Subaru WRX

Subaru's latest Impreza WRX packs a bigger punch with a larger engine...

What's New
It seems Subaru is not a company that does things in half measures, as the Impreza's completely re-styled front end clearly shows. Its headlamps take their cue from the larger Legacy models while its snout-like grille hints at models to come such as the B9 Tribeca SUV, which is scheduled to be locally launched later in the year.

The changes aren't just cosmetic either. At the heart of the model year 2006 Impreza WRX lies a new 230bhp, 2.5-litre turbocharged power plant. The long serving 2.0-litre turbocharged unit makes way for the enlarged powerplant as the latter is capable of meeting stringent Euro IV emission requirements.

How it Performs
On paper, the new engine's seemingly modest output gain belies the actual sensation of how much things have improved. While the spec sheet says that this Subaru has gained 5bhp over its predecessor, the seat of your pants would suggest it's closer to 50bhp.

This can mainly be put down to its torque, which has swelled by 20Nm to 320Nm and also comes in earlier in the rev band. Couple this to relatively short ratios in the first three of its five forward gears and it's easy to see why the WRX feels like is always straining at the leash when driven at low to medium speeds.

Thankfully, the proceedings get less frenetic at expressway speeds, which is good if you plan on using the WRX as a long distance driving tool.

Its larger engine has also all but banished turbo lag so you're seldom languishing in the wrong gear if you are lazy with the changes.

Any concerns that the WRX has lost any of its handling finesse because a larger, and therefore heavier engine, resides up front are laid to rest as soon as you show it your favourite set of corners. As with the previous model, torque is apportioned to both front and rear wheels equally as a default but its All-Wheel-Drive system will also adjust the spread of power if surface conditions dictate otherwise.

How it Stacks Up
Inside the cabin, the same fuss-free, no-frills interior design remains save for a new two-tone colour scheme for the upholstery that swathes the sporty seats. The front chairs in particular, were found to be more supportive than we remembered those on the last model being.

By the time you read this, the more potent STi version of the WRX should also be available. Going by how much things in this base model have improved, its pricier sibling should deliver nothing less than a knock-out punch.

Technical Specifications

MODEL Subaru WRX 2.5T ENGINE Engine: 2,457cc 16V turbo flat 4 Max Power: 230bhp at 5,600rpm Max Torque: 320Nm at 3,600rpm TRANSMISSION 5-speed manual TOP SPEED 230 kmh 0-100km/h 5.9s