REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Finally here!

For a decade now, European, Japanese, Australian and New Zealand drivers have the privilege to drive the Impreza WRX, Subaru’s "bomb" celebrated by Japanese engineers. During those years, America was entitled to another kind of privilege, the less exciting 165-hp Impreza RS. But now, Subaru is taking advantage of the renewal season to introduce the WRX in its North American line-up. Was it worth the wait?Although the WRX is in the spotlight these days, let’s not forget that the Impreza line is revamped this year. The result of this renewal, visible in Subaru dealerships for a few weeks now, is worth a visit. So the new Impreza is, as usual, roomier, more rigid and safer (we’ve heard that before, right?) And Subaru’s entry model is offered in sedan and wagon bodies. The coupe was abandoned because of the limited interest it stimulated.

More modern, definitely, but esthetically not more original, this Impreza can be mixed with the Chrysler Neon. To highlight its distinct character, Subaru stylists got carried away designing aerodynamic appendixes and questionable eccentricities. The air intake affixed to the hood (a reminder of 20 years ago) is necessary for the intercooler of the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. But stylists have also improved the look of the once shooting for the stars rear spoiler.

From outside and inside, the WRX loudly claims its specificity. Inside, the execution is made in good taste. Buckets seats are perfectly sculpted and offer flawless support. Drivers will appreciate the leather-covered tiny steering wheel (Momo, if you don’t mind) and the bored aluminum-plated pedals. The instrument panel is no longer a sad sight, with its silvery decals and huge dials. But, unlike shown in the television ad, there is no turbocharger gauge in the WRX. The dashboard is somewhat drab and headroom end in the back seats remains limited. Unlike the wagon, the sedan’s short and low rear seat still doesn’t fold (a matter of chassis rigidity) and the cargo volume remains inferior to that of a Corvette convertible (394 L vs. 311 L). Another irritant that clings to the Impreza despite the review: the frameless side windows create wind infiltrations.While other models bearing the Subaru crest are fully appreciated in stormy conditions, the WRX is a pleasure, under any road conditions. While front and rear wheel drives toil, the Impreza’s integral traction triumphs. Some drivers (including myself) will even go out of their way to find delicate situations to explore this Subaru’s drivability, nimbleness and stability. The flat 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder produces 227 hp and provides the Impreza with impressive performance, but only at high enough revolution. Even if Subaru’s engineers pretend that most of the torque (80%) is available at 2,000 rpm, it’s not until it reaches 3,500 that your spine feels crushing against the seat. But once you step on the gas, this WRX fears no one. It outstanding weight/power ratio allows it to beat more prestigious and more expensive machines. BMW 3-Series, Lexus IS 300 and Volvo S60 owners will have a good look at this Japanese’s tailgate lights, until the next gas station. The WRX is not what we can call frugal.

A pleasant surprise is the quality of the manual transmission. Improved once again, its handling is no longer comparable to churning butter. More accurate, but more rigid as well, it could nevertheless force your hand to select the wrong gear.

Purists may cringe, but the WRX also offers a "dull" automatic transmission that nonetheless, matches the engine relatively well, especially with the more sophisticated integral traction that comes with it.

A serious contender, this Subaru WRX has four disk brakes, but they are far from perfect. On the models we tested, they didn’t show the endurance required for bold driving and the pedal was visibly not firm enough.

The 100 and something Canadian Subaru dealers will have no trouble getting these cars in driveways in the next year. The WRX should account for 35% of all Impreza sales in their estimation. But the joy of driving a WRX comes at a price that not everyone can afford. Subaru must now let Honda and VW owners know that the Impreza, now considered "in" by the trendy crowd, is offered in a more affordable trim called TS, selling for $21,995.

PROS
Racing engine
Rally seats
Very high stability

CONS
Poor sound ( no turbo whistle… )
Low fuel mileage
Too fast for most

2006 Japan