Driver Monitoring System

Subaru tackles driver distraction and fatigue with a Driver Monitoring System – Driver Focus (DMS)¹on select variants. This innovative system constantly monitors the driver's attention to help reduce the chance of accidents. The advanced DMS¹ses near infrared LEDs and a camera to recognise when the driver’s attention is waning or if they are showing signs of drowsiness. An alert will then warn the driver, reminding them to refocus on the road ahead.

The system's intelligent facial recognition can identify five separate drivers and then automatically personalise the cabin to their preferences – adjusting the climate control and Multi-Information Display (MID) unit screen. Selected variants also automatically adjust the driver's seat and door mirror position². While the Subaru WRX AWD tS and WRX Sportswagon AWD tS have the added feature of Drive Mode Select memory function.

Subaru WRX AWD RS shown

1. Driver Monitoring System (DMS) not available on Subaru WRX AWD standard manual and Sport Lineartronic® transmission. Driver Monitoring System performance and capability dependent on environmental and technical conditions. Refer to Owner's Manual for full details.

2. Auto door mirror adjustment and Auto driver seat adjustment only available on Subaru WRX AWD RS Sport Lineartronic®, WRX AWD tS Sport Lineartronic®, WRX Sportswagon AWD GT and WRX Sportswagon AWD tS.

EyeSight®Driver Assist

The latest generation EyeSight® Driver Assist¹system is a world-renowned preventative safety system, that uses high resolution stereo colour cameras that can recognise potential dangers and obstacles ahead. Now even more attentive, the range of features provide warnings, plus braking and steering intervention that is designed to help reduce driver burden, prevent accidents and save lives.

Latest features on Subaru WRX include Lane Centring Function that works with Adaptive Cruise Control to provide assistance to maintain position in the detected lane. Speed Sign Recognition which displays the detected speed limit for the driver, while the Intelligent Speed Limiter can automatically set the speed limiter to detected limit. Other features also include Autonomous Emergency Steering and Emergency Lane Keep Assist.

Other primary functions include - Pre-Collision Braking System, Lane Departure Warning, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lead Vehicle Start Alert, Lane Departure Prevention and Lane Sway Warning.

Subaru WRX manual transmission variants are not equipped with Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Speed Limiter and Intelligent Speed Limiter EyeSight® features. Refer to Owner’s Manual for full details.

Subaru's Vision Assist

A smart driving companion to have on your side, Subaru's Vision Assist uses radar technology and embedded cameras to detect vehicles and obstacles you can't see – giving drivers a greater awareness of the world around them. Vision Assist is fitted as standard and when combined with EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology¹ on selected variants it empowers drivers with a sixth sense to support preventative safety.

Maximum Visibility

Part of Subaru's primary safety philosophy includes maximising driver visibility which informed the design of the Subaru WRX, with improvements to the visibility around the A-pillar and C-pillar blind spots. This helps drivers to detect potential dangers quickly and easily, especially when driving around tight corners or navigating busy carparks.

And while Subaru can't control every variable on the road, the inclusion of eight SRS¹ airbags in the Subaru WRX, including the front passenger seat cushion airbag, can help reduce the possibility of serious injury in the event of a serious accident.

1. SRS: Supplemental Restraint System. Effective when used in conjunction with seatbelts

Subaru Global Platform

Subaru WRX in underpinned by the carefully engineered body structure and Subaru Global Platform, including the ring-shaped passenger safety cell that cocoons occupants and has been designed to absorb and direct the impact of a collision around the cabin, rather than through it. While the chassis structure has been engineered to include crushable zones, absorbing collision energy to effectively protect passengers.

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for tenacious grip

One of the core performance features of the Subaru WRX has always been Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Refined through decades of rally experience, this configuration delivers innate balance from the ground up while driving optimal engine power to all four wheels for enhanced traction on all types of surfaces. With simultaneous power distribution Subaru WRX boasts twice the grip capacity, compared to conventional vehicles, resulting in better balance, stability and superior handling confidence. While the EyeSight® Driver Assist system¹, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) features a range of stability and braking technologies which step in to help maintain driver and passenger safety.

Want to learn more about Subaru's AWD? Check out this article from one Subaru's ambassador, Molly Taylor.

Preventing accidents

Subaru's Preventative Safety principle strives to prevent accidents by detecting potential dangers on the road in advance and acting accordingly using our suite of advanced safety technologies. A combination of front and side cameras¹, and a reversing camera, are constantly on the look out to help keep you safe on the road, to reduce blind spots and to also protect pedestrians.

1. Front View Monitor and Side View Monitor not available on Subaru WRX AWD manual or Sport Lineartronic® and WRX Sportswagon AWD