Comments on: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX review

By: Nik

Nik — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:14:06 +0000

I have to say, as a super huge Scooby fan, and coming from a family of all Scooby driver’s that this Impreza is underwhelming. It’s look has grown on me somewhat, but I too am waiting to see the facelifted version before I upgrade. If it looks as pig-dog ugly faced and agressive as the MY04 STi then I’ll put down the cash. Wonder if Borz is feeling the same way? On another note, Mazda’s non-rotors will never compete with Boxer’s, simple logic mates.

By: HAL

HAL — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:12:21 +0000

I look forward to seeing a review by C/A on the facelifted version :-)

By: HAL

HAL — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:11:21 +0000

I see now that the revised version of this, as well as the sedan, will be available in early December. Power up to 195kW, torque up to 343Nm, sunroof and leather now available as options, better stabilisers. Seems like it’s getting better, as the facelifted versions of a new model normally are. The only thing the Mazda MPS really had over this was the raw power (185kW), but now that the Impreza has sorted that out, and with the very attractive benefit of being AWD, this must be a winner for sure.

By: wyvernone

wyvernone — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:38:16 +0000

Why do people fuss about torque steer? To me it ’s just as fun as when you have to hold onto the wheels when you plant your foot in a RWD car when it’s at an angle. You hold on to the wheels for fun – like holding onto the reins of a horse.. or the horns of a bull…

In the old days powerful RWD muscle cars first came out – did people complain when they planted the throttle and found the car going sideways with oversteer?

Did anyone complain of that?

Torque steer in a controlled manner is fun and gives the car character… who wants to drive a powerful car with lame sissy granny character smoothness? Not me!

By: Andrew

Andrew — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 02:37:56 +0000

As more a generally shy substance over style man (but who also loves to drive) myself this car seems very good. Not only do I prefer the slightly more discreteness over a STi version but it also makes for a slightly more diverse car that will not scrape or get needless damage underneath for when I decide to bush bash a bit, and with all that flexibility and 4WD why would you not want to go where these beasts were born? Of course you get the practicality of the hatch too (or sedan now) and modern-day smoothness that would be present in many new cars, really a great drivers car I would imagine but at the same time a pretty darn decent long-distance cruiser.

By: riceboy

riceboy — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:28:16 +0000

anyone know about the changes to MY09 rex?

By: riceboy

riceboy — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:31:03 +0000

I’m looking at spending 40K-45K in the next month, comparing the WRX to other cars like Golf GTI, Mini CooperS. Anyone got any news on when the Mitsu Ralliart Lancer is coming out? the MY08 WRX are on 39,900 driveaway deals at the moment… seems pretty good deal… but I’m really hanging out for the dual clutch ralliart, esp if it’s gonna be priced similar…

By: Xenon

Xenon — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:03:54 +0000

Do you think xenon-headlights are the next step to increase safety?

By: Swade

Swade — Mon, 12 May 2008 01:53:15 +0000

Interesting read. I’m just writing up my thoughts for Trollhattan Saab on the 08rex I’ve had for the last two months. I drove a 2001 model for comparison and found it to be a lot more fun, though this one is more refined. It seems the Rex has grown up. Pity.

And how does James Morrison take to being called “self obsessed” :-)

By: ABS

ABS — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 02:11:51 +0000

I’m looking at trading my Rx-8 in to a Rex in a couple of months. I just hope they have their engine problems sorted out by then.. If none of you have hurd have a look at the Website I have entered.. I really hope they have it sorted. Cause I was planing to get one at the end of june. Oh as as for the couple fighting about the WRX and MPS3 Both are good cars that have good and bad pointers. The MPS3 is noisy (Wouldn’t be as bad if the noise sounded good not Tinny like it is) The WRX is just a little too quiet. Be good if you could hear at least a little of that Boxer sound. As for the new styling I like it. I’m 27yo not some 16yo riding a mongoose saying its lost its street cred.. It was a smart choise by Subie to restyle it to suit a wider customer base. That probaby contributed to the drop in price cause of the estermated sales incress. which makes me very happy. I’ve got a mazda crazy mate who eats/sleeps mazda. I don’t know how people get hooked on one type of car and thats it (I’d get a Honda Vtec over a MPS) Ok the interior of the MPS is nicer than the WRX big deal the Rex is more enjoyable to drive. If I just wanted a car cause of just the styling I would keep my Rx-8. They look awesome. Just wish the had double the torque and used less fuel than a 1957 Charger.

