Subaru's WRX powers up for 2009

More power, firmer suspension and a new boot for Subaru’s WRX.

Subaru’s iconic WRX is back with more power, better fuel efficiency and upgraded suspension. And now a boot.

That’s vitally important for Subaru because the sedan has accounted for 50 percent of Impreza sales.

Making its debut in 1994, the WRX has gone on to become one of the most loved performance models in Australia, with its price and performance outshining many cars twice its price.

The new generation MY09 WRX was unveiled today as the final addition to the WRX range and offers huge power and torque increases of 26kW and 23Nm, outputs that impressively match the first generation STi.

A larger turbocharger from the STi and increased boost from 11psi to 15psi, allows figures of 195kW @ 6000rpm, and 343Nm @ 4000rpm from the 2.5-litre flat-four engine. Fuel consumption is improved over the previous WRX model around three percent, from 10.7 l/100km to 10.4 l/100km in the combined cycle and a resulting reduction in CO2 emissions from 252g/km to 247g/km.

MY09 Impreza WRX is biased towards sports handling, while retaining good ride comfort, grip and stability when driven enthusiastically. Both sedan and hatch get a new suspension package with increased spring and damping rates and thicker stabiliser bars.

“We’ve spent a lot of time with the engineers on Australian roads and in local conditions, developing a suspension package that appeals to the driving enthusiast,” says Subaru Australia MD Nick Senior.

“The result is an Impreza WRX that is true to our core Subaru DNA, of delivering pure driving confidence. Drivability of Impreza WRX is sharper and, combined with the power and torque benefits, this is a compelling, aggressive package.

Externally, MY09 WRXs feature wider tyres (225/45x17, versus 205/50) and red calipers, along with a new mesh grille and WRX badge on the front.

Inside, red stitching adds to the sporty appearance. Added Senior: “For the first time we’re also offering a leather trim with sunroof option as part of the regular Impreza WRX line-up, addressing clear customer demand seen in our retail network.

Joining the existing hatch variant, both WRX sedan and hatch will be available early December and maintain Subaru’s traditional and long-held price of $39,990.

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