2015 Winner: Subaru 2.0L Turbocharged DOHC H-4

Few people would argue the downsizing trend has yielded a bunch of uninspired, underpowered 4-cyl. engines. They’re generally pretty good.

But one editor, struggling to mentally sort the 15 turbo-4s we drove for Ward’s 10 Best Engines over the past two months, rightly notes it can be hard to tell them apart.

Not true for the 2.0L turbocharged “FA” boxer 4-cyl. in the Subaru WRX, which introduces an uncommon sense of immediacy to the turbo-4 experience. The WRX’s rally-car pedigree shines through like a klieg light as the engine provides seemingly instant neck-snapping gratification at step-off. Turbo lag? Not here.

We tested this 2.0L turbo last year when it was new in the Forester CUV, but it comes back to us with an extra 18 hp in a sporty new application, which means an impressive specific output of 134 hp/L.

The WRX version features lots of fresh content intended to extend the performance envelope, including new camshafts, valves, rocker arms, cam sprockets and electronic controller. Plus, valve springs have been re-engineered to accommodate higher revving.

The refreshed engine now redlines at 6,700 rpm (with 6-speed manual transmission), instead of 6,000 rpm in the Forester. And torque peak lasts longer in the WRX – from 2,000 to 5,200 rpm, instead of 4,800 rpm in the Forester. The changes allow the WRX to develop its peak power using 15.9 psi (1 bar) turbo boost, rather than 17.1 psi (1.1 bar) in the Forester.

Compared with last year’s Forester, the WRX is 355 lbs. (161 kg) lighter and $6,500 cheaper. It sounds much more emotive, thanks to a new exhaust system that eliminates one chamber in the muffler and shortens the internal tubing. The giant scoop on the hood pulls in more air to help the intercooler do its job.

We seem to say this about a lot of honored powertrains, and it’s particularly true for the WRX: Reducing friction and curb weight while improving NVH and amping up the output is the most direct path to success. A truly holistic approach sets the stage for a great engine to do its job.

With a little work of the right foot and aggressive cycling through the 6-speed manual transmission, the FA turbo’s pleasure point is always close at hand.

The turbocharger really gets working at 2,500 rpm and pulls even harder through 4,000 rpm. At this point, a Subaru engine of the past might sound raspy and taxed. Not the new FA turbo. It seems to be enjoying the ride.

But wait, there’s more. The boxer delivers on the promise so many turbo-4s make but fail to achieve, that of ample power but equally outstanding fuel economy. Some editors registered an outstanding 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km) while exploring the powerband.

This fleet-footed boxer steps into the ring with fire in its eyes.

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