2006 Subaru Impreza WRX Road Test

Your very own action hero awaits, but is it all claws and no class for Subaru's legendary performance car?

Subaru's WRX doesn't really leave a whole lot to guesswork for its fans or

2006 Subaru WRX (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com)

potential customers.

The look is a not-so-subtle collection of reminders that this machine has been built with the help of years of racing and engineering advancements. It's shape directly communicates effortless control on any road.

With big wheels, a hood scoop, vents, a spoiler and red brake calipers, the WRX struts its looks, power and can-do attitude with the same cocky, smirking attitude as many a superhero.

There are competitors in the marketplace where the WRX lives, but it's still the only product in its class that is instantly recognized as a road legal rally car- the road legal rally car to be exact.

You may have seen one tearing up a rally circuit, but what's more realistic is that you'll see one strapped down with bikes, kayaks, and packed full of gear while rapidly ascending a mountain highway for a weekend adventure. Or maybe going for groceries on top of Pikes Peak. Or some

2006 Subaru WRX (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com)

similar thrilling activity.

It's got to be all about thrills after all, because there is little else the WRX does nearly as well.

Inside, luxury amenities, refinement and a premium selection of materials are nowhere to be found. The cloth seats offer no power adjustment. Leather is not available. All of the switches and controls are dated, hard plastic is everywhere, and the cupholders, designed to facilitate a large Nalgene water-bottle, leave your large double-double with about a half inch of clearance around it. The stereo is average at best, and there isn't even an armrest, though you can add one to the $35,500 pricetag for around $170.

Wind noise is a bit intrusive at higher speeds, and the cabin is snug though not cramped.

But it's not all bad news.

The stuff that really counts grows on you after a short while. It's

2006 Subaru WRX (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com)

comfortable on long trips, has decent seats, good headlights and of course that trademark brand of peaceful, weather-busting confidence sold with each and every Subaru.

It shines in chilly weather too, with powerful seat warmers and heated wipers included.

But at the end of the day, the interior will leave some yearning for more. Maybe a few steering-wheel mounted controls? A subwoofer for the stereo? A self-dimming rearview? Memory seats? MP3 compatibility? After all, most any other car you might spend this sort of money on would be equipped with the better part of that list.

But the WRX is an enthusiast car- no mistaking that- and this sort of enthusiast looks at a vehicle through a different lens then you or I might. All of that extra cushy stuff adds weight, which is the enemy of speed and handling. (Even the STi model, priced at thousands more than the WRX, has the sunroof and foglamps deleted because they are considered unnecessary weight.) Keeping the WRX light is the name of the game- and combined with its 2.5 litre engine, turbocharger and all wheel drive, the performance is tremendous.