Subaru Impreza WRX 2010 Review

The Rex is back with a body to match its bite.  Subaru has given fans of the cult budget blaster a huge boost by filling out the WRX with the same bulging body as the even faster STI.

The Rex now looks like a mean machine with pumped out front and rear wheel arches and has the added benefit of a larger footprint and extra stability because the wheels sit out further.

VALUE

Even better is the fact that Subaru has managed to keep the entry price for the all-wheel-drive slingshot pegged at $39,990, the same amount the very first WRX cost when introduced back in 1994.

Subaru has also worked some magic on the STI range-topper by bringing back a sedan version and fitting it with a great big wing, a move that should please the young at heart.  It has also introduced an automatic transmission, the first time a self-shifter has ever been offered with an STI.

Subaru's boffins have also fiddled with the STI's suspension to sharpen up its handling.  A handy $2000 has been chopped off the entry price of the manual version, which drops to $59,990.

TECHNOLOGY

No change has been made to the engines, except for the automatic STI which has been given a different tune.  The standard WRX runs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer with a turbo on top that helps make 195kW and 343Nm of torque. It has variable valve timing, but only for the intake camshafts.

It is only available with a five-speed manual, which is linked to a permanent all-wheel drive system with an open front differential and a rear limited slip diff.  The gap between the wheels (the track) is now 35mm wider at the front and 40mm wider at the rear which helps with stability, while each tyre is 10mm wider.

Subaru has also fiddled with the rear suspension in a bid to improve agility.  It sits on stylish new 17-alloy wheels which are lighter than those they replace.

The STI runs a 2.5-litre boxer four like the WRX but it has a several upgrades including variable valve control for both the intake and exhaust camshafts.  It generates a healthy 221kW and 407Nm when paired with the standard six-speed manual gearbox.

The automatic version generates the same power, but 57Nm less peak torque although its peak torque is available for longer.  Automatic buyers also miss out of the cool electronically controlled centre differential, getting a mechanical system instead, and have to make do without the manual's front limited slip diff.

The automatic is a regular five-speed gearbox, not an advanced dual-clutch unit, but it can be controlled with paddle shifters and is a no cost option.  Subaru lowered the STI by 5mm, changed spring and damper rates, roll bar thickness and redesigned some components to sharpen up its handling. It also has new, lighter alloy wheels, which measure 18-inches.

SAFETY

Both the WRX and STI get a full safety suite of six airbags and electronic stability control and all have been rated with five stars by ANCAP's crash test regime.

DRIVING

The people have spoken and Subaru has given us the WRX we always wanted.  After copping a backlash for serving up the soft-looking and soft-driving WRX of 2007, Subaru has come up with a WRX that is not only a fantastic drive, but also looks like a seriously sporty machine.

As a WRX owner (a 1998 two-door STI) I can say this is the first of the recent versions that really makes me want to start saving for one.  It is the best performance car bargain in Australia and provides a heap of bang for your $39,990 bucks.

Subaru had largely sorted out the suspension in a 2008 update, but this version is even more sure-footed thanks to the changes underneath.  We tested the Rex on slippery tarmac and loose gravel and it was remarkably well behaved. The AWD system provides lots of traction as you would expect, but the WRX is so stable and predictable that it is even more fun that before.

The engine performance is as good as ever. It isn't a high-revver, but it is so strong from low down in the rev range that you don't need to wind it up too far.  You can leave it in a higher gear and still surge out of a turn.

The biggest downside is the five-speed manual, which is nice enough but means you do 2600rpm at 100km/h. It needs and extra gear. Then there are the sports seats which are not very supportive at all and the underwhelming interior, but it is easy to forgive these few issues.

We tested the STI at Phillip Island, which revealed just how fast and forgiving this cars is.  It maintains awesome corner speeds, dives incredibly late into the turns (thanks to standard Brembos) and has stunning acceleration whether in the wet and dry.

The automatic is not as sharp or as fast but will appeal to older customers who can't be bothered changing gears.  Then there is the sedan which looks great with its giant wing like the STIs of old. It is actually the only thing that differentiates the STI sedan from the WRX sedan, while the hatch STI and WRX look almost identical.

The fact that the WRX and STI look similar might be an issue for STI customers, but WRX buyers couldn't be happier.

Subaru Impreza WRX

Price: $39,990
Engine: 2.5-litre turbo four-cylinder
Power: 195kW at 6000rpm
Torque: 343Nm at 4000rpm
Transmission: Five-speed manual, all-wheel drive
Economy: 10.4L/100km and 247g/km CO2

Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Price: $59,990
Engine: 2.5-litre turbo four-cylinder
Power: 221kW at 6000rpm
Torque: 407Nm at 4000rpm (350Nm at 3000-6000rpm Auto)
Transmission: Six-speed manual or five-speed automatic
Economy: 10.5L/100km and 243g/km CO2