Test-drive: 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX

November 11, 9:13 PMOrlando Auto ExaminerMichael Block

Previous Next

1 comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Orlando Auto Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

2009 Subaru Impreza WRX 5-door hatch/courtesy of zcars.com.au

The 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX ruffled a lot of feathers with the Subaru faithful when it debuted. The 3rd-generation Impreza line was far more quiet and refined than the outgoing 2nd-generation Impreza. Although the 2nd-gen Impreza WRX was still a formidable performance machine, it wasn't quite measuring up to some of its competitors like the Mazdaspeed 3 and the Mk5 Volkswagen GTI. So Subaru hurried the 3rd-gen into production, after the 2nd-generation was only 5 years old (the 1st-gen Impreza carried on for 8 years).

Some appreciated the extra smoothness and updated feel of the 3rd-gen WRX, but the car had lost something in the transition. It ultimately performed better than the 2nd-gen, but it just wasn't the same. It had grown up up and settled down. It had given up earrings and punk rock for a business suit and elevator music. It had become.. yes... boring.

So Subaru made some quick changes to the 2009 WRX, understanding that they were failing to live up to the reputation they had earned with the 2nd-gen WRX.

At first glance, the only noticeable changes to the 09 WRX are the new front grill, which closely resembles the STi grill, and the wheels have been painted a gunmetal color. The all-season Bridgestone RE92s have finally been retired, replaced with much better Dunlop SP summer tires. Inside, the seats have also been changed, with nicer materials, red stitching, a slight bit more side bolstering, and a new red WRX logo emblazoned on the seat backs. Also, the aluminum pedals used in the 2nd-gen WRX have returned after being absent in the 08 WRX.

But get in it, get moving, and get the turbo spooled up, and you will understand what all the hubbub is about.

WRX logo stitched on seat backs/courtesy of media.kickstatic.com

The 2.5-liter boxer four gains 41hp for 2009, up to 265hp from the previous 224hp in the 08. It also gains 18lb-ft of torque. Turbo boost is increased to 13.3 psi and the exhaust has been opened up a bit. The difference is significant; when the 08 WRX just accelerated briskly, the 09 WRX accelerates forcefully. Formerly bested in this department by its main competitor, the Mazdaspeed 3 with 260hp, it now picks up speed much faster than the Mazda: the 09 WRX gets to 60mph in 4.8 seconds while the Mazda can only manage 5.4 seconds... and with a large amount of torque steer that the WRX avoids thanks to Subaru's legendary AWD.

Carry that speed into a corner, and another difference becomes apparent: the suspension. The 09 WRX receives a firmer and more responsive suspension, with stiffer front strut mounts from the STi, higher spring rates, and bigger swaybars. The difference isn't as much in the numbers as it is in the feel. The 08 WRX handled quite well. Grip was hard to lose, and it posted better numbers than the 2nd-gen WRX. But, thanks in part to excessive body roll, it didn't feel like a firmly-planted car. When taking a corner at speed, the driver of an 08 WRX understood that the car would take the corner properly, even though it felt like it was on the verge of losing control. Not so with the 09 WRX. Now it feels planted, tenacious, confidence-inspiring. The driver wants to have fun in an 08 WRX; the driver actually has fun in an 09 WRX.

Anyone can build a car that accelerates quickly or posts good skidpad numbers. Building a car that can do those and actually be fun to drive in the process... well, that is what Subaru is trying to do with the 09 WRX.

Now, for those who liked the WRX the way it was in 08, fear not. The 09 Impreza 2.5GT is essentially the 08 WRX carried over, with the old 224-hp rating and softer suspension. The difference is the 2.5GT is available only with an automatic (conversely, the 09 WRX is now only available with a 5spd).

Those who got an 08 WRX wanting a more raw and visceral performing car, however, probably feel pretty steamed right about now, especially since the 09 WRX starts at $24,995, only $645 more than the 08 WRX, which started at $24,350. If they may find any solace, it will be in the fact that the 09 WRX loses one mpg of in-town fuel efficiency, to 18mpg, although the highway mileage stays the same at 25mpg.

Those who are still hanging onto their 2nd-gen WRXs for fear that even the 09 WRX doesn't deliver quite the fun quotient that theirs does, well, they might be right. The 3rd-gen WRX is still a bit luxurious and soft compared to the somewhat scabrous, yet still immensely entertaining, 2nd-gen WRX.

But make no mistake. The 2009 Subaru WRX is the one that enthusiasts want. It is the car that the 2008 WRX aspired to be.