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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!

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!