2008 Subaru Impreza WRX Reader Review
October 4, 2007 by Alborz Fallah
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX Reader Review
Test Model: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX
Price: $39,990
Performance: 169kW – 320Nm – 0-100km/h in 5.8 seconds
Our reader review of the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX comes from Mr Dan Brown, a long time Subaru and WRX enthusiast. As the former President of the WRX Club of QLD, Mr Brown is a known and respected figure in the WRX community. He has recently taken delivery of a new MY08 WRX and we caught up with him to find out what he thinks of his latest Subaru.
—
I would have to admit that I am a bit of a Subaru person. When the MY08 WRX arrived in my garage a few weeks ago, it became the fourth WRX that I have owned and the sixth Subaru (previously owned a GT and XT Forester).
My previous WRX was an MY04 and was heavily modified to a 2.5-litre engine (originally a 2.0) pushing 250kW at the wheels with over 550Nm of torque. The issue with this car was that it was too nice a car to be driving every day and impractical for the wife to drive, so it had to go.
When first pictures of the new WRX appeared on the net, I felt the same as the rest of you, the car did nothing for me, the once mighty WRX looked too conservative and it seemed nothing like Subaru’s traditional shapes.
However with the new front grill for Australia, I warmed to the car a little more and decided it was worth a test drive. It is interesting to note that the front grill is one specific for Australia only. All RS and WRX models have to be painted and fitted with this grill upon arrival, thus if you are purchasing one of these, make sure you check the paint on this carefully. It may also explain why people are experiencing 1-2 week delays on cars that are in the compound!
The car I test drove was a WR blue demonstrator and I immediately warmed to the car once I saw it in the flesh. The front was a definite improvement and the whole package was much more appealing. The initial test drive left me so impressed that I came back to discuss a deal. Following some discussions I was pleased to confirm my purchase of a WR Blue MY08 WRX.
It arrived only a week later and having so far covered more than 500km, I can tell you a few things. The performance of the new WRX is very impressive. Powered by a 2.5-litre boxer engine, it produces 169kW and 320Nm. Having driven the MY06/07 models, there is definitely a lift in available torque down low and the car feels more “energetic” in any gear with improved throttle response. The gearing is slightly higher than before, but the change is welcomed.
Subaru says the new rex can scream from 0-100km/h in 5.8 seconds, which is 0.1 second faster than the MY06/07 but on par with the MY03/05.
Driving along in 5th gear the car cruises at just a fraction over 2500 RPM at 100km/h (very similar to the ratios of the old Classic GC8 WRXs). This makes for a much more pleasant highway driving experience.
The gearbox has also improved. It has a more precise shift-feel and generally seems more confident. One fault I have to mention is the fly by wire electronic throttle control. Since its introduction in the Impreza range in 2006, it hasn’t done much for true enthusiasts. Infact, I believe it’s a hindrance to the WRX.
There are a number of reasons that Subaru has done this, to achieve better emissions and to manipulate the performance of the car. The result for the driver is that despite what you might be requesting from your right foot, the bottom line is that the ECU will make up its own mind, thus particularly from idle, the car is not as smooth and also some inputs can be a little rough.
Bring me back a good old fashioned cable any day! The system also creates a number of issues for tuning as throttle inputs to the ECU are not linear.
There is no denying the MY08 WRX is very quiet. The exhaust design has changed significantly. Instead of the old straight through system, the new system now twists from the cat back to be perpendicular to the rear of the car. The cat at the centre of the system is huge and there is virtually no noise from idle what so ever.
The car is whisper quiet on the road and it is a pity that there is not even a hint of a rumble as there used to be in the older versions. I can see a huge demand for after market exhausts to give the car some much needed rumble and character.
What has impressed me most of all, is the handling dynamics of the new rex. The car is definitely the softest WRX yet. It rides bumps like no other rex I have owned and no longer rattles. This has, obviously, compromised handling a little with noticeable body roll.
