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2009 Subaru Impreza WRX Review

March 30, 2009

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

STi...carries an air of purposeful muscularity
Jalopnik

Impreza is athletically styled, avoiding the bulbous look that plagues some hatchbacks
Cars.com

Simple and intuitive climate control knobs are likewise well-placed
Edmunds

Subaru has always carved its own path when it comes to styling, and the exterior of the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX is just as polarizing as its predecessors. However, TheCarConnection.com's research shows that the interior of Subaru Impreza WRX, which was redesigned in 2008, is a runaway success.

The 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX is available in either sedan or hatchback body styles, while the lightning-quick Subaru Impreza WRX STi comes exclusively as a hatchback. Reviews of the sedan are mediocre, as Edmunds remarks that, "from the rear doors back, the styling screams econobox, with homely taillights" and a wealth of uninspiring trim elements. The hatchback, however, is a different story entirely—Jalopnik reviewers say that the Subaru Impreza WRX "STi isn't what you'd call traditionally handsome," but they praise its "air of purposeful muscularity," which is enhanced by the "wildly flared arches, huge hood scoop and restrained rear wing." In a nod to the unorthodox styling, Car and Driver notes that the Subaru Impreza WRX features "love-it-or-hate-it styling," and Jalopnik laments that "the controversial looks will keep it from mass-market acceptance." The 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX hatchback features a few styling changes for 2009, which Cars.com details as "an Aero Package featuring an STi-type grille with a WRX badge," while the sedan gets "new tailpipe tips."

The inside of the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX is a vast improvement over the rather Spartan interior that characterized previous versions of the Impreza lineup. Jalopnik calls the "swoopy and odd" interior "positively refreshing," while Edmunds raves that the "legible gauges remained so in practically any lighting situation, with a simple layout centering the large tachometer prominently behind the steering wheel." For those Subaru Impreza WRX STi models equipped with the optional navigation system, ConsumerGuide attests that "the navigation system itself is easy to negotiate," which is more than can be said for some competitors.

Conclusion

Not everyone who approaches a 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX will be drawn to the exterior, but it's a pretty safe bet that the interior will leave a positive impression.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:STi...carries an air of purposeful muscularityJalopnikImpreza is athletically styled, avoiding the bulbous look that plagues some hatchbacksCars.comSimple and intuitive climate control knobs are likewise well-placedEdmunds Subaru has always carved its own path when it comes to styling, and the exterior of the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX is just as polarizing as its predecessors. However, TheCarConnection.com's research shows that the interior of Subaru Impreza WRX, which was redesigned in 2008, is a runaway success. The 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX is available in either sedan or hatchback body styles, while the lightning-quick Subaru Impreza WRX STi comes exclusively as a hatchback. Reviews of the sedan are mediocre, as Edmunds remarks that, "from the rear doors back, the styling screams econobox, with homely taillights" and a wealth of uninspiring trim elements. The hatchback, however, is a different story entirely—Jalopnik reviewers say that the Subaru Impreza WRX "STi isn't what you'd call traditionally handsome," but they praise its "air of purposeful muscularity," which is enhanced by the "wildly flared arches, huge hood scoop and restrained rear wing." In a nod to the unorthodox styling, Car and Driver notes that the Subaru Impreza WRX features "love-it-or-hate-it styling," and Jalopnik laments that "the controversial looks will keep it from mass-market acceptance." The 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX hatchback features a few styling changes for 2009, which Cars.com details as "an Aero Package featuring an STi-type grille with a WRX badge," while the sedan gets "new tailpipe tips." The inside of the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX is a vast improvement over the rather Spartan interior that characterized previous versions of the Impreza lineup. Jalopnik calls the "swoopy and odd" interior "positively refreshing," while Edmunds raves that the "legible gauges remained so in practically any lighting situation, with a simple layout centering the large tachometer prominently behind the steering wheel." For those Subaru Impreza WRX STi models equipped with the optional navigation system, ConsumerGuide attests that "the navigation system itself is easy to negotiate," which is more than can be said for some competitors. ConclusionNot everyone who approaches a 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX will be drawn to the exterior, but it's a pretty safe bet that the interior will leave a positive impression. 2009 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STYLING | [7 out of 10] Jalopnik: "STi...carries an air of purposeful muscularity" Cars.com: "Impreza is athletically styled, avoiding the bulbous look that plagues some hatchbacks" Edmunds: "Simple and intuitive climate control knobs are likewise well-placed" ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The MazdaSpeed3 is a sharply styled beast with similar turbo thrills, less turbo lag, and an equally roomy interior; economy is surprising, but front-wheel drive only means that torque steer can give unpleasant driving surprises—especially on less-than-perfect pavement. Mitsubishi's turbocharged Lancer Ralliart is nearly as fast as the legendary Evo and a good match for the WRX, but its interior doesn't match the WRX's quality, and it, too, suffers from turbo lag. The Chevrolet Cobalt SS is a surprisingly good performer, but also front-wheel drive; GM's new direct-injected turbo four is blistering and refined, handling is grin-inducing, and the low-rent interior is Avis abysmal. Dodge's Caliber SRT4 melds a roomy, convenient hatch layout with good performance stats, but refinement is sorely lacking in every sense and the interior is down there with the Cobalt's. The STi directly competes with the BMW 1-Series and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Compared to the STi, the Evolution is hard-edged, with a firmer ride but handling that's crisper in the tightest corners; the experience is a bit twitchy, and ride quality is barely good enough for daily driving. The Evolution also has the advantage of a wonderful automatic-clutch manual transmission that's our favorite manu-matic option to date. The 135i is a worthy competitor, but it has a somewhat cramped interior and rides like a bigger, heavier car; it's remarkably close in size to the 3-Series, and between the two TheCarConnection.com prefers the 3.

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See the Subaru Impreza WRX in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2006 | 2004

Comments (1 total)

  1. By erik #1, Posted: 9/11/2009

    My WRX need a new engine after 1400 miles. The local dealer said he will order a new one and pick up the cost but I was very disappointed. Whatch out!

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