2008 Subaru Impreza WRX First Steer
August 26, 2007 by Anthony Crawford
“Subaru’s new WRX looks better in the metal than in any of the published photos you might have seen lately. Sure it goes, but its way more friendly than the outgoing model and should appeal to an infinitely broader market”
Subaru has been punished lately as spy shots of the 2008 WRX hatch hit computer screens and magazines around the world.
It’s a vastly different looking car to previous sedan and wagon versions of the REX, but there may just be method in this madness.
I’ve just spent some time behind the wheel of an Obsidian Black Pearl WRX and it’s not all bad. Incidentally, the range of exterior paint jobs includes some previous colours and some new. Choices such as; Spark Silver Metallic, Dark Grey Metallic, Lighting Red, Satin White Pearl and WR Blue Mica should all be popular.
I like the front of the car, a lot! The bonnet scoop is now more an air intake and is way more stylish than the hard-core, boy racer look of previous models. It still looks aggressive but not in any offensive kind of way.
I can’t say the same for the rear of the car. Too much like a standard run of the mill hatchback. The purists won’t like it but thousands more punters will, I can assure you.
Enough chat though. You want to hear how it goes right?
If you’re expecting the usual Boxer engine burble when you fire up the 2.5L intercooled turbo – then you will surely be disappointed. There’s none of that. The engine note at idle isn’t even mildly warm. In fact, if you were blindfolded and started this car, it’s doubtful you would even pick the brand, let alone the actual model.
Nothing wrong with that at all, especially if you’re going after a slightly wider market than the dufduf set.
With 169kW and 320Nm – the specs appear to be the same as the 2007 model, but not quite. Peak power chimes a little earlier at 5200rpm and maximum pull kicks in at a more pleasing 2800rpm, as opposed to 3600rpm.
The shift into first is silky smooth as is the clutch take up. I stand on the pedal and race through the gears nudging 6000 before swapping each of the five forward ratios. It’s fast, no question. There’s minimal turbo lag too, but I can’t get over how quick and easy the shifts are. Anyone, and I mean anyone could drive this car, mums included. It’s almost too easy!
Next up, three or four chicanes at close to the general speed limit. Okay, maybe just a little higher. Steering is accurate, although boost is too much, at least for the dufdufs and me.
Dropping the right pedal further into the second and third chicane, produced noticeable body roll although, the car kept its line and was not unsettled. I suspect the new Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) was functioning properly. Nonetheless, at these rather moderate speeds during these routine manoeuvres, I would have expected little or no load transfer lean.
The suspension seems substantially more compliant than previous WRX models, as speed bumps and light potholes are barely noticeable. This is a car you could live with 24/7.
Brakes are superb, pedal feel is nicely progressive and requires less effort with new Brake Assist function.
There’s a decent size air diffuser too but I’m disappointed to see just one exhaust outlet – this car deserves two pipes – if only in the name of ‘go fast’ styling.
Although the interior and ergonomics remain similar to the outgoing model, the quality of materials used has been upgraded. There are polished aluminium accents throughout the car, mainly on the fascia and door trim although the seats and seat fabric look identical. Nothing wrong with that either, as they offer good support and comfort.
The sports leather steering wheel has a superb feel with audio and cruise buttons now standard.
Instrumentation layout is again similar but switchgear materials have been improved. There’s a 6 disc in dash CD Changer with better than average audio quality although I can’t be sure of actual power or number of speakers. iPodians will rejoice given the MP3 direct input in the centre storage box along with a 12V input for GPS systems or other.
Rear cargo room is substantial with 40/60 split fold rear seats opening up even more space for bikes, boards and kid’s stuff. There’s a high quality cargo cover with an aluminium cross bar to keep prying eyes at bay.
Front side door pockets are large and you also get a decent sized bottle holder.
You’ll notice an odd hook like feature at the top of the rear seat back. It’s for the middle rear passenger’s height adjustable three-point lap and shoulder seatbelt.
“It may not be the hard core street fighter it once was, but gut feel tells me that at $39,990 we’ll see a lot more REXs on the road than ever before”
By Anthony Crawford
Print it: 
Subaru definitely went out on a limb to match the current trend of hot hatches with euro styling.
