2009 Subaru Impreza WRX265 Review

Like everything else, the auto industry has to adapt to the laws of the market. The new 2009 Subaru Impreza is a prime example of product normalization. Even the spiced-up WRX265 model looks like a run-of-the-mill family sedan. Therefore, the insanely sporty STI is now the lone rally-inspired car that targets Subaru's most hardcore fans. Executives wanted a more mainstream Impreza and that's what they got.

The great thing about the new 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX265 is that you're less likely to get tired of it.

Of course, the WRX265 barely hides its legendary genes with obvious upgrades such as a functional hood scoop and 17-inch wheels with gun metal coating. The rest of the design, though, is very familiar. It almost looks as if two separate teams worked on the body -- one for the nose, sleek and aggressive, and one for the rear section, which is more generic despite sporting clean lenses.

Japanese territory
The 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX265 comes from Japan and it shows. Build quality and material selection speak loudly. Of course, they're not exactly on par with some other domestic brands, but fit and finish is serious nonetheless.

While the exterior is no longer reminiscent of a rally car, the interior goes to great lengths to remind drivers that they're sitting in a WRX. The slim-fitting buckets provide rally-caliber support and the fairly small steering wheel offers a nice grip -- again, rally-style. One thing that's been carried over from the old Impreza is that little sound typically associated with Subaru's 5-speed manual transmission during gear shifts.

The last few items are the basic ingredients for a pleasant driving experience. The powertrain happily takes care of the rest.

The available room up front is decent, but rear passengers will feel a bit squeezed. Elsewhere, cargo capacity is somewhat limited, although access is easy. As for the dashboard, I found it ergonomically laid out albeit fairly plain-looking like recent Subaru products.

The interior goes to great lengths to remind drivers that they're sitting in a WRX.