Nonetheless, it’s a good compromise between comfort and handling and perhaps shows the rex has grown up a little bit. I know some view the WRX as an enthusiasts’ day to day car, but it seems with the new range, Subaru has left all the hardcore bits for the new STi and aimed the WRX for those looking for a balance of comfort and performance. Either way, I have been pleasantly impressed with the car’s handling capabilities so far.
There is a very short coil spring on the front and a long thin spring setup in the rear. The result is a very neutral car, probably the most neutral WRX yet. When pushed, the car squats well on the road and holds the line commanded by the driver. Over cook it a little and there would appear to be a tendency to oversteer rather than the traditional understeer so commonly prevalent in older generations.
This oversteer will particularly occur if you were to lift off mid corner. The MY08 also comes with VDC (ESP) as standard. The “off” button is underneath the steering column on the driver’s side. Like similar ESP systems, you can push it hard into a corner and the car brakes for you as well as cutting throttle input when it detects traction loss. But if you were going to go for a mountain run, you’d turn it off!
Essentially, handling is softer and easier to live with on a day to day basis, but still a fun piece of kit on a Sunday run. It will be interesting to see what impact suspension modifications will have. At the time of writing, Kings Springs has no idea when they would have a set available, but AVO are already stocked with aftermarket springs.
Moving on to the brakes, although a slight downgrade from previous model, the brakes feel confident and good enough for the everyday owner, but if you were serious about performance, you’d upgrade. It is disappointing that Subaru has gone cheap on the brakes by going back to unfinished callipers instead of the nicely painted Subaru ones we had on the previous generation.
Tyres on the new WRX also scream of bean counters having their way. They are now Yokohama Advans. They are 205/55/17 and this is 10mm narrower and 5mm higher than the previous model. Don’t get me wrong, feel and comfort levels are high, but this is quite a small footprint, particularly when you consider they are the same footprint as a Mazda SP23. The direct competition, the Mazda MPS 3 uses 215×45x18!
The interior is quite different to the previous model with some subtle changes. The car definitely doesn’t have the same interior class as the Liberty and continues to be a little disappointing in this regard. The seats for this model are very thin in the back and very high backed. They are comfortable, but nothing like the support of the original shape. It has been a disappointing decline over the generations.
New interior features for MY08 include gauge synchronisation on start up (i.e. gauges go to full position and back) just like the previous STis. Finally there is some permanent illumination of the instrumentation, but it is red and a little tacky, the odometer panel is very Korean and quite cheap! The stereo is a 6 stack in dash with an audio input socket in the glove compartment for iPod or other MP3 devices. This is a positive feature, but unfortunately there is no charging capacity.
There are two central cup holders which are handy and there is a non-slip surface just in front of the gear box lever. Overall I would describe the interior as comfortable and well appointed, but not overly luxurious or interesting.
There is noticeable improvement in the interior width of the car and in particular, much more leg room in the back. Finally there is a telescopic steering rack! But boot space is rather disappointing. There is very little space available and with some child restraints in place, I doubt there will be enough space left for much else.
Subaru has finally ditched the god-awful Brandt alarm system in the new WRX. Meaning there is no longer any key pad for you to punch in your PIN code. There are now three immobilisation positions including one behind the instrument panel to make it even harder for thieves to take away your baby. I am just pleased to not have to worry about the anti-hijack mode ever again!
There is a key pad mounted to the inside of the fuse box which can be used for programming. There are some pretty cool functions if you are interested.
Overall I have been very impressed with my new beast. It is quick, nimble, but also presents that balance of comfort and performance that many owners are seeking. Plus it has many pleasing feature improvements over the old model.
Being the Subaru enthusiast that I am, I have already made plans for the car, such as wheels, springs, exhaust, UNIQ, Cold Air Intake and Blow Off Valve. I am sure you will hear about that in due time.
