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2009 Subaru Impreza WRX Features Review

March 30, 2009

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Optional Satellite Radio and Navigation package...integrates the Audyssey MultEQ audio enhancement
Jalopnik

Leather/alcantara upholstery
ConsumerGuide

WRX Sedan Premium is an excellent choice for drivers seeking four-door fun without breaking the bank
Edmunds

The 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX lineup is a bit pricey, even in base form, but reviews read by TheCarConnection.com indicate that you get a lot of bang for your buck.

The standard Subaru Impreza WRX is, by most accounts, a pretty well-equipped vehicle. Jalopnik reviewers remark that the standard "Stereo with Aux input sounds pretty good...but you won't want to turn it on [since] it covers up the engine noise," which they happen to be quite fond of. ConsumerGuide lists some of the Subaru Impreza WRX's standard features, such as "automatic climate control, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel, digital-media player connection, [and] air conditioning," which you would expect on a car with a base MSRP well over $20,000. Other standard features on the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX include full power accessories, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, and a trip computer. For those interested in the high-powered Subaru Impreza WRX STi, ConsumerGuide states that the standard features list grows to include "Leather/Alcantara upholstery, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, [and] steering wheel radio controls." The base stereo, according to Edmunds, features "80 watts stereo output [and] four total speakers," as well as "speed sensitive volume control."

In addition to the standard features on the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX, there is a lengthy options list that, while appealing, can drive the price north in a hurry. The major optional item, according to ConsumerGuide, is the "Satellite and Navigation Package" for $2,000 that adds a "navigation system, satellite radio, [and] wireless cell phone link" for Bluetooth-equipped phones. One of the more unique features of this setup, as noted by Jalopnik, is that, "with the navigation system, the center console provides an input for MP3 players as well as RCA-type video jacks that can accommodate portable gaming devices," which display on the navigation screen anytime the vehicle is parked. Edmunds lists other optional features for the Subaru Impreza WRX STi and WRX lineup as a "subwoofer/amplifier, and security system shock sensor" that come as part of Popular Equipment Group 4, while the Subaru Impreza WRX STi gets an "auto-dimming rearview mirror/compass with Homelink" as part of Popular Equipment Group 3. ConsumerGuide points to a "BBS Wheels Package," which adds "fog lights [and] unique alloy wheels," available for the Subaru Impreza WRX STi.

Conclusion

Now that a nav system is available, the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX offers all of the most popular features and options.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Optional Satellite Radio and Navigation package...integrates the Audyssey MultEQ audio enhancementJalopnikLeather/alcantara upholsteryConsumerGuideWRX Sedan Premium is an excellent choice for drivers seeking four-door fun without breaking the bankEdmunds The 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX lineup is a bit pricey, even in base form, but reviews read by TheCarConnection.com indicate that you get a lot of bang for your buck. The standard Subaru Impreza WRX is, by most accounts, a pretty well-equipped vehicle. Jalopnik reviewers remark that the standard "Stereo with Aux input sounds pretty good...but you won't want to turn it on [since] it covers up the engine noise," which they happen to be quite fond of. ConsumerGuide lists some of the Subaru Impreza WRX's standard features, such as "automatic climate control, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel, digital-media player connection, [and] air conditioning," which you would expect on a car with a base MSRP well over $20,000. Other standard features on the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX include full power accessories, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, and a trip computer. For those interested in the high-powered Subaru Impreza WRX STi, ConsumerGuide states that the standard features list grows to include "Leather/Alcantara upholstery, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, [and] steering wheel radio controls." The base stereo, according to Edmunds, features "80 watts stereo output [and] four total speakers," as well as "speed sensitive volume control." In addition to the standard features on the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX, there is a lengthy options list that, while appealing, can drive the price north in a hurry. The major optional item, according to ConsumerGuide, is the "Satellite and Navigation Package" for $2,000 that adds a "navigation system, satellite radio, [and] wireless cell phone link" for Bluetooth-equipped phones. One of the more unique features of this setup, as noted by Jalopnik, is that, "with the navigation system, the center console provides an input for MP3 players as well as RCA-type video jacks that can accommodate portable gaming devices," which display on the navigation screen anytime the vehicle is parked. Edmunds lists other optional features for the Subaru Impreza WRX STi and WRX lineup as a "subwoofer/amplifier, and security system shock sensor" that come as part of Popular Equipment Group 4, while the Subaru Impreza WRX STi gets an "auto-dimming rearview mirror/compass with Homelink" as part of Popular Equipment Group 3. ConsumerGuide points to a "BBS Wheels Package," which adds "fog lights [and] unique alloy wheels," available for the Subaru Impreza WRX STi. ConclusionNow that a nav system is available, the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX offers all of the most popular features and options. 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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