Dig out your old CD collection—Subaru is reviving the nostalgia of the compact disc era
While the latest Subaru WRX may not enjoy universal acclaim like its predecessors, there are compelling reasons to embrace this more “mature” sports sedan. Firstly, it stands out as one of the few holdouts in the U.S. still offering a manual transmission as standard, rather than charging extra for the joy of manual shifting. Adding to the tactile experience, Subaru includes a quirky CD player tucked under the armrest in the center console of the new WRX.
It does come at an additional cost, but the value of nostalgia and the rush of dopamine from unwrapping a fresh CD are priceless. Subaru charges $375 plus installation for the WRX “CD Player Kit,” featuring a unique downward, or vertical, disc insertion method, diverging from the more traditional horizontal slot-loading drives found in many new vehicles.
Interestingly, the optional kit costs an additional $75 when installed in an automatic—sorry, Subaru Performance Transmission-equipped—WRX. Perhaps the CVT’s design complicates the installation process. Regardless, it’s amusing that the retro playback solution is cheaper to pair with the retro powertrain.
Subaru’s CD player resembles an old PC’s optical drive, but their commitment to the format is commendable. While $375 to $450 may seem steep for such a basic device, the cost is relatively low considering the potential complexities and expenses of adding a CD player later. Modern car infotainment systems centered around CarPlay and Android Auto provide little incentive to change, unless a head unit malfunctions, potentially making a CD-less setup more reliable due to fewer moving parts.
Nevertheless, some of us still purchase CDs to enjoy on both old and new systems, or to rip and integrate into personal music libraries and portable players. Sony’s continued production of the Walkman, despite music’s shift to the cloud, reflects a niche interest in physical media. Others buy CDs to support specific artists or albums, or to avoid subscription-based streaming services altogether. The superior sound quality of CDs is an added benefit, albeit on a slim foundation compared to vinyl records, which have outsold CDs in the U.S. recently according to The Verge. However, CDs remain popular in many global markets, including Japan, potentially explaining Subaru’s decision to maintain the WRX’s CD player option over the years.