I am pleased with my purchase and looking forward to seeing the true potential of the new car , more so, I am keen to see what Subaru has planned with the upcoming STi, but for now it’s up to Tin Can Bay!
Dan Brown
Print it: 
Interesting review, I wasn’t expecting someone with such a history with WRXs, specially modified ones, to buy the new one, perhaps initial impressions have been all wrong.
Good read. Let us know how the engine copes with the mods!
Meh.. I don’t know, too boring for my taste, one drove past me today and I couldn’t even tell it was a rex from behind, I guess thats a good thing for WRX owners on limited demerit points!
p plate laws have made subaru go for another market, i think?
to be honest, i get more excited by the new hyundai i30, which i will add… LOOKS MUCH BETTER.
the wrx, i have no doubt is a good car. Shame thet made it look like a cross between a kia carnival and daewoo lanos.
i guess it will be good for subaru owners, as they wont be a SEEN ONE, SEEN EM ALL, car like the last ones.
I am with you Dan it needs some more aggression in its looks ,the shape is growing on me though. A bigger rear deck spoiler would help ,I imagine the STI will have one.
No burble …..its not a Rex without that would be interested to know what it sounds like after you have made the exhaust change,drive by wire is a pain too you have no throttle feel bet you will stall it a few times till you get used to it.
Subaru really has tamed the Rex hey,I hope for them they succeed in attracting that new market they clearly have aimed this car at . Good to see true Rex enthusiasts like yourself have stuck by the product anyway and is enjoying it still . Good story!
Good review!
In terms of looks, abit more aggressive would have been nice however if you see this car in the metal, it looks alrite. I cant believe many people think it looks heaps worse then older models to, go compare the old 5 door to this and that opinion should change, Subarus have never been anything to write home about, they look ‘acceptable’…. its the performance you pay for. Personally though I think this is a step in the right direction, once I have the cash I would seriously consider buying one. On performance, from my reading the car does have heaps of body roll but suprisingly it performs better then the outgoing models in slalom courses (more speed) and g-forces (more g’s). Youtube has a few video reviews on this if anyone is interested. So it would seem for all intensive purposes that they have achieved a more comfortable ride while maintaing its handling. Nothing wrong with that!
The rear still looks like something a cheap brand has come up with to “wow” the customers but just looks tacky.
Have to agree with you Paul, the impreza never has been a looker, and in launching the new model the old one has been glorified a bit. Still, i long for a return to the old MY99 looks, a mini GTR of sorts, it was that era that forged the imprezas status and to me has never topped it.
Well I dont know, this has sort of change my mind about the new WRX, surely if the owner of 4 previous ones can like it, it cant be that bad?
I was going to buy the lancer ralliart, but now that mitsubishi is saying it might not come (confusing with the evo x) the wrx is looking more appealing.
I am glad someone pointed ot the fly by throttle crap, this has been an annoying feature of most new cars, there is something about the raw factor of having just an accelerator cable.
Yeah… I dont know what was wrong with the cable method. Drive-by-Wire just seems like something that doesnt work very well and even worse, another thing to fark up immobilising the car because it all relies on electronics… all when a cable did the job well enough.
This car here will come close to getting wheels car of the year and Id definetly be suprised if it DID NOT get motors bang for your buck. Ford Holden and Toyota, that how hatch back cars are suposed to perform.
Thats a big call! Not sure about car of hte year but I think it would be a contender for bang for your buck given that is still performs to the same levels as the previous model while offering alot more standards features.
Hi Dan,
The ECU tuning will remove any hesitation in the Fly By wire throttle control as it did in my MY06. It’s an inbuilt safety feature to make it less responsive to inexperience drivers.
chris
Another plain jane why is there so many car manufacturer’s trying to copy BMW now they’re showing us the new VW tourag with some beemer headlight resemblance, I guess some people can’t think for themself’s
Ummm I dont know how the hell this is copying BMW? I would say its copying Mazda for the general shape, kinda the old Camry for front and Lexus for the rear. Dont know how BMW fits into the equation.
