BELIEVE IT
http://www.michronicleonline.com/articlelive/articles/2566/1/BELIEVE-IT/Page1.html
Marcus Amick
By Marcus Amick
Published on 04/2/2008
If there’s one thing you quickly learn about Subaru it’s that you can just about expect a memorable driving experience when you get behind the wheel of one of the vehicles. Count on it.
EXTERIOR FEATURES such as the hood scoop reflect the performance attributes of the Subaru Impreza WRX. -A.J. Mueller Photography
If there’s one thing you quickly learn about Subaru it’s that you can just about expect a memorable driving experience when you get behind the wheel of one of the vehicles. Count on it.
Subaru, after all, prides itself on performance, and the 2008 Impreza WRX definitely holds up to that standard.
The new Impreza WRX is equipped with a 2.5L turbo engine that pumps out 224 horsepower and 226 lb.-ft. of torque with. Fifty pounds lighter, the ’08 model is also a lot quicker than its predecessor.
Performance is enhanced by a unique all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, sport tuned suspension,17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and a functional hood scoop that helps to keep Impreza WRX’s engine cool when the car is at its optimum performance level. Most impressive, is how it handles in bad weather. Even when put to the test on some of Michigan’s snowy and icy terrains, the Impreza WRX handled extremely well. In fact, it seems like it sort of lives for the kind of driving conditions that would typically have you rethinking that run to the grocery store in another car.
Credit a lot of it to Subaru’s unique “symmetrical” all-wheel-drive system engineered to ensure stability and positioning on the road. The system is the only one that combines a horizontally opposed engine and a symmetrically arranged AWD system. It’s designed to be more efficient at transmitting power, ensuring better grip and quick response to slippage, which provides amazing performance in addition to safety on slick roads.
Subaru’s reputation for performance has earned it a cult- like following among car enthusiasts. ClubWRX.net, an enthusiasts site for owners of the Impreza WRX and the higher performance STi model, list over 50,000 members. Subarus are the frequent vehicles of choice for those into rallying, a motorsport.
The interior styling of the Impreza WRX mirrors the car’s performance traits with features such as performance design front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a race inspired gauge cluster.
The Impreza WRX is also equipped with features such as a touch-screen GPS navigation system, dual overhead map lights, and a tilt and telescope steering column. Additional convenience features include an auxiliary audio input and Sirius satellite radio. The space is doable for the driver and front passenger. But if you’re looking for comfortable rear seating, forget it. About the only thing you’d be able to put in the back of the Impreza would be the things you picked up from that run to the store.
In addition to all-wheel-drive, safety features include anti-lock brakes, brake assist, dual front air bags, front seat side-impact air bags and side curtain air bags.
With a sticker of $29,758 or nearly 30 grand for the model we tested, the Impreza might be a bit too costly for some, But the handling is as impressive as a car 10 grand or so more its price. And once you start considering all of the standard features on the car, you find the sticker a little easier to swallow. The only option was a $163 armrest on this model.
If, like a lot of people, however, you’ve got issues with the cost of gas, you’ll probably want to pass on the Impreza WRX. While its MPG rating of 19 city/25 highway isn’t too bad, the car only takes premium fuel, so you’ll be kicking out a lot at the pump. It cost us nearly $50 to fill up the car in Detroit during our test drive. That’ll definitely turn off fans of hybrids and a lot other people looking to save money.
As for the exterior styling, the Subaru appeals more to sport compact car buffs. If it weren’t for elements like the hood scoops and some distinctive ground, some people less familiar with Subaru might write the Impreza WRX off as a customized Mitsubishi or something else. The car’s look is by no means universal – and perhaps too “race-like” for some.
But be clear, while it might not appeal to everybody, the Impreza WRX definitely has a niche for those looking for something unique and compact that’s fun to drive. That’s its hook and Subaru does a good job of selling you on it as soon as you get in the ride.
Marcus Amick is an automotive consultant and a co-host with A.J. Mueller of MotorRocks.com, an automotive entertainment website.
