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The latest Subaru WRX may not have the same widespread acclaim as previous models, but it offers several reasons to take it for a spin, particularly as a more “mature” sports sedan. For one, the WRX remains one of the few vehicles in the U.S. that still provides a manual transmission as a standard feature, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy the art of gear shifting without an additional cost. Additionally, Subaru adds a unique touch to the experience by offering a retro CD player, conveniently housed under the armrest of the center console.
While there is an additional cost, the nostalgia and enjoyment that comes from unwrapping a new CD is invaluable. Subaru charges $375 plus installation for the WRX’s “CD Player Kit.” Notably, this CD player requires users to load discs vertically, a departure from the traditional horizontal slot-loading systems that once dominated the automotive market.
Subaru
Interestingly, the additional kit costs $75 more if installed in an automatic—or Subaru Performance Transmission—equipped WRX. This may suggest that the installation process is more complicated with the CVT shifter. Regardless of the reasoning, it’s amusing that the combination of a vintage feature pairs better with a traditional powertrain.
Subaru’s CD player resembles an optical drive from older computers, but the company’s commitment to maintaining this format is commendable. Although the price of $375 to $450 seems high for a simple device, it might be economical in the long run since retrofitting a CD player later could be more expensive or challenging. New car owners typically have little motivation to alter their infotainment systems dominated by CarPlay and Android Auto, unless there’s a malfunction in the head unit. In fact, one could argue that omitting a CD player enhances the reliability of a car’s media system by reducing the number of moving components.
Despite this, many enthusiasts still purchase CDs, whether for enjoyment on older or newer systems, or to digitize and store them in personal music collections. (In fact, Sony continues to produce the Walkman despite the ongoing digital transformation in music consumption.) Some opt for CDs to support their favorite artists, while others prefer to avoid the costs of streaming subscriptions. The higher sound quality of CDs is an added bonus. Recently, vinyl records have been outselling CDs in the United States, as noted by The Verge, but the traditional CD format remains competitive in several global markets. According to reports, Japan is one such market, which likely explains Subaru’s decision to keep the WRX’s CD player available.
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