Great review – I’ve warmed to the looks a bit but I can’t get over the hatch only model. There needs to be a sedan option.
The rear certainly isn’t nice, but I’ve come to grips with the front – the car has definitely grown up.
There will be a sedan….it will be here this time next year…only the sti will be a sedan at this time i think….would be good if subaru australia made an aussie sti type sedan…
I would like to know if those stated acceleration times are on the money. Subaru has a tendency to inflate their acceleration times. And not insubstantially
oh well….at least toyota wont have much problems in improving the car in the near future.
Mr Brown i hope you can test the EvoX and the detuned evo (wrx competitor) when it comes out. looking forward to your comments
Flying High, those figures are true to the word if ur willing todo a 5,500 RPM clutch dump, only way to get an AWD screaming off the line, do about 2 of those a day for a year and ull need a new clutch…
Good report, just you left out the most important thing…
How much did you pay?
Anyway, no auto, no sale [to me]
Frankly i would be happy if the guys here from C/A would test say something like a Mazda CX7???
Maybe seeing they delay and delay it i should put my hand up and assit them in this matter, yeap offering my not unconsiderable testing experience to u for nixs!
Cheers
F-0
I think this new WRX is pretty good. I’ve had mine for about 2-3 weeks now and I probably represent part of the new target market in that I bought this car over a Golf GTI rather than something like an Evo etc.
My only criticism if anything would be that the suspension is a bit softer than I’d imagined. As for the exhaust, mine has done nearly 2000kms now and whilst it’s a lot tamer than the old ones, it’s beginning to sound a lot more characterful now.
I think frankly the innocuous looks will benefit this car – the fact that it doesn’t look like a WRX is an added bonus for me. The lairy looks and boy racer demeanour were long factors that inhibited me from buying one in the past, this car thankfully doesn’t stand out like dog’s balls. And one can always suitably modify to taste if one is that way inclined..
Anyone who knocks the looks I would say go have a look at one in the flesh… it isnt all that bad. At the motorshow there was a constant line up to get into the driving seat of one and always a few people taking happy snaps. And you really cant knock its performance although the suspension is softer it still goes through various circuits faster then the old Rex, in fact the new one is 0.1sec faster then the outgoing rex. The only thing that I find disappointing from the info Ive read is that it only has single piston calipers up front, although tests have shown it stops up the same as older rex, I wander how well it would performance under repeated hard stops (however unlikely in the real world)
I have to say when i first saw the pics of this car i wasnt impressed. Over time it has grown on me to a point i know find them quite an attractive car. I dont like the clear lenses for the rear lights but thats about all. Thats not to say that havent stolen styling cues from other cars, its just to say its not necessarily a bad thing. I couldnt agree more with what hugo has said. I never disliked the looks of the old wrx but i never would have bought one due to the instant category you are placed in by other road users.. I love the new classier looks.
I can say too that the performance is up to the task of keeping me happy too after having driven one for an hour last night. Feel like a 60k comfortable car on the highway but still go like a sports car.
Maybe im getting old (23) but i think for me subaru have done a great job with the new car. Fact is if 90percent of people that bought the last wrx modified it so if you dont like the looks of this one then tint the windows and give it some bigger wheels. If its too soft then get some stiffer springs, if its too quiet then get a bigger exhaust..
Me? Id like all that but id be genuinely scared i couldnt do as good a job as subaru have already done!
