Verdict
The RM10,000 step from the Subaru WRX 6MT to the Subaru WRX CVT buys far more than an automatic transmission. Both have 271 hp, 375 Nm and all-wheel drive, but the CVT adds autonomous braking, collision warning, adaptive cruise control, rear air-con vents and a 10-way memory driver’s seat. It is also 30 kg heavier at 1,540 kg. Choose the 6MT for the lower entry price and six-speed manual; for daily Malaysian use, the CVT’s safety and convenience kit justifies its extra cost.
Pick the Subaru WRX 6MT if you want the six-speed manual and would rather keep RM10,000 in your pocket.
Pick the Subaru WRX CVT if autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control and a power memory driver’s seat matter more than a manual gearbox.
Key differences
- Price: Subaru WRX 6MT RM286,245; Subaru WRX CVT RM296,245.
- Transmission: Subaru WRX 6MT six-speed manual; Subaru WRX CVT Lineartronic CVT automatic with paddle shifts.
- Kerb weight: Subaru WRX 6MT 1,510 kg; Subaru WRX CVT 1,540 kg.
- Autonomous braking: Subaru WRX 6MT no; Subaru WRX CVT yes.
- Cruise control: Subaru WRX 6MT passive; Subaru WRX CVT adaptive.
- Driver’s seat: Subaru WRX 6MT manual adjustment; Subaru WRX CVT 10-way power adjustment with memory.
6MT
- RM10,000 lower purchase price.
- Six-speed manual transmission.
- 30 kg lighter at 1,510 kg.
- No autonomous braking or collision warning.
- Passive rather than adaptive cruise control.
- No rear air-con vents or driver’s-seat memory.
CVT
- Autonomous braking and collision warning.
- Adaptive cruise control, paddle shifts and Tiptronic control.
- 10-way power driver’s seat with memory plus rear air-con vents.
- Costs RM10,000 more.
- 30 kg heavier than the 6MT.
- CVT replaces the 6MT’s manual gearbox.
| 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 at 5,600 rpm | 271 hp at 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 375 Nm at 2,000 rpm | 375 Nm at 2,000 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Boxer 4 | Boxer 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 94 mm × 86 mm | 94 mm × 86 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 | 7 (Front, side, curtain, driver's knee airbags) | 7 (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.
Used cars for sale
6MT vs CVT FAQ
Is the Subaru WRX 6MT or Subaru WRX CVT better?
The Subaru WRX CVT is the better-equipped choice, adding autonomous braking, collision warning, adaptive cruise control, rear vents and a power memory driver’s seat. The Subaru WRX 6MT is the pick only if the manual gearbox and lower price are your priorities.
What is the price difference?
The Subaru WRX CVT costs RM10,000 more than the Subaru WRX 6MT: RM296,245 versus RM286,245.
Does the Subaru WRX CVT have more power than the 6MT?
No. Both produce 271 hp at 5,600 rpm and 375 Nm at 2,000 rpm from a 2,387 cc turbocharged boxer-four, and both use all-wheel drive. The key mechanical difference is the six-speed manual versus Lineartronic CVT transmission.
