Verdict
The WRX VB is the more focused new-generation choice: its 2,387 cc boxer four makes 271 hp and 375 Nm, up 7 hp and 25 Nm on the GJ’s 1,998 cc unit, and its six-speed manual will matter more than the marginal power gain to keen drivers. The GJ counters with a Lineartronic CVT, 460-litre boot and a claimed 6.3-second 0-100 km/h time. For Malaysia, the RM55,266 step to the VB also lifts annual road tax from RM379 to RM767; buy it for the manual and newer cabin kit, not cheap running costs.
Pick the Subaru WRX GJ if you want the lower road tax, CVT convenience and a larger 460-litre boot.
Pick the Subaru WRX VB if a six-speed manual, 375 Nm and modern Apple CarPlay/Android Auto matter more than cost and boot space.
Key differences
- Engine output: GJ 1,998 cc, 264 hp and 350 Nm; VB 2,387 cc, 271 hp and 375 Nm.
- Transmission: GJ Lineartronic CVT with paddle shifts; VB six-speed manual.
- Dimensions: GJ is 4,595 mm long, 1,795 mm wide and has a 2,650 mm wheelbase; VB is 4,669 mm, 1,826 mm and 2,672 mm.
- Boot space: GJ 460 litres; VB 411 litres.
- Wheels and tyres: GJ 17-inch alloys with 235/45R17 tyres; VB 18-inch alloys with 245/40R18 tyres.
- Cabin equipment: GJ has single-zone climate control and a six-speaker CD/MP3 unit; VB gets dual-zone climate control and an 11.
GJ
- RM379 annual road tax versus RM767.
- 460-litre boot, 49 litres larger than the VB's.
- Lineartronic CVT with Tiptronic and paddle shifts.
- 264 hp and 350 Nm trail the VB's 271 hp and 375 Nm.
- Single-zone air-con and a CD/MP3 head unit lack the VB's dual-zone climate control and 11.6-inch CarPlay/Android Auto screen.
VB
- 271 hp and 375 Nm from the 2.4-litre boxer turbo.
- Six-speed manual gearbox.
- 11.6-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus dual-zone climate control.
- Costs RM55,266 more than the GJ.
- RM767 annual road tax is RM388 higher.
- 411-litre boot is 49 litres smaller than the GJ's.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM230,979✓ | RM286,245 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379✓ | RM767 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with turbocharger, variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC with turbocharger, variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 2,387 cc |
| Horsepower | 264 hp at 5,600 rpm | 271 hp at 5,600 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 350 Nm at 2,400 rpm | 375 Nm at 2,000 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Boxer 4 | Boxer 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 86 mm × 86 mm | 94 mm × 86 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.6 | 10.6 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Manual |
| Transmission Name | Lineartronic | 6-speed manual |
| Gears | — | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Subaru | Subaru |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6.3 seconds | — |
| Rated Economy | 8.6 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 240 km/h | — |
| Co2 | 199 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,595 mm | 4,669 mm |
| Width | 1,795 mm | 1,826 mm |
| Height | 1,475 mm | 1,468 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,650 mm | 2,672 mm |
| Weight | 1,529 kg | 1,510 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 60 litres | 63 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 460 litres✓ | 411 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/45R17 | 245/40R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/45R17 | 245/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | 17" Full size | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | — | 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 | 17" Alloys | 18" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ANCAP | 5 stars — With 7 airbags and stability control | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 7 (Front, side, curtain, driver's knee airbags) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available for outer two rear passenger seats | Available for two rear passenger seats |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | 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 Adjustable | Manual Adjustment |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 split folding | 60:40 split folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 2 Front | 1 Front, 3 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | Radio CD/MP3 Player with Bluetooth and 6 Speakers | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver 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 Operation | Keyless Entry |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive 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 |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | — | Handbrake |
| 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
GJ vs VB FAQ
Is the Subaru WRX GJ or Subaru WRX VB better?
The WRX VB is better for the driver who wants a manual gearbox, 375 Nm and current smartphone integration. The GJ is the more sensible used buy if CVT convenience, lower annual road tax and its 460-litre boot are priorities.
What is the price difference?
The Subaru WRX GJ costs RM230,979 and the Subaru WRX VB costs RM286,245, so the VB is RM55,266 more expensive.
Which WRX is easier to use in traffic?
The WRX GJ is easier in traffic because it uses the Lineartronic CVT. The WRX VB has a six-speed manual, which suits drivers who specifically want to shift for themselves.