For those with erection problems, simply the latest version
I have been searching the internet for a few weeks now inc Youtube etc as $39990 is a lot of money and I want to know what I could be spending it on. Biggest gripes on the net that I have found by % are:
1. The look
2. The body roll
3. The plain inside
Like Toyota Paul said above go see one in the flesh they are not too bad, I wasn’t even interested until I saw one in a yard while helping a mate shop for a new ride. Subaru are def looking for a different buyer but it’s more economical, has more guts down low it now has 226 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2,800 rpm, a full 800 rpm earlier than the previous generation WRX and 50lb lighter. Looking at the price it hasn’t changed much and still good value for money. If you don’t drive flatout everywhere and are looking for a car that has punch when you need it this looks like the car to get.
Yep test drive the new 2008 yesterday brought it!
Congratulations Jeff……What colour?
Pfft why would you spend $40k on a WRX when for abit more you get a Typhoon
Hi Bavarian, thanks mate we went the silver it looks awesome, I wanted black but then I thought about how hard it would be to keep it clean. Really happy with the test drive, internet corrospondence stated bodly roll in this model so I took it up MT Cootha in Brisbane Aust. Found out that unless your going to race this WRX everywhere the roll was minimal and didn’t affect handling there was hardly any turbo fade, it fly’s down low and so quiet. I’m really happy 3yr roadside warranty as well just awaiting delivery. lol $166 for floor mats noticed that on the contract what a joke but I just wanted to get out of there and didn’t say anything.
Fordfuturedriven, I was too poor to go the extra $ on a Typhoon :) I have a ZX10R Ninja bike that does nearly 300kmph thats my buzz anyway :)
Take an 08 for a drive you will be surprised!
Seems your still on a high Jeff from your new purchase…….great to see! Yeah sucks manufactures make us pay for mats! Give it time Jeff to loosen up it will get better too!
Would be my choice too ………bang for buck I have always thought them great value! Now there all grown up looking even more appealing for the over 35s! You sound rapt in it!!
Good luck if you ever decide to get one mate, stay safe!
good review i bought one in october didnt think much of the looks till i went and looked at it. Got the black and yep bitch to keep clean. want to upgrade exhaust has anyone done it yet??
Nar not yet, dont like the stock exhaust either weird the way it snakes under the rear. One of the first things I want to change too which will hopefuly get that “burble” sound happening. Black looks awesome keep polishing mate :)
I looked around at plenty of small performance cars (including imports with suspect history) and after driving the new WRX – bought one (black). Great daily drive car which looks heaps better with the new grill. I will soon be changing out the exhaust (quite a few already available overseas – see the G3WRX.com forum) and possibly the sway bars.
the car looks great in the flesh… ive purchased one and awaiting its delivery. Opted for black and having had a black 200sx in the past its definately a pain to maintain clean, but i think it looks the best!
i think it will need an exhaust though..
good honest review- got me interested in the car, as alot of the initial reviews have been quite negative (unfairly) stemming from its conservative/subdued appearance. Sounds like it will have a good mixture of comfort for daily driving and performance for occasional track day.
i wouldn’t go for the older rex because of its tarnished/boy racer reputation and the attention it received
for those looking for an exhaust upgrade my car is going to AVO in melbourne next week for a full turbo back system so stay tuned there will be a system out there soon cant wait to see the difference
Just purchased a black MY08 wrx. Great little car. I prefer the look over previous models. The body roll is a bit of a let down, but it holds the road better than any other car I’ve owned as well as also being the most drivable in day to day traffic. I think I’ll be sticking with Subaru from now on.
Great review, as said previously its good to see a previous Rex owner, saying good things..
Looking to downsize from a XR6 Ute aswell as adding extra seats. I started looking at WRX or Focus XR5. Both good on paper, but sitting in the focus saw me getting out and heading straight to Subaru to check out there offering.
Like most the looks didn’t appeal to me at first but yeah is growing on me. After going to my local Subaru dealer. The service I got sold me, got a complete walk through and I was impressed, boot room with a child restraint will be tight, but its not going to be the family car so not a biggy there.
Problem Im having is I can’t picture it lowered, with bigger wheels, as I can see the MY07 very clearly.