SPECS
$29,758 as tested
MPG: 19 City/25 Hwy
“Symmetrical” AWD
Functional Hood Scoop
Touch-Screen GPS system
If there’s one thing you quickly learn about Subaru it’s that you can just about expect a memorable driving experience when you get behind the wheel of one of the vehicles. Count on it.New Impreza WRX speaks to why Subaru has cult-like following
EXTERIOR FEATURES such as the hood scoop reflect the performance attributes of the Subaru Impreza WRX. -A.J. Mueller Photography
If there’s one thing you quickly learn about Subaru it’s that you can just about expect a memorable driving experience when you get behind the wheel of one of the vehicles. Count on it.
Subaru, after all, prides itself on performance, and the 2008 Impreza WRX definitely holds up to that standard.
The new Impreza WRX is equipped with a 2.5L turbo engine that pumps out 224 horsepower and 226 lb.-ft. of torque with. Fifty pounds lighter, the ’08 model is also a lot quicker than its predecessor.
Performance is enhanced by a unique all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, sport tuned suspension,17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and a functional hood scoop that helps to keep Impreza WRX’s engine cool when the car is at its optimum performance level. Most impressive, is how it handles in bad weather. Even when put to the test on some of Michigan’s snowy and icy terrains, the Impreza WRX handled extremely well. In fact, it seems like it sort of lives for the kind of driving conditions that would typically have you rethinking that run to the grocery store in another car.
Credit a lot of it to Subaru’s unique “symmetrical” all-wheel-drive system engineered to ensure stability and positioning on the road. The system is the only one that combines a horizontally opposed engine and a symmetrically arranged AWD system. It’s designed to be more efficient at transmitting power, ensuring better grip and quick response to slippage, which provides amazing performance in addition to safety on slick roads.
Subaru’s reputation for performance has earned it a cult- like following among car enthusiasts. ClubWRX.net, an enthusiasts site for owners of the Impreza WRX and the higher performance STi model, list over 50,000 members. Subarus are the frequent vehicles of choice for those into rallying, a motorsport.
The interior styling of the Impreza WRX mirrors the car’s performance traits with features such as performance design front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a race inspired gauge cluster.
The Impreza WRX is also equipped with features such as a touch-screen GPS navigation system, dual overhead map lights, and a tilt and telescope steering column. Additional convenience features include an auxiliary audio input and Sirius satellite radio. The space is doable for the driver and front passenger. But if you’re looking for comfortable rear seating, forget it. About the only thing you’d be able to put in the back of the Impreza would be the things you picked up from that run to the store.
In addition to all-wheel-drive, safety features include anti-lock brakes, brake assist, dual front air bags, front seat side-impact air bags and side curtain air bags.
With a sticker of $29,758 or nearly 30 grand for the model we tested, the Impreza might be a bit too costly for some, But the handling is as impressive as a car 10 grand or so more its price. And once you start considering all of the standard features on the car, you find the sticker a little easier to swallow. The only option was a $163 armrest on this model.
If, like a lot of people, however, you’ve got issues with the cost of gas, you’ll probably want to pass on the Impreza WRX. While its MPG rating of 19 city/25 highway isn’t too bad, the car only takes premium fuel, so you’ll be kicking out a lot at the pump. It cost us nearly $50 to fill up the car in Detroit during our test drive. That’ll definitely turn off fans of hybrids and a lot other people looking to save money.
As for the exterior styling, the Subaru appeals more to sport compact car buffs. If it weren’t for elements like the hood scoops and some distinctive ground, some people less familiar with Subaru might write the Impreza WRX off as a customized Mitsubishi or something else. The car’s look is by no means universal – and perhaps too “race-like” for some.
But be clear, while it might not appeal to everybody, the Impreza WRX definitely has a niche for those looking for something unique and compact that’s fun to drive. That’s its hook and Subaru does a good job of selling you on it as soon as you get in the ride.
Marcus Amick is an automotive consultant and a co-host with A.J. Mueller of MotorRocks.com, an automotive entertainment website.
SPECS
$29,758 as tested
MPG: 19 City/25 Hwy
“Symmetrical” AWD
Functional Hood Scoop
Touch-Screen GPS system