only. Only 10 (five Subaru Performance Transmission and five 6-Speed manual) limited edition sedans are available in colour Ignition Red. Any resale or conditions of sale set out or indicated herein are a recommended price only (RRP). RRP is $59,990 including GST and excluding on-road costs, accessories, and Clean Car Discount (CCD) fee which is subject to change at any time. The indicative fee indicated by the NZTA government website advises the fee for the 2022 WRX 2.4T AKA is $1,610 for the Subaru Performance Transmission Auto and $3,738 for the 6 Speed manual. The final fee will be advised prior to the vehicle delivery. Visit www.subaru.co.nz/CCP to find out more about CCD fees. WRX 2.4T AKA must be registered before July 1st 2023 to avoid paying the new CCD fee increase. Only available while stocks last.
Catherine Pattison
Public Relations
Subaru of New Zealand
M +64 (0)27 44 55 389
E catherine.pattison@subaru.co.nz
subaru.co.nz
