The Subaru WRX flogs its rally-ready hardware with the best of the compact-sport segment.
It'll always and forever be linked with the Mitsubishi Evolution, an aging warrior that's destined to be remembered fondly, what with its videogame driving feel.
The Ford Focus and Mazda 3 are the two most interesting alternatives to the WRX; the Focus ST is a rorty blast to drive, bristling with edgy performance and trim, while the Mazda 3 has extravagant styling and good road manners, though it doesn't yet have a new Mazdaspeed3 ready for sale.
Finally, there's the current VW GTI, about to be replaced but still a worthy competitor, with excellent steering and ride quality, not to mention an upright cabin that manages to be both sporty and spacious.
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 2015 Subaru WRXBrowse Used Listings |  2015 Ford FocusBrowse Used Listings |  2015 Mazda MAZDA3Browse Used Listings |  2015 Mitsubishi LancerBrowse Used Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Specs | |||
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The 2015 Subaru WRX is no quicker than before, but beautifully balanced handling and spot-on steering are better than ever. |
The 2015 Ford Focus lineup gets a clean new look for 2015, as well as a high-mileage three-cylinder engine option and revamped cabin comforts. From efficiency-minded models to the high-performance ST, it remains one of the best-driving small cars on the market. |
The 2015 Mazda 3 is one of the best-driving small cars, with efficient engines and smooth transmissions that help give it a more premium feel than its price would suggest. |
A lack of refinement and a poor interior will limit shoppers' interest in lower-trim Lancer models, but the Ralliart and Evolution cars both offer thrilling performance for any climate. |
| MSRP From | |||
| $26,295 | $17,170 | $16,945 | $17,395 |
| Gas Mileage | |||
| 17 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||
| Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded H-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | |||
| Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Style Name | |||
| 4-Door Sedan Manual Premium | 4-Door Sedan S | 4-Door Sedan Manual i SV | 4-Door Sedan Manual ES FWD |
| Drivetrain | |||
| All Wheel | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||
| Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
| Transmission | |||
| Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||
| 2015 Subaru WRX vs. 2015 Ford Focus | 2015 Subaru WRX vs. 2015 Mazda MAZDA3 | 2015 Subaru WRX vs. 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
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