People who hate it, first off… Are you even on the market for this car?. Some obviously are. I see some people here turning their attention to the EVO X already, which is fine, since the EVO X definitely “looks” tough. But also keep in mind it is based on a new platform, so I will judge it when its been test driven around. It definitely looks aggressive thats for sure. Also Mind you the EVO X looks to be in the high 60Ks and low 70Ks AUD. In USA, where I am currently at, its slated to be between 30 to 40K.
This WRX is softer because they are trying to separate it from the STi model, which is the actual competition for the EVO. Personally I think it looks okay, definitely not aggressive as past models, but I can see many more people definitely buying it, mainly the 30-40 age group who CAN actually afford it. And definitely the RX model will appeal to a lot more females. You have to factor in, that only 50-60 Australians a month are buying the 07 WRX. With this styling and pricing, as well as new appeal, that will double. 169 kW, 4wd for under 40K. Sounds like a good everyday sports car.
Now for the actual EVO match up, I’ve seen some mock ups of the STi styling (eg grille, bumper, skirts) And definitely looks much more aggressive. The wheels look also wider and bigger than previous STis, So for people making decisions now… I think its better if you wait it out.
Jamison, Don’t expect STi will look better.
Here is an article “Subaru’s upcoming STi cult-car will go soft, just like the WRX upon which it’s based”
http://www.goauto.com.au/mello.....4D001053A2
You are right on the point that there is no WRX equivalent from Mitsubishi. Hopefully they will bring out Raliant (?) version of the Lancer to compete with WRX.
BTW, I showed my wife (who drives a 7 seat peoplemover) pictures of the WRX and Lancer Evo X and asked her opinion on looks alone. Lots of people is already know the answer: Lancer 08 looks a much much better than Impreza 08.
A positive for mine is that the WRX offers a tow pack… XR5T and Mazada 3 MPS dont. A negative is given recent reviews its now being the likes of something like a Mazda 3 MPS which is only FWD,
40k for a REX
That’s sizzling!
I’ll wait for the ‘Tuned by STi’ version of this rexy. Short-shifter, front-lip spoiler, STi 18inch alloys, STi 10mm lowered suspension, big exhaust pipe, STi ECU +10KW/+20NM, DVD-satnav, blacked-out tail&head lights, black only body. $45 gorillas in the money.
No longer a soft-cock eh?
$45k for the new Sti? Dreaming.
I don’t know. It looks much better here on CarAdvice, but it still looks too much like a Mazda to me, and I find those clear tail lights just distasteful.
Minor, inexpensive(ish) engine & exhaust mods will release a heap more power and a suspension upgrade to firm things up a bit will sort it out. A set of decent wheels will make it look way better.
This car will be an aftermarket dream.
Hi guys, doing plenty of country ks in a my06 and previously my04 I have a few reservations … 4.44 final drive and 5spd (give me the euro final drive any day), where are the bi xenons, wrx lights have been crap, and that space saver, had a flat 800km from perth on a long weekend? Apart from those gripes have looked at one and they look sweet, bit 323 but they are ok looking, but I do declare the rear vented discs are gone, solids now and I am not sure about the yokohamas either. I await some full tests, and vdc, it would be cheaper to put mum in the back seat, this is an awd after all!!
Reading your comments, I have to say…I was of similar opinion to the majority of you, that Subaru have lost the plot. I’ve owned 3 WRXs in the past, and when I saw the MY08 unveiled I was gob-smacked! Nevertheless, I decided to take it for a spin and was pleasantly suprised. In the flesh it is a much nicer package. Sure, the ass end looks like a blend of BMW 1, Lexus SUV, maybe a little Mazda thrown in for good measure, but hey, it started to grow on me. The exhaust note is disappointingly shy, one of the reasons we all loved the REX in the first place was its throaty burble! However, the exhaust is an understatement and the new hatch is something of a chameleon. It handles well, turbo lag is indeed minimal and the car is certainly effortless to drive. If Subaru were looking for broader appeal and marketplace maturity, they’ve hit the mark.
In closing, I now own a black MY08 WRX Impreza….needless to say, modifications will be done!
This is a car where I doubt many will really sit on the fence, you’ll either like it or loathe it. Look out next year for the STi version and the sedan release.
