Entries Tagged 'Articles' ↓

NEW 2009 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX SEDAN: SUBARU AT ITS BEST

December 28th, 2009 — Articles, Reviews

2009 Subaru Impreza WRX Sedan

THINKING MAN’S HIGH-PERFORMANCE CAR

Source: Motoring.Co.Za
By Denis Droppa

The new generation Subaru Impreza WRX hatchback launched here in 2007 reminded me of a star athlete showing the first signs of flabbiness.

The suspension was softer, the acceleration figures were good but not fantastic. It was still fast and handled well but felt like it had spent some time sitting on the couch munching high-cholesterol snacks.

And, although looks have never been Subaru’s strongest point, the rather unfortunate styling of the WRX hatchback really stretched brand loyalty.

2009 Subaru Impreza WRX Sedan

Recently Subaru SA addressed this by replacing the WRX and 2.0R hatches with sedan models, leaving the high-performance STi as the only hatch in the range. The sedan is built on the same wheelbase as the hatch but is 165mm longer with a wing on the boot.

Along with its extended bum the WRX also got a testosterone boost. The turbocharged 2.5-litre DOHC boxer engine has a bigger turbo and an upgraded exhaust to hike outputs to 195kW and 343Nm (26kW and 23Nm stronger than the outgoing WRX hatchback), making it the most powerful WRX yet and edging closer to the STI’s 221kW and 407Nm.

There’s nothing changed in the Impreza’s all-wheel drive system, which still apportions a standard 50/50 front-to-rear power split, varied to a certain extent by a viscous coupling depending on driving conditions.

However, the suspension has been tweaked for better handling with slightly stiffer springs, beefed-up roll bars, and wider (225/45 R17) rubber.

I wondered whether this would bring the car back to its finely-honed athletic best.

A few minutes behind the wheel confirmed that the WRX sedan, like the hatch it replaces, is still a very driveable, everyday-user-friendly car. It wafts over rough roads without dislodging teeth or spinal discs but has some serious bite when prodded.

It accelerates quicker than ever and takes corners just as fast - on bumpy roads probably even faster than its firmly sprung predecessors - and, although this Scooby has a more civilised side, it still does the business when you’re driving in all-guns-blazing mode.

Subaru hasn’t forgotten what sprinkles Tabasco on an enthusiast driver’s oyster - that came through loud and clear during a few laps around Gerotek’s ride and handling circuit.

There’s a tad more body roll but less understeer than in WRX’s past, ensuring a super-crisp turn-in as the noise snuggles into the apex. The car dances through turns with the typically sharp, fleet-footed feel that has made the WRX badge revered in high-adrenalin lore.

The more compliant suspension allows the car to be driven quicker through bumpy mountain passes, rather than skittering about like a drop of water on a hot stove, while a new steering damper reduces kickback on bumpy roads.

2009 Subaru Impreza WRX Sedan

EXTRA FIREPOWER

The engine also makes a suitably charismatic sound, a burble distinctive to its pugilistically-arranged cylinders, so it rates favourably on the aural scale.

The extra firepower was clearly evident in the car’s more spirited feel and subsequently confirmed by our testing equipment when we recorded 0-100 in 6.2sec and a 14.3sec quarter mile at altitude, compared to the 7.4 and 15.1 attained by the less muscular hatch.

The WRX is officially restricted to a top speed of 210km/h but your Subaru dealer can ungovern it to 233km/h. All you have to do is ask - and that apparently applies to most governed Subaru models.

Earlier, two-litre turbo WRXs were notorious for turbo lag, which made them go from meek to manic in a sudden rush. The 2.5’s power delivery is more linear and thus more civilised, although the kettle still only starts boiling at 4000rpm.

The main changes to the cabin include black trim mouldings, WRX-embossed sport seats, instrument lighting in red, aluminium pedals and metal trim around the centre console and door handles.

VERDICT

The hardcore street-racer brigade might lament a slight softening of the WRX’s character but it’s definitely not a case of there being a wheeze where once was a snarl.

I call this the thinking man’s high-performance car; it balances finesse and user-friendliness with great sporting ability. Yin and Yang in harmony.

The rough edges have been filed off and the WRX has become a more complete car without losing any of its dynamic ability.

Source: Motoring.Co.Za
By Denis Droppa

Technorati Tags: , , , , ,


Related Blogs

No Comments

MOTOR TREND LONG TERM UPDATE 4: 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI

December 22nd, 2009 — 2008 Subaru Impreza Wrx Sti, 2008 motor trend review, 2008 sti, 2008 sti long term update, 2008 sti reliability, 2008 sti review, 2008 sti safety, 2008 sti update, 2008 subaru impreza wrx sti reliability, 2008 subaru impreza wrx sti safety ratings, 2008 subaru wrx sti review, 2008 subaru wrx sti rollover ratings, 2008 subaru wrx sti safety ratings, Articles, Reviews, long term update, motor trend

112_0907_02z2008_subaru_impreza_wrx_stirear_three_quarters_view

“Holy tire noise, Batman!” says associate Web producer Scott Evans. “I took the STI on a road trip up to Northern California, and the tire roar on the highway was excessive, to say the least.”

Indeed, upon Evans’ return to Southern Cal, we inspected the tires and noticed that, after over 17,000 miles of use, their tread blocks had worn even with the wear bars-not bad mileage for a soft and sticky summer tire, though-so we promptly called Tire Rack. For replacement rubber, we opted to stay within the Dunlop line, swapping the OE SP Sport 600s with a set of Direzza Sport Z1 Star Specs ($893.85). So far, the Direzzas are delivering a quiet ride and handling on par with the OE tires.

Tire noise notwithstanding, Evans did enjoy the Subaru’s lively personality and handling prowess during his stint. “Switching the car’s SI Drive to Sport Sharp makes a world of difference in throttle response.” Senior editor Ron Kiino agrees, adding, “I think Sport Sharp should be the one and only setting-both the Sport and Intelligent settings dull throttle feel too much.”

Evans also notes, “At no point did the tires break loose nor did the car try to get away from me — an impressive-handling hot hatch.”

Dislikes? “The only thing that would make this car more fun to drive would be a smoother shifter, as this six-speed is a bit clunky.”

“And I have one other gripe, and that’s with the navigation. While it works fine, if you have the audible directions turned on, the system insists on directing you to go straight on the road traveled far more times than is necessary. When you get within two miles of what it deems a major cross street, it warns you every half mile to keep going straight. Four times it insisted on cutting my music to tell me not to turn. Completely unnecessary.”

On the plus side, the STI, at 19.5 mpg, continues to deliver frugal fuel economy, especially for a 2.5-liter turbocharged all-wheel-drive rally rocket. The similarly equipped Evo, even with a smaller 2.0-liter engine, is so far registering only 18.1 mpg.

[ Source: Motor Trend ]

Related Blogs

No Comments