2009 Subaru Impreza WRX by ALAN GELL www.CarColumns.Net A few months ago, I participated in a Spring Challenge car event sponsored by the Texas Auto Writers Association.  It was held at the Texas Motor Speedway and included on-track and off-track test driving.  One of the vehicles that I really enjoyed was the Subaru Impreza WRX.

    There are several Impreza models available from Subaru.  The WRX was first introduced to the US in 2002.  The WRX is a champion rally car and has a great tradition.  It is a fun-to-drive car, but it can get seriously exciting in a very short while.  The WRX generally introduced Americans to the sport-compact sedan market.  The MazdaSpeed 3, the Volkswagen GTI, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo are all part of that segment. 
            Subaru’s engineers attempted to do some changes to the 2008 model and did a lot except what consumers, especially rally fans, wanted.  They wanted fast and aggressive and did not find it in last year’s model.  What they did find was an improved interior, great handling, and comfort. The crying was heard and Subaru did something to win back the fan loyalty for 2009.  The Impreza WRX has new styling, summer tires that grip the road better, and most importantly, extra horsepower.  It has a larger turbocharger and a bigger exhaust, among other things. 
            My test drive model was Blue Pearl in color and had an attractive appeal.  It was powered by the standard 2.5 liter, 16 valve engine that is a horizontally opposed four cylinder.  It does have a larger turbo for 2009 that added 41 more horsepower for a total output of  265.  It was matched to a five speed manual transmission.  I didn’t take the WRX out onto the actual track, but stayed on the outer perimeters of the Speedway.  There were enough twists and turns to satisfy my desires to enjoy the ability of the WRX to respond well.
            EPA fuel figures are listed as 18-mpg city and 25-mpg highway.  With such a little car with manual transmission, I expected slightly more.  The WRX has enough roaring sound to satisfy the race-car-driver pent up in many, but that indicates this is not a quiet car for the daily commute.  The ride is generally smooth, the suspension is good, and the steering is responsive.  Generally, when you are behind the wheel, you have the desire to push the pedal to the metal and take off.  The WRX can respond and effortlessly enough that you will soon be tapping out the top edges of the speedometer without realizing it.
            There are plenty of comfort additions to pamper the driver and passengers, such as climate-control air filtration, performance designed front seats, dual over map lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, auxiliary audio jack, and daytime running lights.   The base MSRP for the Impreza WRX test model was $25,495.  The only upgrades and add-ons were an automatic dimming mirror with compass and Sirius Satellite Radio.  The delivery charges and the upgrades bumped the bottom line sticker price to $26,835.
            The Subaru Impreza is a fun car to drive and the WRX makes it even better.  You have the sense that you are in an auto rally and can accelerate, twist, turn, and come out in front.  Maybe you can, but it might be better to watch out for the local policia when you are behind the wheel for your daily drive.  Check out the WRX at a Subaru dealership yourself and find out if this might be the car you have been looking for.