2008 Subaru Impreza
Long Term Update 4: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX
By Ron Kiino
Photography by William Walker
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As the proud owner of a 2003 WRX wagon, online editor Michael Floyd says, "This new WRX is worlds better in almost every conceivable area. While the shift throws are longish and the pedal is softer, I find it nicer to row through the gears, and the overall clutch operation to be easier to manage than with the previous-gen. The horizontally opposed 2.5-liter is plenty willing, and the turbo sends it into a frenzy past 3000 rpm, all the way up to redline.
"And inside, it's no contest, thanks to available navigation, much better interior materials, improved ergonomics, superior creature comforts, and framed windows, the last of which help decrease interior noise, one of my wife's (our WRX is her daily driver) biggest complaints with the 2003."
Saturday, October 4, 2008
2008 Subaru WRX - Update 3
2008 Subaru Impreza
Long Term Update 3: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX
By Ron Kiino
Photography by Jessica Germiller
CLICK TO VIEW GALLERY
"Had a good time driving the WRX this weekend," says senior editor Ed Loh. "Fast and tossable, the Rex seems invincible, feeling like a budget rally car right out of the box. There's a ton of suspension travel, and it's all very well damped-as though you're constantly riding in the sweet spot of the springs. Bumps literally get soaked up, and there is some body roll, too, but as you corner, this imparts the feeling the loaded wheels are getting max traction (again, like a rally car)."
He adds, "It's geared to go fast. Shifts under full throttle like rapid-firing slingshots-the engine winds and thwacks you every time you clutch out." With the WRX parked back in the Motor Trend garage, Loh ponders, "I remember when the first WRX came out in 2002-how much buzz there was that we finally got this world famous rally car. Now that it's been here a few years, and we've had several iterations of the STI, we've become jaded. Perhaps we've forgotten how capable and competent the WRX is."
Long Term Update 3: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX
By Ron Kiino
Photography by Jessica Germiller
CLICK TO VIEW GALLERY
"Had a good time driving the WRX this weekend," says senior editor Ed Loh. "Fast and tossable, the Rex seems invincible, feeling like a budget rally car right out of the box. There's a ton of suspension travel, and it's all very well damped-as though you're constantly riding in the sweet spot of the springs. Bumps literally get soaked up, and there is some body roll, too, but as you corner, this imparts the feeling the loaded wheels are getting max traction (again, like a rally car)."
He adds, "It's geared to go fast. Shifts under full throttle like rapid-firing slingshots-the engine winds and thwacks you every time you clutch out." With the WRX parked back in the Motor Trend garage, Loh ponders, "I remember when the first WRX came out in 2002-how much buzz there was that we finally got this world famous rally car. Now that it's been here a few years, and we've had several iterations of the STI, we've become jaded. Perhaps we've forgotten how capable and competent the WRX is."
2008 Subaru WRX - Update 2
2008 Subaru Impreza
Long Term Update 2: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX
by Ron Kiino
Photography by Jessica Germiller
CLICK TO VIEW GALLERY
Photographer Julia LaPalme, who in the WRX's last update claimed Subaru seemed to be "dumbing down what used to be an award-winning vehicle," has, following another stint, reconsidered.
"Well, after a second go in this sporty sedan, I'm over my initial shock. Just adjusting to changes in a beloved rally car. It's actually starting to grow on me." Indeed, LaPalme, former owner of a 2002 WRX, fully appreciates the 2008's fold-down back seat, large sunvisors, quiet cabin, comfy front seats, and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. After more drive time, editor-in-chief Angus MacKenzie has changed his tune, as well.
"I may have been too hard on this thing during Car of the Year. Around town, it's a pleasant device. The ride is smooth and well controlled, and the engine is punchy. As a reasonably quick, yet slightly stealthy all-weather commuter, it has its attractions."
Long Term Update 2: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX
by Ron Kiino
Photography by Jessica Germiller
CLICK TO VIEW GALLERY
Photographer Julia LaPalme, who in the WRX's last update claimed Subaru seemed to be "dumbing down what used to be an award-winning vehicle," has, following another stint, reconsidered.
"Well, after a second go in this sporty sedan, I'm over my initial shock. Just adjusting to changes in a beloved rally car. It's actually starting to grow on me." Indeed, LaPalme, former owner of a 2002 WRX, fully appreciates the 2008's fold-down back seat, large sunvisors, quiet cabin, comfy front seats, and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. After more drive time, editor-in-chief Angus MacKenzie has changed his tune, as well.
