June 17, 2013
By: Rob Douthit
Do you want a tuner car, without having to do the tuning yourself? You're in luck, as Subaru offers its Impreza WRX, a sedan or hatchback that's built almost strictly for performance.
A tuner is a car, most frequently imported, that has performance and design modifications that make it pretty much a race car.
It's hard to see the WRX as anything but a performance ride, with its design, which features a scoop hood, rear spoiler and lines that hunch downward aggressively.
The WRX also has an extra-sport tuned version, the WRX STi.
Both versions are equipped with 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engines. The power plant makes 265 horsepower in the WRX and 305 horsepower in the STi, thanks to some tuning differences. The WRX has a five-speed manual transmission, while the STi has a six-speed manual. All-wheel drive is standard on both.
Fuel efficiency is rated at 19 mpg city, 25 highway in the WRX and 17 and 23 in the STi. Those numbers aren't all that impressive considering this is a small car, but if you're that much into performance that you'd buy this car, you probably aren't all that concerned with gas mileage.
The interior features a very minimalist design, without many bells, whistles and shiny objects.
There are some aluminum pedal covers and a bit of colored stitching for a tad of flair, but that's about it.
This car is essentially a toy, as it's fun to take out joyriding on back roads, or if you can find a deserted parking lot.
Other than that, it's not such a good car for everyday driving, like commuting and such, as the ride is harsh and the interior noise is quite pronounced.
And this is no cheap toy, either. The WRX starts at around $26,000 and ranges to about $39,000.
If this sports car had a little more to offer, say, in the looks department, that wouldn't be too much to pay. But the styling instead looks like it's aimed at a 21-year-old guy (or younger). Anyone driving this who is not on a track and is over the age of 25 just looks silly.
But if toys make you happy - expensive, all-wheel-drive, turbocharged toys - then the WRX might be right for you.
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