Hey phil. Check out some of youtube videos. I saw a WR blue 08 WRX with the factory 17″ but painted gold! It looks amazing lowered 1″ with gold rims. I purchased the same blue rexie yesterday. Can’t wait to pick it up next week.
Good read,
I would like to let you all know that it is optional to code the security system to allow for a pin code prior to startup like the previous models. This can be done by taking it to a subaru dealer and they can program it.
I have done this my self as i prefer a pin before i can start my car for extra security.
Do any current MY08 “NEW GENERATION 3G WRX” owners out there feel like we,ve been dumped by Subaru. Subaru have introduced this car without consideration to the current G3 owners, our resale values have just been slashed considerably due to the yawning gap in performance of the both the so called “NEW GENERATION G3 WRX” vehicles.
Car manufacturers obviously strive to improve vehicle performance and sales hence minor improvements are the norm from year to year with occassional generational changes. The MY08 WRX was/is sold/advertised as the “NEW GENERATION WRX” why after just around 11 months is the 09 vehicle so much better again??? Our 08 rexs are going to be worth ‘heaps” less than the 09 when i go to sell or trade it, just months after purchasing it.
The media INCLUDING SUBARU are saying how much better this 09 car is. And i quote from CEO Subaru Australia;Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, said:
“This latest model year Impreza WRX is a step change.
“We’re not only introducing big power and torque increases, we’ve dramatically sharpened handling too.
“We’ve spent a lot of time with the engineers on Australian roads and in local conditions, developing a suspension package that appeals to the driving enthusiast.
“The result is an Impreza WRX that is true to our core Subaru DNA, of delivering pure driving confidence.”
He added: “Drivability of Impreza WRX is sharper and, combined with the power and torque benefits, this is a compelling, aggressive package.
The “new generation MY08 WRX” have just been us shafted, no questions, the models continuity has been blown apart, and to say it is a mild evolutionary change [like some are] would be disagreeing with Mr Subaru CEO, Australia.
If you agree, contact Subaru like i have and see if we can get some equity/continuity in these vehicles by; Subaru offering ECU/suspension upgrades, discounted or free??? Or subsidised trade ins of MY08s for those lucky enough who can purchase the 09??
Its in Subarus interest to do it as well, the pr would be fantastic rather than negative and wouldnt be very costly for them at all. And finally do they want to have a comparitively lame WRX haunting their prestigous WRX lineage.
Those that have a MY08 WRX opposing this view have probably already modded their my08 or have vested interests elsewhere, or arnt looking at the facts wholistically, the MY08 WRX is now worth ‘heaps’ less than it was two weeks ago and so is yours.
Great and accurate review! I have now driven mine for a year here in the states. I was looking for a real SUV, and here it is. (It puts the sport back into sport utility vehicle.) A good car for the money.
We live in the hills of Pennsylvania where it snows in winter; several times last year I was the only one getting through the morass of vehicles stuck on our hill. The car goes where you want it to, when you want it to. Very controllable when you break the back end out.
Is it as comfortable on the highway as my A4? No. It’s louder..but the somewhat spartan seats are comfortable and the rex is a lot more fun and a good deal quicker.
I’ve also been getting pretty good gas mileage (when I stay off the boost). Although it can be as low as 15 mpg around town if I really step into it, my average for the year has been 22.5. Taking it easy around town also gets mark, while highway is 30+ @ 55 mph down to 25 mpg @ 85.
All in all, a very happy choice.
Good review. Keep the reader reviews coming!!! Recently in market for a new car. Looked at current Subaru WRX sedan and the new Liberty GT (excellent value) but could not get past styling. Sorry. Note that the new WRX no longer features the Brandt system (which the reviewer seems to hate but which I don’t mind) and am a little concerned at absence of anti hijack feature. Perhaps the new WRX is not deemed high performance enough to need it? Then again, at least it does feature a decent immobiliser/alarm system – something that some Euro high performance cars have as an “option”!