2008 Subaru Impreza/WRX

All new 2008 Impreza and WRX lose their quirky looks to appeal to Civic, Corolla and Mazda3 market

Aug 04, 2007

Special to the Star

VICTORIA–Goodbye quirky. Hello mainstream.

Time was, Subaru could be counted on to bring some endearingly brave and left-of-centre vehicles to market. Along with a lengthy succession of boxer-engined all-wheel-drive sedans and wagons, Subaru has offered some real zingers over the years – the jet-fighter-esque SVX sports coupe, the tiny CVT-equipped Justy and the car-come-pickup Brat, just for starters

But in the quest for a larger share of the global market, Subaru is steering away from its funky past.

This all-new 2008 Impreza, especially in sedan form, eschews weird altogether, coming at you with a generic Euro-look.

Even the trademark frameless door windows are gone.

The five-door variant, which replaces the outgoing wagon, is a much more interesting proposition, looking like a shrunken Tribeca with some BMW 1 Series and Mazda3 Sport thrown in. But quirky it ain't.

Of course, the core element of Subie-ness – a horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine powering all four wheels – remains intact. In fact, the powertrains of the 2008 Impreza and turbo WRX variant are mildly tweaked carry-overs from last year.

Subaru is offering three versions of the 2008 Impreza sedan: a base 2.5i ($20.695), the Canada-only 2.5i Sport Package ($23,195) and the turbocharged WRX ($32,995). Add $1,100 for a four-speed manumatic (replacing the standard five-speed manual) and $900 for the five-door body style.

Impreza is built on an all-new platform featuring a longer wheelbase (up 95 mm) and a new compact double-wishbone rear suspension. Additionally, the 2.5-litre flat- four engine sits 10 mm closer to the ground, lowering the centre of gravity. On the safety front, Impreza gets a full complement of airbags, including front/rear side curtains and active head restraints.

Unfortunately, VDC stability control is not part of the base car's resume, although it is standard on the two higher trim levels.

Initial impressions from the Impreza 2.5i's driver's seat are positive. The dash echoes the Tribeca's "twin cockpit" design theme, and while the plastics and finishes aren't as rich as some competitors, the Impreza's controls gets high marks for functionality and legibility. The redesigned front seats are comfy and supportive, and the extended wheelbase makes for improved back seat legroom.

During a morning drive over some seriously serpentine roads here on Vancouver Island, the Impreza 2.5i exhibited negligible roll and understeer while serving up a pleasantly compliant and poised ride.

Much credit goes to the Subie's symmetrical full-time all-wheel-drive that features a limited-slip centre differential and a default front-to-rear 50/50 torque split (45/55 for the automatic).

The five-speed shifter is a little rubbery, but clutch take-up is progressive. You only get four gears in the autobox, but it seems well matched to the torquey engine.

The tweaked 2.5-litre boxer engine now generates 170 hp (down three from last year) and 170 lb.-ft. of torque (up four), and while its mid-range punch is impressive, it gets downright coarse and unpleasant above 4000 r.p.m.

The Sports Package juices up the base 2.5i with electronic stability control, upgraded audio, 16-inch alloys, WRX body kit, hill-hold system (manual tranny only), rear solid discs (instead of drum brakes), electronic brake assist, heated front seats, wiper de-icer, fog lamps and leather-wrapped wheel and shift knob.

Devotees of the turbocharged WRX may be disappointed to find the horsepower and torque haven't ramped up from the previous car's 224 and 226 lb.-ft., respectively, but thanks to a new intercooler, turbo and intake manifold, peak torque arrives 800 r.p.m. sooner at 2800 r.p.m. And, yes, that big hood scoop (the last visual vestige of Subie-ness past) still blasts air onto the intercooler.

This turbo engine's newfound flexibility is noticeable. It's still not much of a revver, but it doesn't sound as coarse as the base unit. With the stiffer underpinnings, bigger brakes and 205/50x17 rubber, the 2008 WRX eagerly devoured the sinuous, tree-lined roads on our afternoon test route.

Subaru has dropped the price on both the 2008 2.5i and WRX by $2,000. More car for less money is always good. The auto maker hopes shoppers in the Civic, Corolla and Mazda3 bracket will make the financial leap to the well-equipped all-wheel-drive Impreza 2.5i.

And while the 2008 WRX has lost its boy-racer looks, it's gained a new level of refinement and dynamic acumen that handily trumps the old car.

When asked about the tarmac-chewing WRX STi, Subaru officials were tight-lipped, offering no clues as to its power output or arrival time. But rest assured, it's coming.

Don't think for a minute Subaru is going to let the upcoming Mitsubishi Evo X rule the roost.

Toronto Star