THE NEW SUBARU IMPREZA IS SO UGLY,BUT YET IT MAKES THE SEDAN LOOK LIKE SHIT.IF I HAD A CHOICE OF THE NEW LANCER AND THE IMPREZA,I WOULD HANDS DOWN CHOOSE THE LANCER!!!!SHAME SHAME SHAME SHAME SUBARU,AFTER I LOVED THE OLD ONE,SO GREAT.
Mate before you talk absolute sh*t actually go down to a dealership, go have a look at it in the flesh. What I cant get my head around, is how people say the Impreza looks bad now and the previous ones were better. Have you actually seen what the previous Impreza hatches look like, especially the last model with the properller grill? This is toned down, but it looks 10x better, especially in the metal. While your their go drive it as well.
My only complaint from my short time looking at it and driving the Impreza are the seats! They offer very little lateral support, the same if not less then my Camry… which is not good considering this thing can fly around corners. Certainly is a massive difference going from the WRX to a Civic Type R, now they are great seats! Maybe abit much for the WRX, but some better lateral support wouldhave been nice.
bull shit,the impreza looks like shit,and i was’nt talking about the old hatchback i was talking about the old sedan,and yeah i bet it does drive great,but i was reffering to looks,that may be the only setback of the impreza,is that people look at it and say ILL!!
Compare apples to apples, hatch vs hatch. This looks 10x better then the old WRX hatch.
It still looks like pub vomit
Saw it, test drove it, bought it! I traded my beloved Mazda 3 cos of the superior handling amongst other things. Looks great in black and none of those weird bug eyed head lights (2002)or that “inverted margarine container” shaped hatch crap previously on offer. You boys just don’t know good looks even when they slap you in the face. Sales are strong so don’t reckon there’s any going back to the original ugly ducklings.
I had waited so long for the release of the new WRX, but having seen it uuuggghhh, and reviewed the specs, nope, cross it off the list.
Exterior is old fashioned, unattractive, and bland. Big overhang nose, awful tail lights, and goofy from the front view.
Interior is cheap, and from other posts downgraded 2 caliper brakes ??? is that true ???
5 speed box, you are kidding!
And after the drive reports softer suspension, body roll, and quiet…….?
With the sensational graphic design programs at the disposal of a firm like Subaru, its really amazing that they cam up with something so awful, its bloody sad.
Ill wait for the Alfa Junior turbo awd, I hope.
Thanks for the opportunity to comment.
Andy
^
Exterior… looks are subjective, it is different though, dont think any WRX has ever been ‘hot’
Interior is cheap… and this has changed from previous WRXs how…
2 pot calipers… achieves slightly better braking then previous WRX!
5 speed box… alittle disappointing, but they have to differentiate the STi, afterall its at least $15k more.
Suspension… reviews have tested how many Gs it pulls and its speed through slalem course, better on both counts than previous WRX
Im now saving to more than likely buy a WRX (that may change in the year it will take me to accumulate enough… we shall see), test drove one and I liked it… something I can live with driving everyday but offers alittle more then your average car.
I must say, some of the comments being levelled at this MY08 WRX seem a bit harsh – Subaru have basically responded to all the key criticisms of the previous model. (eg. Carsguide review http://carsguide.news.com.au/s.....6,00.html)
For all its commendable attributes, performance and dynamic prowess, the previous shape Rex was chastised for falling behind the times. Indeed it was a proven formula (turbo boxer engine, AWD, etc etc) but it was still too harsh, rough and noisy for comfortable everyday use. It was still only moderately equipped. It still had a cheap interior and a crap stereo. It still had its meretricious external adornments such as the garish spoilers and ridiculous bonnet scoop, and screamed for the attention of all the wrong people.
Look at cars like the MKV Golf GTI which are leading the charge in this segment to see how attitudes have changed. Most people don’t want old school, uncompromising boy racers or hairdresser sports cars the way they used to in this price category. The DC2 Type R is dead, the 200SX is gone, the Prelude and Celica are cactus etc. Refined and innocuous but dynamically capable hot hatches are now all the rage. The rex had to come of age.
