Small cars don’t have to be boring, as the Subaru Impreza WRX so aptly proves.
The newest generation of this performance-oriented version of Subaru’s compact sedan arrived for 2008, offering a level of excitement somewhat above that of the entry-level Impreza model that competes against cars such as the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.
With its turbocharged, 224-horsepower, 2.5-liter boxer 4-cylinder engine, the 2008 WRX offered an upgrade to the 170-hp normally aspirated boxer under the hood of the base Impreza.
But for 2009, Subaru decided 224 hp just wasn’t enough for the WRX, and cranked it up to 265 — an 18 percent jump. Torque output was increased as well, to 244 lbs.-ft. from last year’s 226.
WRX sedan models begin at $24,995 (plus $695 freight). The WRX also is offered in a five-door hatchback version, whose starting price is $25,495 (plus freight). Both the sedan and hatchback come in a “Premium” version, priced at $27,495 for the sedan (the model we tested) and $27,995 for the hatchback.
The WRX engine reaches full horsepower at 6,000 rpm and peak torque at 4,000 rpm. And even with the boost in power, EPA ratings are nearly the same as last year’s — 18 mpg city/ 25 highway vs. 19/24 for the ’08.
This additional power is largely the result of an increase in the boost from the turbocharger to 13.3 psi from the previous model’s 11.4, along with the use of a larger-diameter exhaust system with reduced back pressure.
What was already pretty cool for an otherwise average-seeming compact sedan now has become quite impressive. Couple that with the tight 5-speed manual gearbox — the only transmission offered on the WRX — and you have the recipe for lots of fun.
Oh, did I mention the all-wheel drive? Where vehicles such as the Civic and Corolla are stuck with front-wheel drive, not exactly the optimum arrangement for sport driving, the WRX comes with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, which actually is standard on all Subaru vehicles sold in the United States.
This full-time system includes a viscous-type locking center differential, which normally sends torque equally to front and rear wheels. But when wheel slippage is detected, more power automatically is directed to the wheels with the best traction. No driver input is required.
Of course, this isn’t the most fun you can have with an Impreza. There’s also the WRX STI, which arguably is a completely different vehicle (although built on the same basic architecture).
The STI (base price $34,995) is a street-legal race car taken from the rally circuit. It has 305 hp and 290 lbs.-ft. of torque, and is the perfect companion for weekend track events.
For $10,000 less, though, the regular WRX is pleasing enough for those of us who can’t quite afford the STI, and it outshines just about everything else of its size and class on the road. It’s suitable for those weekend competitions, as well.
And, hey, it’s still a decent everyday family car. With seating for five, the WRX can handle commuting and weekend highway cruising quite well.
For even less money, the base Impreza sedan with the 170-hp engine starts at $17,495, and it’s no slouch. Remember, it comes with all-wheel drive, as well, and its power is still well above the 140 hp of the base Civic and the 132 of the base Corolla.
Even the performance-oriented Civic Si model, a favorite of enthusiasts on a budget, comes with just 197 hp out of the box (and a price similar to the WRX).
More comparable to the WRX is the MazdaSpeed3, with a 263-hp engine and starting price of just above $23,000 (with freight). This one comes only in a hatchback body style, however.
Mitsubishi offers the Lancer Evolution, the supercar version of its compact sedan, but it’s more of a competitor to the WRX STI than to the base WRX. The Evo has 291 hp and a starting price of about $33,500.
Premium models come with a power moon roof; projector-beam fog lights; and a six-disc, in-dash CD changer with MP3/WMA playback, 10 speakers and surround sound.
Our tester came with the standard 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The only option on our vehicle was XM satellite radio ($453), which brought the total price to $28,643.
I can’t say enough about the handling on this car. I gave it a workout on some fun twisty roads in the hills, and the car hugged the pavement like a sports car. Steering is precise, which allows for some spirited sport driving (within the speed limits, of course).
On the highway, the WRX is remarkably quiet and comfortable, although the ride can be a bit harsh over bumps because of the stiff performance-oriented suspension.
Some interior changes have been made for 2009, as well. There is new WRX-exclusive carbon-black checkered upholstery with red stitching. The red stitching also is used on the leather-wrapped steering wheel. The pedals are covered with aluminum alloy.
