First Drive: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX

[svgallery name="2011_Subaru_WRX_sedan_hirez"]

The widebody of sports compacts

Updated WRX styling goes straight to its hips

By John LeBlanc CALABOGIE, ONT.—The Impreza WRX and WRX STI are the kinds of cars automakers build when the times are good. Low-volume cars that build a brand’s image, are fun to drive, and (hallelujah!) have nothing to do with meeting government-mandated fuel regulations. And for Subaru, the times certainly are good. Over the past year, Subaru Canada has been posting record sales on a monthly basis. Its year-to-date sales are up more than 30 per cent, making it the fastest-growing Japanese manufacturer in 2010. Although Subaru hasn’t participated in the World Rally Championship since 2008, the turbocharged Impreza WRX and performance flagship STi have always shone in the aura of multiple championships. First sold in Canada in 2001, followed by an all-new model in 2008, the big news for 2011 WRX buyers is you can fool your friends into thinking you ponied up for the more expensive (and powerful) STi. Both the WRX sedan and five-door hatchback now get big brother’s wide-body” styling. Besides the extra street cred, Subaru says the wider fenders allow for 17-inch alloy wheels with wider tires for more grip. Plus, WRX gets the STI’s quad exhaust outlets. Inside, all 2011 WRXs get a new CD/MP3/WMA audio system with iPod/USB/Bluetooth streaming capability. [svgallery name="2011_Subaru_WRX_5door_hirez"] Despite the upgrades, Subaru is holding the line on WRX pricing for 2011. The sedan, with a five-speed manual transmission, starts at $32,495; the five-door hatchback (gallery above) $1,000 more. A $3,000 Limited package adds fog lights, sunroof, satellite radio and leather seats. As before, when the majority of sport compacts put down their power at the front wheels only, the five-passenger WRX comes with all-wheel-drive. The $31,998 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart and $36,900 Audi A3 2.0T Quattro are the WRX’s two chief rivals. Upgraded in 2009, the WRX still offers 265 hp and 244 lb-ft of torque from its 2.5-litre, turbocharged, flat four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual combination (there’s no optional autobox). Subaru says curb weight for the 2011 model increases by 15.5 kg over the 2010 version. That’s still lighter than the less-powerful Audi and Mitsu. We didn’t get a chance to test acceleration numbers during our road evaluation in and around the eastern Ontario town of Calabogie. But the previous WRX (and Straight-Goods/Hot Hatches fave) moved from 0 to 100 km/h in about 5.5 seconds, considerably quicker than the competition or, in fact, its STi big brother. Subaru also claims that firmer rear sub-frame bushings reduce body roll. And wider wheels (17x8 inches vs. 17x7) and rubber (tire size is now 235/45R17 vs. 225/45R17) will improve cornering stability. But the driving characteristics of the new model are much like last year’s, which is a very good thing. Compared to the Mitsubishi or Audi, the Subaru is still the more-rounded driving machine. Although others offer more gears or a dual-clutch autobox (like the A3 and Ralliart), the WRX’s five-speed box is well matched to the blown flat four’s torquey characteristics. Drivers won’t miss the missing gears. And although its steering isn’t as communicative as the Audi, the WRX’s more compliant ride and balanced handling make it a better car overall than the competition. Sure, most of the changes are cosmetic. But for those buyers who were paying extra for the STi’s looks alone, the base WRX is now a real alternative. 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX WHAT I LIKE: Performance value; sophisticated AWD system; comfortable ride. WHAT I DON'T: Minimally more weight; less stealthy bodywork. PRICE: $32,495/ENGINE: 2.5 L turbocharged four POWER: 265 hp/TOURQUE: , 244 lb.-ft./FUEL CONSUMPTION: City 11.0 L/100 km (26 mpg), hwy. 8.0 L (35 mpg)/COMPETITION: Audi A3 2.0T Quattro, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

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