So now Subaru have toned down the styling, the new WRX is benign to the point of almost being invisible. The engine was retuned to be more flexible. The equipment levels and the standard of finish have been improved. The stereo’s better. There’s no boy racer spoilers in sight. The suspension is more compliant. Yet despite all this, the car is just as powerful and torquey as it was before, and has lost around 40kg from the previous shape hatch – so it’s faster.
And it’s cheaper.
Not a bad effort, I’d say…
absolutely correct andy, this impreza thing thing is an ugly dog. what a dud. a fizzer. a turd in disguise. it makes tribeca look like a db9. so so sad. poor show subaru.
Makes Tribeca look good… a slight exaggeration perhaps!
hey personaly i hate the fu..en thing im very dissapointed with subaru and the designers you put us wrx owners to shame id definatly be lookin a an evo 4 sure your designers must of been on drugs or sumthink when they came up with this design very very very disapointed!!!!!!!!!!!
Hugo is Bang on the Money!! Looks are a preference. Most people seem to not like it. When i first saw it if i were desperate to share my criticism with the world i may well have said the same. However i have waited and i have grown to quite like the shape. Lower it with a set of lightweight 18inch wheels and tint the windows in the right colour it would look hot. Sti looks brilliant. At least with the looks of this one you arent automatically going to be targetted by police and the ‘hat backwards crew’.
Id be guessing but id say 90 percent of the people commenting also havent driven one. Drive one! They are a damn fine car. I drove the last one, desperate to like it as i wanted to buy a new car. I drove it and it felt rough and baren . At slow speed maneouvering it felt cheap and unaccomplished and only at speed did it make sense. This one is softer but it just makes it liveable. It is as liveable as a calais or fairmont and it still handles commendably. It laps oran park in the same time as the last model whilst being comfortable and quiet. I drove it last night and i actually now want to buy one! I have driven heaps of nice new performance cars and this one as a day to day car with heaps of performance that id be happy to drive to cairns and back is near as dammit to perfect. I wouldnt contemplate living with the old one day to day- thats not to say it cant be done, just this car makes sense in the role where the last model didnt!
Its quiet (not just quieter), its comfortable, its classy and its quicker!
This car lost it’s edge and muscular look (no the pep boys lights don’t make it tough, they’re ugly) my 02 will be a collector when they drop this line due to slow sales-
At first glance, i told myself i wasnt looking at a wrx. dissapointment hit hard. being a long time subaru fan its a shock to the system to see a family car in the place of a cult sports machine.
if subaru wanted to target a different group of people, they should have not only changed the body and suspension, but changed the whole package for that market, and called it a corolla or something different. why change the wrx, which used to hold good standings as a performer.
what i’d like to know is that now wrx has dropped out of the affordable performance range, will they fill the shoes with a new model?
i have spent time with the vehicle, comfy seating, pleasant interior, wrx’s have never had great interiors. but the ride, compliant as it is, isnt a performer. you cant tell me that weakening suspension, adding a bit of body roll and some understeer can be considered an improvement.
most people voicing their opinions here sound like they havent even got there license yet. i suggest you go and see one in the flesh, as they are a great car, but they are NOT a wrx.
I’ve bought one of these cars, had it for over 4 weeks now. I love it. Previously I had the MY05 Club Spec Evo 8. It was rough as a bogan to drive and horrible for anything other than “boy racer” fans. I sold it and havent regretted it since. The new WRX may not be as powerful, but modifications will get it going, and quickly. It is refined, easier on fuel than the MY05, suspension is awesome for a daily driver and the interior is light years ahead of the previous models. The shape will grow, just like when Holden bought out the new “square” VY series.
I wonder how many of those who belittle this car have, or could potentially own one?
BTW – The EVOs are close to double the price brand new and still have an interior that is lancer-like. Despite their mechanical advantages.
I agree entirely – these comparisons to Lancer Evo X’s are about as relevant as deriding a Porsche 911 for not being as rapid or overt as a Ferrari F430. The latter costs half as much again. At least. You’d expect it to be better. I’d be worried if a $60k Evo WASN’T better than a $40k WRX..
There’s no doubt the demeanour of this Rex has disenchanted the party faithful, the car has earned its stripes as a balls out “rally special for the road” for affordable money and for it to be toned down so suddenly and dramatically will no doubt throw a lot of people off.
