2006 Subaru Impreza WRX (Video Clip)

My car.

WRX. Three little letters that mean a whole bunch to a few and absolutely nothing to many. What is a WRX? It is only the near ultimate version of Subaru's entry-level Impreza. Think of the car as the 'go anywhere, do anything' Japanese version of the muscle car. Basically, the WRX is a simple Impreza sedan or wagon that receives a multitude of upgrades including more power, bigger brakes and body add-ons. Imagine the Impreza as the 2006 version of the 60's Pontiac Tempest LeMans GTO.

The Impreza showed up in the early 90s and slowly grew into its niche. In the late 90s, trim levels like the TS, the Outback sport and especially the RS, targeted specific groups with performance and utility and the option of AWD. The WRX finally arrived in early 2001 as a 2002 with a 227hp turbocharged 2.0L H-4.

The price range of the Impreza sedan is as follows: 2.5i: $24,495. WRX: $35,495. WRX STi: $48,995.

Styling

Today's Impreza was first brought to us in 2002. Since then, it has received two makeovers. The first one was in 2004 where the car lost its bug-eye front end in exchange for more stylish headlights and a few tweaks to the body panels. For 2006, the car gets the corporate landing-plane front grille and light treatment and slightly redesigned tails. To many, the original design of this generation Impreza was the best and I tend to agree. Although, I must say that the new fascia is quickly growing on me.

The WRX, as mentioned above, is endowed with a series of body enhancements. They include: side skirts, front and rear valences, a large rear spoiler and the very hot and very necessary functional hood-scoop. The fenders are creased and slightly flared. The final package is totally attractive.

The cabin of the WRX is quaint and cozy if not a little tight, especially in the rear. The principal issue here is the complete lack of pizzazz or action. This is after-all a WRX. It should be flashy like the exterior. The plastics used are fair in quality as is the worth of assembly but the look is dated. The controls are all simple to operate and they all work well. The steering wheel provides good grip and feel although I would have much preferred a MOMO-style wheel like the one found in the Legacy GT.

The sport seats are by and large comfortable: back, shoulder, lumbar and lateral supports are excellent. The lower seat cushion is somewhat too short for good thigh support. The rear seats are fine however the headrests are not adjustable. The interior of the WRX is an environment for work and nothing more should be expected of it.