About This Subaru WRX Premium 2017 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Bronze 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 Bronze 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 VA chassis for twenty minutes just to soak in the lines. Running an 18x9.5 setup on all four corners creates that perfect, aggressive square stance we crave. The +22 offset pushes these Kansei Tandems right to the edge of the metal. It transforms the whole profile of the 2017 WRX Premium.
These wheels clear the stock WRX calipers without needing any spacer nonsense. Kansei designed the Tandem with a clever spoke profile that hugs the hub while pushing outward. You get plenty of room for bigger brake kits if you decide to upgrade later. It fits the factory hub bore perfectly, so you avoid those annoying vibrations from hub rings.
The +22 offset is a bold choice for a stock-bodied VA. It forces the wheel face out to meet the fender line with authority. Because this car sits on air suspension, we can adjust the geometry to tuck those tires when we park. It looks absolutely menacing when the bags dump and the lips hide just behind the fender edge.
You have to watch your inner clearance at full lock, though. A wheel this wide with such an aggressive offset loves to find the plastic liner. We suggest checking your fender liners carefully after the install. If you drive low, a slight trim might keep you from smelling burning rubber on tight turns.
The barrel lip depth on the Tandem gives the car a deep, concave aesthetic. It adds a layer of depth that flat-faced wheels just cannot match. The spokes stretch toward the edge, making the wheel look larger than a standard 18-inch hoop. It balances the proportions of the WRX chassis beautifully.
Air suspension changes the game here completely. You gain the ability to dial in your camber for that "fitment life" look while driving at a functional height. Without bags, you would need serious fender work to make this setup sit flush. Air makes this aggressive fitment actually livable on city streets.
What We Recommend for Subaru WRX Premium 2017 Owners
If you want to replicate this look, stick to an 18x9.5 square setup. It keeps the handling balanced and makes tire rotations a breeze. We always tell owners to avoid the staggered look on these AWD machines. Keep the rolling diameter identical to save your center differential from unnecessary heat.
Aim for an offset between +35 and +40 if you want to stay safe and avoid heavy modifications. Going down to +22 like this build requires commitment and willingness to work your fenders. If you are not on air, prepare to roll and pull those arches to prevent rubbing. Never sacrifice alignment just to force a wheel that does not fit.
Tire choice matters just as much as the wheel specs. We recommend running a 255/35/18 tire for a nice, clean look that does not stretch too aggressively. You get enough sidewall to protect the rim from potholes while keeping the fitment tight. Avoid those massive, balloon-like tires that kill your crisp handling.
Common mistakes usually involve buying the wrong offset and trying to fix it with cheap spacers. Spacers can ruin your scrub radius and add stress to your wheel bearings. Do it right the first time by choosing a wheel that fits the hub correctly. Spend the extra money on quality lug nuts and hub rings to keep things locked down.
Always double-check your alignment settings after you mount the wheels. Even a slight change in camber can save your paint from tire slap. We love seeing owners take their time with these details. A well-fitted WRX is a work of art, but a poorly fitted one is just a headache.
Style and Build Analysis
The bronze paint on this WRX creates a stunning monochromatic vibe when paired with the Kansei Tandems. The metallic flakes in the body panels catch the light just like the matte finish of the wheels. It feels like a cohesive design exercise rather than just a collection of parts. Every angle offers a different look at the wheel design.
Kansei nailed the classic six-spoke design with the Tandem. It pays homage to iconic Japanese wheel styles while feeling modern and sharp. The spokes flow naturally into the barrel, creating a sense of constant movement even when the car sits still. It avoids the clutter of overly complex wheel faces.
Stance defines this build’s road presence. Because the wheels sit so wide, the car looks planted and ready for a track day. The proportions of the 18-inch wheels fill the arches perfectly without looking like a carriage. It strikes that delicate balance between show car elegance and aggressive street machine.
Compared to other builds we feature, this one feels very intentional. Many owners just throw wide wheels on and hope for the best, but this owner measured everything twice. The gap between the tire and the fender is consistent and precise. You can see the craftsmanship in every bolt and panel gap.
The contrast between the sharp lines of the WRX and the rounded, flowing spokes of the wheel creates a nice visual tension. It draws your eye toward the wheels before you even realize you are looking at them. This build proves that less is often more when you pick the right parts. It remains one of our favorite VA builds to date.
Why We Love This Build
This Bronze Subaru WRX Premium is pure eye candy. Watching the bronze paint glow under the shop lights while the Kansei Tandem wheels tuck into the arches is a true experience. It captures that elusive "just right" feeling that every car enthusiast chases. The way the wheels fill the space is aggressive, clean, and perfectly executed.
This car stops us in our tracks because it respects the heritage of the WRX while pushing the styling forward. It isn't overdone or cluttered with unnecessary aero. It is a masterclass in selecting the right wheels to elevate a factory platform. We could stare at this fitment for hours without finding a single flaw.
Go get yourself a set of Kansei Tandems and find your stance. Drive hard.
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: Bronze
- Wheel Brand & Model: Kansei Tandem
- Wheel Size: 18×9.5 / 18×9.5
- Offset: 22 / 22
- 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.
