About This Subaru WRX Base 2019 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Bronze Subaru WRX Base 2019 sits on a set of 17×8 / 17×8-inch Motegi MR147 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Motegi 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 Base builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the Bronze exterior with the Motegi MR147 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Motegi MR147 on the Subaru WRX Base 2019
I walked around this bronze WRX at the last meet and the fitment on these Motegi MR147s caught my eye immediately. We are looking at a 17x8 square setup running a +38 offset all around. This specific sizing keeps things functional while giving the car a much meaner stance than the factory rollers.
The +38 offset pushes the wheels just enough to fill out those fenders without needing a fender roll. You get a nice flush look that lines up perfectly with the body lines. It avoids that tucked-in, sad factory appearance that plagues so many stock Subarus.
Caliper clearance on the VA chassis can be a headache with aftermarket wheels, but the MR147 clears the base brakes with room to spare. You will not have to worry about the spokes hitting the front calipers. It is a bolt-on solution that saves you the stress of testing for clearance.
The hub bore on these wheels matches the Subaru 56.1mm requirement perfectly. We always recommend running hub-centric rings if they are included, but these sit tight on the hub face. It eliminates any potential vibration at highway speeds.
Because we stayed with an 8-inch width, the barrel lip remains clean and simple. The spoke design has enough curvature to add depth without looking like it belongs on a bro-truck. It maintains the rally-inspired DNA of the WRX platform while looking modern.
Since this car runs on stock suspension, you have a bit of a gap, but the 17-inch wheel fills the well nicely. You avoid that balloon-tire look that happens when you slap massive sidewalls on 18s. It is a balanced aesthetic that works for daily driving.
Watch out for heavy compression in the rear if you decide to go with wider tires later. On the stock setup, you are completely clear of rubbing spots. Keep the rubber moderate and you will never hear a scrape against the fender liners.
What We Recommend for Subaru WRX Base 2019 Owners
If you own a VA-chassis WRX, stick to a square setup unless you are tracking heavily. Rotating your tires is the best way to make your investment last. Square 17x8 or 17x9 wheels offer the most predictable handling for street duty.
The +38 to +40 offset range is the sweet spot for this car. Anything lower than +35 will likely poke too far and cause rubbing issues on stock fenders. You want the wheels to sit right at the edge of the metal.
Avoid the temptation to run massive spacers to force fitment. Spacers introduce unnecessary stress on your wheel bearings and ruin the steering geometry. Buy the right offset from the start and you will save yourself a massive headache.
Tire choice matters just as much as the wheel itself. We suggest a 245/45/17 tire to keep the speedometer accurate and provide enough sidewall for a comfortable ride. It fills the wheel well gap while keeping the car nimble.
Do not be afraid of the 17-inch diameter. Everyone rushes to buy 18s or 19s for looks, but 17s make the car faster and smoother. You get less rotational mass and a cheaper tire bill every time you need a new set.
Style and Build Analysis
The bronze paint on this WRX is a bold choice, and the MR147s complement it perfectly. The finish of the wheels provides just enough contrast to break up the metallic tones of the body. It creates a monochromatic vibe that feels intentional and custom.
The MR147 uses a multi-spoke design that echoes the heritage of rally racing. It suits the angular lines of the WRX better than a typical five-spoke design. It looks fast even when the car sits perfectly still in the parking lot.
Proportions are everything in this game. By running a 17-inch wheel, the car keeps a meaty tire profile that looks rugged and ready for gravel. It avoids the fragile, "stanced" look that breaks under the first pothole you hit.
We see a lot of WRXs running flat black wheels that just disappear into the shadows. The Motegi finish has a slight sheen that catches the light during sunset. It keeps the wheel design visible and highlights the intricate work of the spokes.
This build proves that you do not need a widebody kit to turn heads. Simple, clean, and well-executed modifications often beat out over-the-top builds every single time. It is a car built to be driven hard, not just displayed behind a velvet rope.
Why We Love This Build
This bronze WRX is the exact definition of a perfect daily driver. The way the bronze body catches the afternoon light against the dark finish of the MR147 wheels is pure automotive art. It is subtle, refined, and undeniably aggressive without trying too hard.
We love that the owner kept the suspension stock but nailed the wheel sizing. It shows that you understand the geometry of your car rather than just following a trend. It looks like a factory-special edition that Subaru should have released themselves.
This is the kind of build that makes us want to go out and buy a base model just to replicate it. It is functional, stylish, and honest. Build your car for yourself, not for the likes.
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 Base 2019
- Vehicle Color: Bronze
- Wheel Brand & Model: Motegi MR147
- Wheel Size: 17×8 / 17×8
- Offset: 38 / 38
- Tires: Hankook Ventus V2 Concept 2 235/45 25.3″x9.3″ / 235/45 25.3″x9.3″
- Suspension: Stock
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Subaru WRX Base owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 17×8 / 17×8-inch wheels fit my Subaru WRX Base? 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 Base owners run 17×8 / 17×8-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
