Impreza impressive

Stan Honda/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

2010 Subaru Impresa WRX STI.

Brian Early

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

Best: Subaru Impreza WRX/WRX STI ($32,495)

Perhaps one of the best-rounded and most flexible mainstream performance vehicles ever produced, the (265 hp) Subaru Impreza WRX and its top (305 hp) STI version offer strong acceleration (sub-6 second runs to 100 km/h), above-average handling, and the winter-compatible benefit of full-time all-wheel drive traction, in either compact hatchback or sedan body styles.

Only Mitsubishi’s Lancer Ralliart and Evolution can offer similar equipment or capability to the WRX for anywhere near the “Rex’s” base price.

Subaru’s symmetrical driveline layout is simpler and more elegant, and particularly in the case of the STI (versus Mitsubishi’s comparable Evo), the feel of the car when worked near its considerable limits is slightly mushier, but more linear and far less robotic.

Subaru has made some very obvious changes to the bodywork of the 2011 WRX and STI to accommodate suspension changes that include a wider track — instantly devaluing the 2010s for those of us who are willing to trade miniscule handling gains for more substantial financial ones.

Next Best: BMW 3 Series ($34,900)

There’s a reason why most other automakers use BMW’s 3 Series as a benchmark for their sport sedans and coupes; it really is that good.

That’s not to say it’s perfect, as the base 323i’s 200 hp rating lags behind many competitors, and dipping into the option sheet, adding all-wheel drive, moving up a model line, or choosing the Coupe or Cabrio body styles quickly swells the bottom line. Expect to pay extra for features that some others include, like HID headlights.

Still, the 3 Series continues to offer a well-sorted combination of ride quality and handling, smooth six cylinder engines (including a diesel), communicative steering, and the premium finish and build quality you’d expect in this segment.

Also Consider:

Chevrolet Camaro ($26,995): The Australian-bred, Canadian-built Camaro provides genuine muscle-car style and power — even in its base V6 version — yet possesses the modern chassis chops to handle appropriately when fitted with one of its available 400+ hp V8s.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe ($24,495): Hyundai’s first attempt at a rear-wheel drive sports coupe, and it’s a winner, from the $24,495 210 hp, 2.0-litre turbo model, right through to the Brembo brake-equipped, 306 hp, 3.8-litre V6 GT version.

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