Subaru Impreza WRX 2005 review

There's nothing quite as frenetic as a Subaru WRX.

WRXs always feel like they're trying to jump out of their own skin, an impression heightened by the explosive performance waiting beneath the bonnet.

So, as a wedge between affordability and outright performance, Subaru Australia crafted a limited edition of 200 mid-range models.

The lumpy-named WRP10 — World Rally/Pirelli/10-year anniversary of the WRX — gets

selected STi components, more power, a price that falls somewhere between the base model and the STi, and comes in one colour. Grey.

Power goes from 168kW to 175kW thanks to a new engine management unit and an exhaust system modelled on the STi. Subaru says these goodies give the WRP10 more response and cleaner performance.

There are some STi bits to keep the car flatter and return better steering feel, such as a carbon-fibre strut brace and a suspension-lowering kit. The stiffer springs reduce ride height by 15mm.

The final touches are five-spoke, forged alloy RAYS wheels and Pirelli PZero Nero tyres.

One lap of the AHG circuit shows the difference over the base WRX and the similarities to the STi.

Strangely, the extra power doesn't appear to manifest itself in a faster car. The engine does, however, feel more lively and more willing to wring out at the top-end of the tacho.

But the tangible result is the blending of the slightly firmer and more-controlled suspension movement, with that engine power delivery.

Around the track the WRP10 is more driveable than the WRX and shows more precise steering input and less tendency to understeer. But it's not as good as the STi.

The all-wheel-drive system is very forgiving and in the WRP10, will mop up your embarrassments.

Away from the track, the constant 4WD system is a great saviour on winter roads by maximising braking effort, keeping the car on line through corners and reducing wheelspin on acceleration. There's not a big difference in ride comfort between the WRX and the WRP10.

But the front seats are superbly contoured to fit most bodies.

The car will seat up to five and the boot is a decent size.

This is a well-executed exercise in boosting the performance of a standard model. It works primarily because it doesn't destroy the affordability and excellent performance of what is a great concept.