"I may have been too hard on this thing during Car of the Year. Around town, it's a pleasant device. The ride is smooth and well controlled, and the engine is punchy. As a reasonably quick, yet slightly stealthy all-weather commuter, it has its attractions."
2008 Subaru WRX - Update 1
2008 Subaru Impreza
Long Term Update : 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX
By Ron Kiino
Photography by Julia LaPalme
CLICK TO VIEW GALLERY
As a former owner of a 2002 WRX, photographer Julia LaPalme isn't especially impressed with this 2008 model: "Everything feels softened on this Subie. The clutch engagement is squishy (sometimes I let it out too soon, other times too late). The engine is so quiet and smooth at 3000 rpm that I find myself speeding a bit too easily (me+WRX=trouble). And I hope trouble doesn't require quick braking-the binders feel soft and slow to bite, making me dig in my foot much deeper to get the stopping action I expect, a disappointing trait for a rally-bred car."
Alas, LaPalme continues venting: "I'm rowing through this slushy gearbox, half the time bumping my elbow on the center armrest latch, causing it to pop up unexpectedly. What's with that? Overall it feels like Subaru is dumbing down what used to be an award-winning vehicle. I, for one, will be nursing a broken heart because of it."
Long Term Update : 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX
By Ron Kiino
Photography by Julia LaPalme
CLICK TO VIEW GALLERY
As a former owner of a 2002 WRX, photographer Julia LaPalme isn't especially impressed with this 2008 model: "Everything feels softened on this Subie. The clutch engagement is squishy (sometimes I let it out too soon, other times too late). The engine is so quiet and smooth at 3000 rpm that I find myself speeding a bit too easily (me+WRX=trouble). And I hope trouble doesn't require quick braking-the binders feel soft and slow to bite, making me dig in my foot much deeper to get the stopping action I expect, a disappointing trait for a rally-bred car."
Alas, LaPalme continues venting: "I'm rowing through this slushy gearbox, half the time bumping my elbow on the center armrest latch, causing it to pop up unexpectedly. What's with that? Overall it feels like Subaru is dumbing down what used to be an award-winning vehicle. I, for one, will be nursing a broken heart because of it."
2008 Subaru Impreza
Long Term Arrival: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX
By Edward Loh
Photography by Jessica Germiller
Exactly one year ago, our May 2007 cover of the all-new Subaru Impreza WRX lit the Interwebs on fire. It also ignited a still-burning debate about the value of embargoed vehicle launches, but only in the backbiting, internecine world of hack auto journalists.
Long Term Arrival: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX
By Edward Loh
Photography by Jessica Germiller
Exactly one year ago, our May 2007 cover of the all-new Subaru Impreza WRX lit the Interwebs on fire. It also ignited a still-burning debate about the value of embargoed vehicle launches, but only in the backbiting, internecine world of hack auto journalists.
Turns out John Q. Public is more concerned about the way the new Rex looks and drives, so we decided to investigate and requested that Subaru immediately send us over one of its very latest.
CLICK TO VIEW GALLERY
Say what you want about the looks (we say they're growing on us), but this is one well-equipped vehicle. Not only does it have the segment standard bells and whistles-such as automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, and an audio AUX-in jack-but Subaru also includes endearing features like optional heated front seats and side mirrors, windshield wiper de-icers, and an incline start-assist system that prevents the vehicle from rolling backward.
The WRX is bigger, too, though this has been a sore point for some fans who've also lambasted Fuji Heavy for simply repurposing chassis and powertrain components from the larger Legacy sedan. Of course, another way to look at it is that consumers are getting many of the flagship goodies at a much lower price. Plus, there's no denying the larger body and redesigned rear suspension mean significantly more rear passenger and cargo room than previous-generation WRX sedans, without an appreciable drop in performance. Our WRX's 224-horsepower, turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four propelled it to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds.
You certainly pay for what you get, though the way WRXs are bundled, you won't see a string of dollar signs on the window sticker. The MSRP for our Lightning Red WRX came in at $24,995. Tack on $2100 for a premium package (those heated goodies, foglights, etc.), $2000 for navigation and Sirius Satellite Radio, and $163 for a center armrest, and you're looking at $29,258.
So far we've had the WRX for five months, and it's rarely spent a weekend in our G3 garage. In fact, we recently spent $111.48 at the local dealership for the standard 7500 service: a chassis lube, oil and oil filter replacement, and tire rotation.
Motor Trend was the first to break cover on the all-new Subaru WRX, so why not join us for the ride through the ownership experience?
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