About This Subaru WRX Premium 2017 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Subaru WRX Premium 2017 sits on a set of 18×9.5 / 18×9.5-inch Kansei Tandem wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Kansei for a reason. This brand delivers serious quality and a design language that turns heads at every car meet. We see hundreds of Subaru WRX Premium builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the Kansei Tandem creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Kansei Tandem on the Subaru WRX Premium 2017
I walked around this WRX for twenty minutes straight at the show. The 18x9.5 square setup on this VA chassis hits the perfect aesthetic balance. Running a +22 offset pushes these Kansei Tandems right out to the edge of the metal.
That +22 offset is aggressive for a stock body WRX. You definitely need to pull those fenders to make it work without shredding your tires. I love how the wheel face sits flush with the quarter panels.
The Kansei Tandem design features a massive barrel lip that catches your eye immediately. The spokes clear the stock Premium calipers with plenty of room to spare. You will not deal with any annoying clearance issues here.
The hub bore matches up perfectly with the Subaru factory specs. We hate using hub-centric rings if we can avoid them. This setup bolts on tight and stays vibration-free at high highway speeds.
Since this owner runs air suspension, the fitment changes whenever they park. At ride height, the car sits just low enough to look mean. When they air out, the wheels tuck neatly inside the fender liners.
I checked the inner clearances while the car was lifted. You need to watch your strut clearance during hard cornering if you run a wider tire. The 9.5-inch width is really the limit for this specific offset.
Be careful with your rear bumper tabs on this model. The +22 offset will catch those plastic clips if you drive too low. A quick shave of the bumper bracket saves your tires from a nasty surprise.
What We Recommend for Subaru WRX Premium 2017 Owners
We always tell people to keep the square setup for the VA chassis. It makes tire rotations a breeze and keeps the drivetrain happy. Forget about staggering your wheels on an AWD platform.
If you want a daily driver setup, stick to a +35 or +38 offset. You gain way more tire clearance and avoid the fender work. You still get that concave look without the constant fear of rubbing.
Don't fall for the trap of running a massive tire stretch. It looks cool for a minute, but it kills your grip in the rain. A 255/35/18 tire gives you the best mix of performance and look.
Most guys mess up by ignoring their alignment specs. You need to dial in some negative camber to tuck those wheels. If you skip the alignment rack, you will burn through a set of tires in a month.
We see way too many owners buying cheap spacers to fake a wide look. Stop doing that and just buy the right width from the start. High-quality wheels like the Kansei Tandem are built to fit right the first time.
Style and Build Analysis
That Bronze finish is the star of the show here. It pops against the dark body paint in a way that silver or black wheels never could. The metallic flake in the finish glows whenever the sun hits it.
The Tandem has a classic five-spoke layout that screams motorsport heritage. It feels like a modern take on the legendary TE37 style we all grew up admiring. It just looks fast, even when the car is sitting totally still.
Proportions are everything when you are building a stance car. This WRX has a heavy, planted feel that makes the stock car look a bit timid. The deep dish adds a layer of aggression that matches the VA chassis lines perfectly.
I have seen a lot of bronze wheels look muddy or cheap. Kansei nailed the hue on these wheels because it stays vibrant in the shade. It pulls the whole color palette of the car together.
This build holds its own against the big-budget shop cars we see at SEMA. It proves that you don't need a widebody kit to command attention. You just need the right offset and a clean drop.
Why We Love This Build
This WRX stops us in our tracks because it feels authentic and raw. The way the bronze finish catches the light against the air-bagged stance creates pure visual drama. We love how the wheels fill those arches until there is barely a hair of space left.
It is a masterclass in how a simple wheel choice transforms an entire platform. Every time I look at those Kansei Tandems, I want to go grab my own set. This is exactly how you build a street car with soul.
Stop settling for boring fitment and finally build the car you actually want. Just go get the wheels.
Full Specs Breakdown
Here is exactly what this owner is running. We break down every detail so you can replicate this build or use it as a starting point for your own setup.
- Car Make & Model: Subaru WRX Premium 2017
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Kansei Tandem
- Wheel Size: 18×9.5 / 18×9.5
- Offset: 22 / 22
- Wheel Finish: Bronze
- Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S 215/30 23.1″x8.5″ / 215/30 23.1″x8.5″
- Suspension: Air Suspension
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Subaru WRX Premium owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 18×9.5 / 18×9.5-inch wheels fit my Subaru WRX Premium? Yes, but fitment depends on width, offset, and tire size working together. A wrong offset means rubbing. A wrong tire size means poor handling. Always verify all three.
Do I need to modify my fenders? That depends on your offset and suspension. A conservative offset with stock ride height usually fits without modification. Go aggressive and you may need to roll or pull your fenders.
Can I daily-drive this setup? Absolutely. Thousands of Subaru WRX Premium owners run 18×9.5 / 18×9.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
