2009 Subaru Impreza - Review

Fans of AWD turbo cars are no doubt aware of the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX's changes over the 2008 model, and those that aren't aware ought to be - this is a seriously improved vehicle. Fun, quick and comfortable, there are many reasons to like the latest WRX. Our week behind the wheel left us with mixed emotions, however.

The last Impreza WRX was all-new for 2008, but many lambasted the car for being too soft and too lethargic for its enthusiast position in the market. Subaru sought to turn that around with the 2009 car, and - for the most part - it has.

Borrowing bits from all over the Subaru lineup, the new WRX has an improved suspension, turbo, appearance and options profile. Only available with a five-speed manual, the new WRX means business, and once you get the new 265hp, 244lb-ft 2.5L Boxer rolling and the turbo spooled up, you know it. This car launches and pulls like a dream. Data acquired with our MaxQData GPS data logging system showed getting into the 5.2-5.3 second 0-60mph range was easy and repeatable without beating on the car or the clutch too hard.

But hit the first corner hard and you'll be surprised at the amount of body roll you're faced with. Push it to the limit and beyond, and all you'll find is understeer. Stomp the throttle at the apex of a 90-degree turn and you'll hear lots of front-inside wheel spin thanks to the open diffs on each axle. Something about the car still feels unfinished. The aftermarket will have a great deal of fun with this car, however.

Subaru says they've tightened up the suspension with higher spring rates, larger anti-roll bars and tuned dampers, but the car feels like it's been setup for a gravel rally stage, not the pavement jungle most of us face in the daily grind. On the other hand, the WRX maintains complete composure over even the most broken and busted tarmac the Midwest has to throw at it, accelerating, handling and braking without incident or issue.