But the end result is a car that’s so much more liveable. Maybe I’m just getting old, but this MY08 is so much more comfortable day to day than the old ones, the power is more accessible, nobody turns around to look when you gun it because it doesn’t make any noise, it looks like an unassuming hatchback so police don’t look twice, you don’t get every second moron at the lights trying to take you etc etc…. but at the end of the day it’ll still do 5.8 seconds to 100, still has constant 4WD, and if that’s not good enough you can always still modify it accordingly.
Hello!
I’ve been driving this car for a month now. I live in USA so I got the sedan bodied WRX. I have changed and de-badged the front grille. IMO, I eredthink it added some of the “agresiveness” people complain about.
I love to drive this car. I test drove an 06 the same day I tested the 08, and I could not take my mind away from the 08 ever since.
Yeap, I got it, and it does look great in person. Plus the sedan version has red tail lights, and dual chrome exhaust tips :)
He he, it is fast, you can smoke fools effortlessly! Just watch out for POPO.
Still dont like it……………………….. the lancer is the winner for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have just purchased a black MY08 wrx. I have now done almost 2000km on it. Let’s talk about the looks. Do you mean to tell me the previous bricks with massive daewoo like tail lights were actually nice? This new rex, has slightly more style, no one can argue with that. Put the two together – I did and I chose the new one. Wearing a shirt and tie to work, I’d feel like a d@#khead turning up in a bright blue, gold rimmed vehicle with wannabe wings and vents pocking out all over the place. Having said that, I’m not too impressed with my clear tail lights…that fad went out ages ago, but if I wanted a really stylish car that didn’t handle or go fast I would have bought another european thing. Enjoy your rex’s both new and old are great and this new one is pleasantly smooth as it is fast.
Ohh…and stop comparing it too that bloody awful looking lancer! That new lancer is not a good looking car.
I like the Rex… but seeing the details of the Ralliart Lancer Ive slowly turned onto it, has alot more kit then the WRX for the same price (more than likely).
Meh.. I suspect we’ll have to wait and see when this new Lancer comes out to be sure. My money says it’ll be heavier than the WRX, with a smaller engine running more boost to put out more power. That’s all good and well, but it won’t be as useable.
Alex has a good point regarding the car’s visual demeanour as well. The old ones were frankly quite obnoxious. If you work in a corporate job and turn up with your hotted up boy racer complete with 3 foot tall bonnet scoop, 8 inch exhaust, 10 foot tall rear spoiler, hateful drug dealer bodykit etc.. parking next to BMWs and Benzes etc, you’re doing yourself a slight injustice to say the least. It’s like walking around with a big sh1t stain on your pants – people are looking at you, but for ALL the wrong reasons….
And is it just me that thinks the new Lancer has ripped off more than a few styling queues from the R34 series Skyline?
—-
Anyone who reads all these comments, these idiots are just comparing ’spec’ wise with the Evo. I test drove the Evo, spec wise I tried to love it. Went to Sub. Test drove it. Immediately I fell in love with it.
Reasons?
Simple. Evo, for that price, felt like an extremely cheap car. The WRX is a way better car for everyday driving. It’s not like you’re going to be track racing all the time anyway. After being in the Sub, I can not find ways to fall in love with the Evo anymore. So what if you have all that ‘technology’ when the overall feel is cheap?
Well I will say this, since I’m going to be owning one of these soon it’s no surprise I like the car. I will also say if you haven’t driven it, drive it, it’s very stable at speed and picks up really fast. The other note for why it’s a hatch or why they have one. It’s due to rally, they wanted a shorter tail so when the car is sideways there is less hanging off the road to hit crap, atleast that’s why they said they did it. So there is there reasoning, something with overall better aerodynamics and weight distribution along with not having a rear to hangout over a road. It isn’t the best looking tool in the shed, but it will get the job done just as well. I had a mazda before, and let me tell you, they are horrible. The dealer and salesman were horrid, thanks maple shade mazda. The car has a learning ecu that will try to correct anything you might have modified to set back to factory defaults. So that car unless you are doing a standalone or piggy back ecu, just isn’t worth it.
