While seat upholstery could be more refined, the front Recaros in my tester did an excellent job of maintaining my body in check in sharp corners. Finding a good driving position also proved to be easy thanks to a height-adjustment lever and a generous tilt/telescopic steering wheel.
Elsewhere, engineers were wise to preserve the 320-liter cargo capacity and 60/40 split-folding rear seats of the Impreza. Access to the mechanical components is also important, especially with this type of car; you're in for quite a show when you open the hood of the WRX265.
Now that's interesting!
Not that the 2008 WRX was underpowered, but few fans were impressed by its 224 ponies. For 2009, however, Subaru is giving them something to get really excited about. Power is up by 41 horsepower to 265 (hence the name of the car), while torque increased by 18 pounds-feet to 244. Such massive output combined to the automaker's legendary all-wheel drive system allows for deliciously strong accelerations.
The mechanical upgrades are far from negligible. The turbocharger is larger and power delivery is more progressive thanks to a new valve timing technology. Exhaust flow is improved compared to the previous mill. Moreover, the 2.5L boxer could have been thirstier given the performance levels achieved by the WRX265: 11 L/100 km in the city and 8 L/100 km on the highway.
Unlike the manual gearbox of the Lancer Evo, the precision of Subaru's 5-speed unit is decent at best. Under acceleration, torque steer has been reduced, thus allowing perfect control and a true sporty feel. Handling is great; the car proves swift in transitions and the sharp steering boasts a short turning radius.
During cornering maneuvers, torque is evenly distributed between the front and rear wheels. Suspension springs are stronger and the stabilizer bars have been revised to increase stability in tight turns. There's a nice balance between ride and handling, too.
As for the brakes, they deliver a sporty feel and powerful stops thanks to 294x24-mm ventilated discs. The various electronic aids and sensors do a wonderful job of maintaining the car on the right track. Overall, safety is enhanced.
Final word
Subaru successfully tweaked its popular WRX 4-door sedan to make it a true sport star. On the flip side, the significant power boost will infuriate anyone who bought a comparable 2008 model, as the residual value just took an equally significant hit.
photo:Subaru
Elsewhere, engineers were wise to preserve the 320-liter cargo capacity and 60/40 split-folding rear seats of the Impreza. Access to the mechanical components is also important, especially with this type of car; you're in for quite a show when you open the hood of the WRX265.
 |
| Power is up by 41 horsepower to 265, while torque increased by 18 pounds-feet to 244. |
Now that's interesting!
Not that the 2008 WRX was underpowered, but few fans were impressed by its 224 ponies. For 2009, however, Subaru is giving them something to get really excited about. Power is up by 41 horsepower to 265 (hence the name of the car), while torque increased by 18 pounds-feet to 244. Such massive output combined to the automaker's legendary all-wheel drive system allows for deliciously strong accelerations.
The mechanical upgrades are far from negligible. The turbocharger is larger and power delivery is more progressive thanks to a new valve timing technology. Exhaust flow is improved compared to the previous mill. Moreover, the 2.5L boxer could have been thirstier given the performance levels achieved by the WRX265: 11 L/100 km in the city and 8 L/100 km on the highway.
Unlike the manual gearbox of the Lancer Evo, the precision of Subaru's 5-speed unit is decent at best. Under acceleration, torque steer has been reduced, thus allowing perfect control and a true sporty feel. Handling is great; the car proves swift in transitions and the sharp steering boasts a short turning radius.
During cornering maneuvers, torque is evenly distributed between the front and rear wheels. Suspension springs are stronger and the stabilizer bars have been revised to increase stability in tight turns. There's a nice balance between ride and handling, too.
As for the brakes, they deliver a sporty feel and powerful stops thanks to 294x24-mm ventilated discs. The various electronic aids and sensors do a wonderful job of maintaining the car on the right track. Overall, safety is enhanced.
Final word
Subaru successfully tweaked its popular WRX 4-door sedan to make it a true sport star. On the flip side, the significant power boost will infuriate anyone who bought a comparable 2008 model, as the residual value just took an equally significant hit.
photo:Subaru
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