Does the VB really offer that much better of an experience over the previous gen VA to deserve the higher price? The current model year can use tariffs as an excuse but this shit started in MY 23. When they cut the "base" trim that just meant the previously mid "premium" trim became the new base. With inflation the TS is the price of a VA STi but lacks any powertrain upgrades. They can't even give you the locking diffs or a stronger transmission to handle mods.

I don't know who the US market for the WRX is now as it was always the most bang-for-the-buck Japanese car for sale here but now its as expensive as the GT/SS/SRTs were just 3 years ago. Its the definitive 7/10 in all categories car and that was great when it cost the same as a Camry and a few simple mawds meant maybe 5k in parts. It is a sports sedan for the exceptionally rational that was previously marketed towards proto-enthusiast teens but now is being purchased by ex-weebs that have kids.

I don't miss my VA at all but I do have it to thank for setting me down a better path in life. I did keep the shift knob

The irony of the OP is that the JDM WRX is auto only and the VB isn't sold at all in Europe. The manual take rate for them in the US is nearly 80%