By: Patrick Duffy

Patrick Duffy — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:05:00 +0000

I have a MY08WRX and live on the north coast of NSW where its rains alot, the roads are twisty, shity, potholed, narrow and off camber etc. This car is so smooth and quick on these roads its awesome, dodging potholes and animals is a joy. I doubt there are many cars out there that could thread these roads as well as the 08rex. On highway straights and clean sweeping bends it blends in with the other sub $50k sports cars, and does produce some body roll. It could also do with another gear on highway speeds. And not to forget the crap plastic interior?? But overall this car hauls, handles and stops like a bitch too, its a pleasure to drive. With a few suspension changes to sort the minor body roll and some exhaust/intake work {so i can hear the motor} this car will only be better.

By: TP

TP — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 22:36:27 +0000

Lol Id have a WRX over an MPS3… at least it doesnt literally torque steer you off the road.

By: Anthony

Anthony — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 21:53:46 +0000

The day we accept cash for comment is the day we close up shop. Never happen. I personally don’t mind the MPS3 as you get typically high rent interior and yes it does go hard. My only concern is that it maybe a handful for the average punter due to severe torque steer if you hammer it off the line. I also think that the handling dynamics are not as good as the new REX.

You would have to go with the Subaru badge thought, for resale and reliability alone.

By: Wally

Wally — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 21:41:01 +0000

Sounds like Caradvice is getting paid to say nice things about Subaru. :(

MPS3 is faster than the WRX. Do a search on Youtube. The 08 understeers terribly and any advantage of AWD is gone due to the soft suspension. You are paying for a car with bodyroll, that has worse handling than most of the cars in its price range, that has worse fuel economy due to AWD.

But damn, I can’t argue about how well it’s selling. Because I see them everywhere. :(

By: TuffGuy

TuffGuy — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 11:25:14 +0000

Gee it only took nuffy Nick 3 days to come up with that load of dribble. Still has not backed up any claims. So what are we this week? Still an expert test driver? Still using test equipment at Oran Park like the real magazines do? I am sure you are a 6 foot musclebound hunk too right? Ooh yeah fully sick mate. You forgot to mention the large chested blondes sitting beside you when you are track testing your cars. So were you wearing a hot pink mini skirt too when driving your Mazda 3?
A complete package is good both in the wet and the dry which the girls car is not.
Ho ho ho the one about donating my rectum on Oxford St is so funny ho ho ho NOT. To us normal people it makes no sense at all. However you seem to know a lot about rectums on Oxford St…….. I have heard the Mazda 3 is the car of choice down there. I bet you don’t even hear them coming without your hearing aid.
I know what you really do – you are a mechanic. Plain logic really given you are such a massive tool.

By: jbot

jbot — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:31:14 +0000

My money would be on your MPS3 Nick.

By: Nick

Nick — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:48:07 +0000

Keep your WRX’s in the garage until it rains you little girls. It’s fricken Australia, not London. The sun is out much more often than not. Does this make the WRX inferior evertime it does not rain??? Why doesn’t caradvice settle this argument once and for all. Eastern Creek or Oran Park. Im willing to allow Caradvice to use my MPS 3 for a 5 lap shootout. Is Tuffgirl, or any MY08 WRX owners up to the challenge, or does caradvice still have access to the car? If the MPS 3 wins, maybe tuffgirl can donate his rectum on Oxford street, and if not…. thats not possible

By: Scotty C

Scotty C — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 05:04:24 +0000

And the debate contiunes…I owned and loved a MY98 WRX. It was and probably is the car that I loved driving more than anything, and I have owned 13 cars. I was waiting in anticipation for the new WRX to buy, but once revealed I was gobsmacked, in the bad way. I test drove the WRX and was left underwhelmed, the old turbo rush is gone and the plastics are the cheapest I have seen…the back door is like a Melbourne taxi! I then drove the GTI and it was in a different league in the way it felt. Sure AWD is a huge bonus but the GTI package, performance and the Euro feel won me so I bought it. With leather on road for $42k Looking forward to checking out the Lancer Ralliart though…

By: Flying High

Flying High — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 06:29:20 +0000

I can’t believe that anyone who would be in a position to have an S3 as a company car instead of a Falcon or Commondore would not possibly buy a Mazda 3 hatch. I mean why would you bother?

By: TuffGuy

TuffGuy — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:29:03 +0000

Once Mr imaginative Nick has answered my previous comment perhaps he can tell us more about how he drives cars round Oran Park with testing equipment just like the real magazines use. And remember he knows what he is talking about because his company car is an S3 and his own car is a MPS3 so that makes him an expert test driver too. The great thing about the internet is the ease of making up stuff – anyone can read a Wheels or Motor magazine or whatever and start throwing quotes around. You should give the forums a miss and join a chat room ROFLMAO. P.S. Don’t forget your hearing aid.