2008 Subaru Impreza WRX

by Jo Ann Holt

Driving a manual transmission all-wheel drive 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX is just plain old-fashioned fun.  I had to restrain myself from driving like a teenager, zipping in and out of traffic and revving my motor at red lights and stop signs.  Come to think of it, I never drove like that as a teenager, since my family’s cars were far more sedate that the WRX.

The WRX has a 2.5 liter, 224-hp 4-cylinder engine with turbocharger that peaks at 2,800 rpm.  Believe me when I say this little car can go!  It reaches 60 mph in 6 seconds, which is plenty fast enough for anyone but a race car driver.  The Impreza actually started as a World Rally team championship car. 

After almost a week of driving in the city (which can get old using a stick shift with all the stop and go traffic) I was finally able to take the WRX out on a thinly populated stretch of highway.  This was definitely the thrilling highlight of my WRX driving experience; this car is meant to be out on the open road.

Outstanding safety features include new side curtain airbags, new rear suspension, Vehicle Dynamics Control and performance-design front seats.  The Subaru WRX also has a newly lengthened wheel base and 17 inch 10-spoke aluminum wheels.

The test model featured a high resolution touch-screen GPS navigation system that helped keep me on track, plus an information system for checking fuel economy, maintenance reminders and other information.

The 2008 Subaru Impreza also comes in 4 or 5-door sedan or hatchback versions (priced from $17,000 to $25,000) and a new Impreza Outback Sport model with a base price starting just under $20,000.    But none are as much fun as the pricier WRX, with a sticker price ranging from $25,000- $30,000 depending on which options you add on. 

Mileage was not as good as I expected in town, but was much better on the highway, averaging 19-24 mpg.

Subaru is expected to introduce its new Impreza WRX STI in March of 2008, which promises to be even more fun to drive.  I’ve already signed up!

Jo Ann Holt is a journalist and car writer and a member of TAWA; she may be reached at joannholt@charter.net.