The interior of the 08 rexie is better than the old one, the engine spec is the same while achieving peak torque at a full 800rpm less and saving you 10% fuel. Yes the body aint as aggressive as the second generation rexies but it still is a rexie. Comparing a rexie to an evo is just unfair too. Evos are more to STI’s than standard rexies. They will be around 60k mark, trust me. If you are willing to fork out that extra $20k for the standard evo or 30k for the MR version, take a look at the STI or STI spec R if you want some recaro leather seats. In all fairness standard rexies and evos just aint in the same league. Another thing, previous gen rexies were easy to make it look like an STI when in fact it wasn’t, I suspect Subaru made so that both cars are distinguishable even with the rebadging. Not only has Subaru addressed the rexie market to suit the older generation drivers but they potentialy resolved the lack of sales previous gen STIs had in comparison to standard rexies. If you want a STI looking car you just got to get a STI. I’m going to pick my new 08 WRX the day after tommorow and honestly, can’t wait to pick it up. And for the trademark boxer rumble that people claim it no longer exists, well, that is true with the standard exhaust system. Hi-tech muflers already offer turbo backs, catbacks and difbacks to fix the 08’s lack of a “puuurrr” – Or should I say “Puuurrr…puuurrr…Roaaarrr”. And the bodyroll can be fixed with a stiffer set of springs too. If you are asking yourself why you should pay extra to get some aftermarket springs then the chances are you don’t need it anyway since it sounds like you aren’t gonna hit the tracks every weekend. All I can say is go to your local dealer and test drive the new rexie yourself. You won’t be dissapointed performance wise and like anything else, you will warm up to the car :)
And yes Bob your 02 will be a collector’s car for the scrapyard. You actualy believe that is gonna value anytime soon? If your reasoning is right, I wonder why the first generation rexie is now as low as 8 grand if you can find one somewhere cause most probably been recycled to make your fridge.
Subbie lover…………hell If the owners can go 5 hours non stop making luv whats the car going to do for you…………….mmmmmmmmmmm lust!!!!!!!! Stay hard N go hard.You do!
Owner of M3 N lover of Subbie owner………grrrrrrrrrr!Moan…..not much else tooooooooooooooooooooo say! Except roll on 7.5.08
All you my08 knockers, why dont you come and race me in my new my08 and i’ll show you how you compare.
This car is a rocket, yeah it looks a bit different but so did Mr Bugeye and now he has a cult following.
and finally, if you think the new lancer looks good then you should book in with your optometrist
Hated it two weeks ago, drove it last week, brought it yesterday. I had a 00 wrx but it was abit hard to live with day to day, this new one goes pretty nicely and is super easy to life with, and no more stupid key pad, wicked
Why does everyone Compare the WRX to the EVO. Their not even in the same ball park. mmmm Let me see $39k againts $55k I wonder which one will be quicker.. You wanna compare the EVO than use the new STI not the base WRX. BTW the new STI mops the floor down the 1/4 mile Next to the EVO 10. Now Mitsubishi is making a Rally Art version of the new Lancer to compete with the WRX but so far the performance is falling short by 15kw and around 20nm. So for the price you can’t go wrong with the WRX alot of bang for your buck.
Yup ABS is right. Mistu is making the exact same mistake Subaru did with the 2nd generation rexies. They went for aesthetics instead of engineering progress which eventually led to poor WRC results ever since the bugeye (2001) up till the pignose (2007). Now that is a LONG time for a team that was used to winning everything with its first generation rexies… You see, it’s not all about aggressive looks and nice contours… Not to mention the 2nd generation rexies also had a big behind sticking out around corners… This is all fixed and can’t wait to see the 3rd generation rexies win some WRC races, something the EVO will never manage with this new body. But oh well, kid racers will still like it for the “aesthetics” and the aggressive looks. But I will laugh when a hatchback STI – aka: Kia Rio, Hyundai I30, whatever you wanna call it… murders your fat, heavy car. Nuff said. Ex 02 WRX, 06 Impreza and now a proud 08 WRX owner. I seriously don’t look back.
Let’s see here…
Uglier. Softer. Quieter. More body roll. Same horsepower. Same five speed. Down-graded brakes. Chrome taillights. Bubble hatch design.
