Verdict
The WRX choice is not about power: both use the 2,387 cc turbo flat-four with 271 hp, 375 Nm and all-wheel drive, and both keep the same 411-litre boot. The RM10,000 gap buys the CVT’s active safety suite, adaptive cruise, rear air vents and 10-way memory driver’s seat, but it also adds 30 kg. If you want the more involving WRX, the 6MT is the clean answer; if you sit in traffic often, the CVT is the easier daily.
Pick the Subaru WRX 6MT if you want the six-speed manual, lower price and lighter kerb weight more than the CVT’s extra safety and comfort kit.
Pick the Subaru WRX CVT if you want the easier automatic WRX with autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control, rear AC vents and the power memory driver’s seat.
Key differences
- Transmission: 6-speed manual in the WRX 6MT; Lineartronic CVT in the WRX CVT
- Kerb weight: 1,510 kg in the WRX 6MT; 1,540 kg in the WRX CVT
- Autonomous braking: — in the WRX 6MT; Yes in the WRX CVT
- Cruise control: Passive Cruise Control in the WRX 6MT; Adaptive Cruise Control in the WRX CVT
- Front seats: Manual Adjustment in the WRX 6MT; 10-way power driver’s seat with memory plus manual passenger seat in the WRX CVT
- Rear air-con: — in the WRX 6MT; rear AC vents in the WRX CVT
6MT
- Costs RM10,000 less
- Six-speed manual gives the driver the direct gearbox choice
- 30 kg lighter than the CVT
- No autonomous braking or collision warning versus the CVT
- No adaptive cruise control; it has passive cruise control
- Manual front seats instead of the CVT’s 10-way power driver’s seat with memory
CVT
- Adds autonomous braking, collision warning and lane-keeping warning
- Adaptive cruise control instead of passive cruise control
- Rear AC vents plus a 10-way power driver’s seat with memory
- Costs RM10,000 more
- 30 kg heavier at 1,540 kg
- No six-speed manual; it uses the Lineartronic CVT
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM286,245✓ | RM296,245 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM767 | RM767 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with turbocharger, variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC with turbocharger, variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 2,387 cc | 2,387 cc |
| Horsepower | 271 hp | 271 hp |
| Torque | 375 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 94 mm | 94 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.6 | 10.6 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6-speed manual | Lineartronic CVT |
| Gears | 6 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Subaru | Subaru |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,669 mm | 4,669 mm |
| Width | 1,826 mm | 1,826 mm |
| Height | 1,468 mm | 1,468 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,672 mm | 2,672 mm |
| Weight | 1,510 kg | 1,540 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 63 litres | 63 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 411 litres | 411 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/40R18 | 245/40R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/40R18 | 245/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600A | Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600A |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 18" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Front, side, curtain, driver's knee airbags | Front, side, curtain, driver's knee airbags |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 three-point | 5 three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available for two rear passenger seats | Available for two rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Power Adjustable 10-way Driver's Seat with Memory, Manual Adjustable Front Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 split folding | 60:40 split folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear AC vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 3 Front USB | 1 Front, 3 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Driver's side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Entry | Keyless Entry |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
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6MT vs CVT FAQ
Is the Subaru WRX 6MT or Subaru WRX CVT better?
The Subaru WRX CVT is better for daily use because it adds autonomous braking, collision warning, adaptive cruise, rear AC vents and a power memory driver’s seat. The Subaru WRX 6MT is better if the manual gearbox matters more than that kit.
What is the price difference?
The Subaru WRX CVT costs RM10,000 more than the Subaru WRX 6MT.
Do both versions have the same engine and boot space?
Yes. Both use a 2,387 cc turbocharged flat-four petrol engine with 271 hp and 375 Nm, all-wheel drive and a 411-litre boot.
