Like most manufacturers they start with a four-cylinder base offering - a small car available in hatchback or sedan, standard or automatic, varying trim levels, and blah, blah, blah.
Ah, but even here in entry-level land, it gets interesting very quickly.
The Impreza is no standard four-banger. It harnesses a 2.5-litre horizontally opposed, boxer engine designed for surefooted performance due to its construction and uniquely low centre of gravity. And this is no ordinary drive system either. All Imprezas utilize a symmetrical, full-time all-wheel-drive system combined with Traction Control and a lateral-g and yaw-rate sensing Vehicle Dynamics Control system.
In fact, this is no ordinary entry-level lineup at all, with upscale Imprezas tapping into World Rally Car heritage through turbo-powered WRX models before burgeoning into the full-blown 305 hp grunt of hyper-active and race-ready STi versions.
It’s a depth of product almost unique to the industry. And as far as breadth of lineup goes, I always thought they had it pretty well covered.
But for the 2009 model year Subaru Canada has broadened the WRX range of choice with a new trim level - the new high-performance WRX265 with a more powerful turbo engine and a host of other rally-inspired performance features.
So, why another WRX?
“It’s a response to feedback from customers and journalists like you,” Ted Lalka, Subaru Canada’s vice-president of product planning and marketing told me. “We wanted something to slot between the WRX and the STi.”
As he explained it, some customers were asking for a product to bridge the power gap between the WRX and STi. Not to mention the almost $10K price difference.
The WRX265 starts with (as you might guess from the name) a 265 hp turbocharged and intercooled engine that also produces 244 lb-ft of torque. That works out to 41 hp more than the regular WRX and with an additional 18 lb-ft of torque. Putting it right in between the regular WRX and the STi.
The engine sounds a little different too, with more of the STi turbo whine and with a slightly different personality – peak hp comes in a 6000 rpm instead of 5200 rpm. Subaru also tells me that WRX models only come in 5-speed manual this year.
As for price, since the 2009 WRX price has dropped by $2,000 compared to last year, the WRX265 MSRP seems somewhat reasonable at $33,995.
So, for about $1,000 more than last year’s WRX price, the WRX265 adds a significant power edge, as well as performance and content extras that include:
* A new power tilting and sliding glass moonroof.
* Performance-tuned suspension.
* 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with Dunlop SP SPORT summer performance tires.
* Premium audio system, including Sirius Satellite Radio and a 3-month trial subscription.
* Tilting/telescoping steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise control switches.
* Gun metal aluminum-alloy sport pedals.
* Unique embroidered WRX red-stitched seats.
As you might guess, the WRX265 bolsters its performance by borrowing heavily from the STi parts bin. The upper strut mounts are from STi as is the spoiler, and the performance-tuned suspension features sway bars that are 1 mm thicker for tighter control.
But for all that performance orientation, there’s nothing herky-jerky about the WRX265. And there’s none of the expected nervous tension of an over-powered rice rocket. Ride and demeanor are civilized, the rally-style seating is not binding, it feels all-day comfortable, and you can converse easily during a leisurely drive.
Hammer the pedal though, and all hell breaks loose with an adrenaline-pumping turbo howl, pushing you back into the seat, all four wheels clawing the road in a 50/50 front-to-rear axle power split.
A car like this almost demands to be exercised – legally, that is. But as an everyday driver with the ability to compete in occasional rally or autocross competitions, the WRX265 improves on the model with even more genuine performance ability and in-town civility barely masking the heart and soul of a race car.
Sheesh – nice to have that kind of power on demand.
It’s even nicer to be able to choose the levels of power and price to fit your budget.
“The Impreza WRX continues to be a popular choice for affordable performance,” said Katsuhiro Yokoyama, president and CEO of SCI. “Now, buyers have even more choice, with two models allowing them to set their own priorities when shopping for an outstanding combination of power, versatility, and safety.”