Subaru, you suck tailpipe!!!!!
Listen, the old WRX’s were never beauties…
But they all looked AGGRESSIVE.
This new one is an embarrassment.
I currently drive an ‘06 WRX, and would never, ever buy this new grandma car that they’re trying to pass of as the new 2008-09 WRX.
And the STI doesn’t look any better. Sorry.
Booked my test drive of the 08Rex and GolfGTI for this weekend. Pity Mitsu still hasn’t released the Ralliart Lancer for me to compare. CooperS Cooperworks seems nice…but car too small and expensive for my budget… the MY08Rex is on 39,900 driveaway deals at the moment…anyone know if there’s gonna much change in spec for MY09?
Jim Andrews. I agree with all you said. But I can say that the Betty still delivers bro. The turbo boosts faster which almost seems like there is no lag, hence creating the sensation of less torque but not the case. They reach their max horse power faster as well delivering both torque and HP through out the rev range much more consistently compared to the old rexies. I owned a 02 WRX, 06 2.0R (which I admit was a bad move) and test drove peanut eyes and pigeyes. I know the 08 is more to a Kia or Hyunday than to the infamous impreza but this 3rd generation WRX will continue the legacy which was once known as the “king of the hill”. You know what? After the 1st generation WRX (classics), the 2nd generation only brought Subaru fans grief by loosing to even Ford in it’s own game… So you tell me? Do you think that this radical, yet much scrutinized change of form factor is so unacceptable? Hardly man… WRX’s and STI’s to be more exact is the reflection of the platform that Subaru intends to compete around the WRC circuits. Since the 2001 WRX we won nothing, so statistics are to prove the success of the 2nd generation WRX around the dirt, not saying they aren’t fast or that they aren’t the preferred ride of “boy racers” but this 3rd generation rexie will prove people like yourself are totally wrong and lack the vision to approve this much needed move to a hatchback form. Hey I know it’s ugly… it looks like a granny car but cmon you still saying that? I think the whole world already said it. Try to add something that no one else knows and understands like I’m trying to do. Yea maybe the 2008 won’t be the ideal car but I guarantee you that Subaru will take it’s spot back with the 3rd generation WRX. Something your pignose (2nd gen WRX) failed to do. Nothing personal cause I really LOVE THEM. They are probably the hottest WRX yet :)
Riceboy, no there won’t be much of a change for the 09 model. The front maybe, the back maybe but overall no. To the point that the 09 will still be a 3rd generation WRX. Example would be the bugeye, peanut eye and pignose. Different front end only except the tail lights… Don’t forget that each generation WRX lasted for 7 years. After 14 years we just reached the 3rd generation.
I Bought a MY08 WRX about 6 months ago and the longer i have the car the more i like it. The car has an insane amount of cornering ability even though it has some body roll it doesn’t seem to affect it. In fast s bends a little less body roll would have been nice, but it doesn’t make a difference to how fast you can go thorugh the corners, and the ride of this new model is excellent.
I have raced an 2006 wrx from stop to about 150Kms and i was in front by almosta whole car when i started backing off. So this just proves that it is fast.
i have driven all the hot hatches before i bought this. including Mazda 3 MPS, Golf GTI and R32, XR5 and a few others the WRX was the better car by far in terms of performance. The Mazda was very quick in a straight line, but had MASSIVE torque steer, and it felt like tour were driving a corolla that someone had chucked a massive turbo in, very unstatisfing to drive (except for that insane amount of power)
I think after driving them all and taking in to account which has the best performance and most fun to drive they should be in this order:
WRX
R32
Mazda 3 MPS
Golf GTI
XR5
The only bad thing i can say about the WRX is that it sounds Horrible, no Exhaust note at all! Its so quite when i first got it one of my mates actually asked if it was running when i had it iddling in a car park.
I’m getting a Cat back Exhaust put on my car which will fix this, and you are planing on buying a WRX too i would recommend that you do the same.
And to all you out there that are Bashing it and calling it ugly, who says its ugly? Some idiots in car magazines wrote this when they launched the car so now all you idiots go along with it! come on and wake up to your self. I think it looks Excatly like Hot Hatch Should. The are much uglier cars in the same Car market segment.