It works!
Because it all makes sense. I know of a few people that purchased their first Impreza in 2008 and of those, two will be buying a new one in 2011, both WRXs. So what does that tell you? Subaru knows what it's doing so I'll shut up about styling.
These two individuals would probably not have considered the Impreza at the time but when searching for affordable, roomy and AWD, the options were scarce. Only complaint today? “Want more power.” And how about that! In 2009, Subaru up the ante with the WRX when it increased horsepower to 265 from 224. This is quite a step up from 170 as well (base 2.5L output).
So here's how it all comes together. With the key in the ignition, turning it to start brings the flat-4, 2.5L engine to life with a noticeable enticing warble. Things are looking good. Slotting the shifter into 1st gear, better times are fast approaching and dropping the clutch results in strong, loud acceleration. One hundred km/h goes by in under five and a half seconds, meanwhile the Boxer-four wants nothing more than to keep going. Here, a sixth gear would be nice but I'm not whining... much.
The mad rush is mated to a solid chassis, a firm yet compliant suspension and the impression that the WRX will crash through a wall if need be. Like the STI, a minor niggle is the car's steering; inputs are met with a dose of haze before reaction. Unlike the STI, the brakes could use some beefing up, particularly for those thinking about track time.
The WRX feels less clinical than the STI. I actually find it more rewarding to thrash around in as it seems more as though you're on your own with it. The STI's extra sophistication takes away from the raw driving involvement the WRX provides.
The cover disappears
All of this trickles down to why the Impreza, despite its face that only a mother can love, is still so popular: the car's soul has remained intact, it's only in an ugly swollen body.
Because it all makes sense. I know of a few people that purchased their first Impreza in 2008 and of those, two will be buying a new one in 2011, both WRXs. So what does that tell you? Subaru knows what it's doing so I'll shut up about styling.
 |
| With the key in the ignition, turning it to start brings the flat-4, 2.5L engine to life with a noticeable enticing warble. (Photo: Subaru) |
These two individuals would probably not have considered the Impreza at the time but when searching for affordable, roomy and AWD, the options were scarce. Only complaint today? “Want more power.” And how about that! In 2009, Subaru up the ante with the WRX when it increased horsepower to 265 from 224. This is quite a step up from 170 as well (base 2.5L output).
So here's how it all comes together. With the key in the ignition, turning it to start brings the flat-4, 2.5L engine to life with a noticeable enticing warble. Things are looking good. Slotting the shifter into 1st gear, better times are fast approaching and dropping the clutch results in strong, loud acceleration. One hundred km/h goes by in under five and a half seconds, meanwhile the Boxer-four wants nothing more than to keep going. Here, a sixth gear would be nice but I'm not whining... much.
The mad rush is mated to a solid chassis, a firm yet compliant suspension and the impression that the WRX will crash through a wall if need be. Like the STI, a minor niggle is the car's steering; inputs are met with a dose of haze before reaction. Unlike the STI, the brakes could use some beefing up, particularly for those thinking about track time.
The WRX feels less clinical than the STI. I actually find it more rewarding to thrash around in as it seems more as though you're on your own with it. The STI's extra sophistication takes away from the raw driving involvement the WRX provides.
The cover disappears
All of this trickles down to why the Impreza, despite its face that only a mother can love, is still so popular: the car's soul has remained intact, it's only in an ugly swollen body.
 |
| The mad rush is mated to a solid chassis, a firm yet compliant suspension and the impression that the WRX will crash through a wall if need be. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |