Road Test : Subaru Impreza WRX Premium sedan

Review by Jay Williams - 21/December/2010

Since the design change back in 2008 the Subaru Impreza WRX has copped a lot of flack for its looks. Gone where the days of the tough-as-nails turbocharged World Rally Championship image and in its place a some what, softer image.

Until now, the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX sedan has regained some of its lost street cred with its budging wheel guards and wide bodied stance. Adolescent males can once again dream about owning one of these turbo charged macho machines.

The Subaru Impreza WRX was born in Japan in 1992, then powered by a 155kW 2.0-litre turbo engine. Over the years the vehicle has gone from cult car to flat out legend and though car's design has divided fans over the years, it has always retained an undeniable performance edge.

The latest generation Impreza WRX has gone back to its roots by introducing the new sedan model.

So, how does it drive? Lets find out.

Drive: 3.5/5

The Subaru WRX sedan features a full-time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system for improved safety, it's relatively affordable at $43,829 *, and it gets an instantly recognisable bonnet scoop and wide body styling.

As soon as you take off in the Subaru Impreza WRX you know this thing means business, the acceleration as the turbocharger begins winding up at around 3000rpm - 3500rpm is very addictive. And even with the extra cladding it's still very quick off the line.

The WRX seems to have mellowed in the ride and handling department. The suspension has been retuned so you won't feel every bump through the road, this makes the WRX the obvious choice over the STI model in terms of day-to-day driveability. But, in saying that because of the softer spring and damper settings, the WRX does have some body roll when pressing through corners at pace.

Unsurprisingly the ride quality has improved in the WRX, making it a much friendlier car around town.

The old thump-thump of the boxer engine is present and gets even better as you approach the rev limit, things like wind noise and tyre noise seem to be muted.

Over the course of a week I became quite comfortable the 5-speed manual - but at times I felt it needed another cog - the very useful 343Nm of torque means that you'll never be frantically trying to find a lower gear when slowing down for a corner. 

In simple terms, the Impreza WRX sedan has got plenty of pulling power but if you were after an automatic transmission you'll have to opt for the the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart or spend the extra cash for the STI, because Subaru doesn't offer an automatic turbocharged WRX model in Australia.

Driving in traffic I found the WRX pretty comfortable and easy to drive, even with a 5-speed manual gearbox, plus the nifty hill start system works a treat.

Engine: 4/5

While the suspension has been detuned in a performance sense, the turbocharged Boxer engine has upped the ante.

The 2.5-litre horizontally opposed Boxer 4-cylinder engine pumps out 195kW of power at 6000rpm, the Subaru WRX will happily rev out to its redline but the key to this vehicle's speed is the massive amounts of torque.

The 343Nm of torque kicks in at 4000rpm, which gives the car impressive mid-range drive. You don't really have to rev the engine to see some impressive performance.

Taking just 5.3 seconds to reach 100km/h the 2011 WRX is pretty quick by anyone's measure and not bad for a vehicle weighing in at 1475kg, and this off-the-line speed is due in most part to the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. At no point did the WRX lose traction, even when dropping the clutch at high revs for quick acceleration off the lights.

The combined city/highway fuel consumption cycle sits at a claimed 10.4L/100km. We recorded a slightly higher figure of 11.2L/100km.

Exterior: 4/5

Both the WRX and WRX STI share the new sporty flared guards that set all performance variants apart from the normally aspirated Impreza range.

The sedan versions add a large aerodynamic spoiler that further sets it apart from the Impreza range. The WRX spoiler is slightly more modest when compared to the massive wing of the STI model.

All models feature sharper bumper corners and new design foglight surrounds and the bigger, dark finish grille blends with the headlight lines, for a sleeker look. 

The WRX and STI Sedan models feature a rear diffuser that includes a centre rear fog light houses four exhaust tailpipes. 

The WRX features lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels that are finished in a gunmetal grey.

The wider body also gives the 2011 WRX wider track dimensions. Both the front and rear track is approximately 38mm wider, firmer rear sub-frame bushings and wider 17-inch wheels and tires also deliver improved grip.

Interior: 3.5/5

When you sit in the drivers seat you are greeted by a large, centrally mounted tachometer/rev counter, when you initially plug in the key before igniting the engine, the red needles perform a "sweep" function.

The Instrument panels and door trims now feature darker colour tones, contrasting with dark silver trim. Everything looks very nice and the ergonomics are quite good but the quality of the plastics, particularly on the dashboard, are less than inspiring. For most people this won't be a huge concern and it should be said that the cabin aesthetic is modern and stylish.

Recaro-style leather seats provide good back support and over long journeys are quite comfortable. The side bolsters could have been a little higher to compensate the body roll - which is more pronounced than in previous WRX models - I found myself moving around quite a bit during hard cornering.

The steering wheel feels pretty good under hand. The size is just right - slightly smaller than most cars - and features cruise control and audio buttons so you can keep your hands on the wheel while setting speeds or changing radio stations.

Standard features like climate control, drilled alloy pedals and an immobiliser security system are very welcome, as are a pair of cupholders wedged between the two front seats.

The neat and tidy centre console is fairly basic with three dials for heating/cooling and not much else.

Our test model was fitted with a touch-screen satellite navigation system which was clear and very easy to use, electric sunroof and leather trim.

Overall: 4/5

The 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX offers customers a great blend of day-to-day driveability and weekend fun and thrills. When it comes down to it the WRX really is greatbang for buck when you consider the entry STI model is over $20k more.

The Impreza WRX is a very good car and doesn't do anything particularly poorly. The Boxer engine is top notch and offers more than enough turbocharged power to bring a smile to your face, however, the thing that does let the car down is the detuned suspension. While the engine wants to go flat nacker into and out of corners the suspension just isn't ridged enough to handle what the engine can offer, in this respect the WRX STI beats the WRX hands down.

Subaru's reputation for reliability, Class leading Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and a five star ANCAP rating does make the WRX a very enticing buy.

* Price is the manufacturer's recommended retail driveaway price (RRP) and includes the vehicle price, 12 months registration, stamp duty, luxury car tax (if applicable), CTP insurance cost estimate (based on private purchaser with good driving record) and a recommended charge for dealer delivery.