Subaru WRX Sedan Review 2005

If anything, the WRP10 is the best mix of both the softer, friendlier WRX and the racy, harder-to-live-with STi.

The WRP10 offers the comfort of the standard WRX combined with the sportiness of the STi, but without the compromise.

The WRP10 adds a carbon fibre strut brace ($944), STi engine performance upgrade kit ($2507), individually numbered badging and external decals. It also features the Impreza WRX lowering upgrade kit ($505) and forged alloy wheels ($5568) with Pirelli P Zero Nero tyres. Subaru says the tyres add about $1400.

The total value of the added bits tips the WRP10 to $49,424 without including rubber or the decals. But, cleverly Subaru has bought the car in at just $500 more than the halfway mark between the standard car and the STi at $48,490. The Impreza WRX lowering upgrade kit drops the car by 15cm and uses lowered coil springs that are both firmer and lower than the standard WRX.

The lower height adds a more muscular stance to the WRP10 while the Red Rubine coloured springs (STi) are instantly recognisable. The stiffer suspension gives a sharper turn-in than the WRX but does not trade ride comfort. In fact, the ride comfort in the WRP10 is noticeably smooth. Only over harsh bumps did the suspension complain but with more of a thud than a scrub.

The better ride and handling are also because of the carbon fibre strut brace.

The WRP10 is powered by the WRX's standard 2.0-litre horizontally opposed turbo four-cylinder engine with the extra kWs and Nms, along with a slightly throatier exhaust note because of the engine upgrade.

Power is up 7kW to 175kW at 4000rpm, and torque jumps 2Nm to 302Nm at 4000rpm (400rpm above the standard WRX.)

The engine is noticeably smoother and gives a feeling of being more effortless. The upgrade adds a replacement ECU, upgraded exhaust components and a large single tip muffler. The upgrade also seems to limit the turbo lag of the STi. The five-speed box allows easier launching than the six-speed STi, however at high revs when the clutch is depressed it is an aggressive lurch.

The WRP10 is 0.3 secs faster than a standard WRX in the 0 to 100km/h sprint and just 0.2 seconds slower than the STi.

Inside, the WRP10 is the same as the standard WRX, although the smaller stereo makes the dash look unfinished.

The wheels are the same size and the Pirelli rubber has noticeably more grip under load.

The WR stands for the company's world rally heritage, the P is for Pirelli tyres and the 10 is to commemorate the WRX's 10-year anniversary in Australia. But, the company was a bit late as the WRP10 did not go on sale until the end of January this year, which is actually the model's 11th year in the country.

Only 200 are to be built, all of which will be Crystal Grey and all with five-speed manuals.

The WRX's standard four-wheel disc brakes with ABS remain untouched and still remain more than adequate anchors.

With close to $10,000 extra fruit for $8590, improved handling and those little things (decals, badges and the 200 production limit) the WRP10 has a uniqueness over its brothers that appears to be worth every penny.