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Subaru
WRX - A Diamond that Doesn't Mind the Rough
There is
nothing like the WRX Subaru for the money. You get an honest to goodness
multi-purpose car that can disguise itself as an economy car. An all-wheel drive
go most anywhere vehicle, or a fast and fun award winning rally car. In other
words, if there is a love of driving in your soul, this is the excuse you need
to pursue that lust.
Mom's view: A rally legend in Asia
and the Pacific Rim for years, the Subaru WRX sedan and Sport Wagon have proven
to be some of the fastest vehicles in the world. However, despite this
reputation this Subaru is very easy to live with even giving excellent fuel
economy on premium gas. In a very short time I learned to love this little guy.
It got me to the mall, parked very easily and the massive trunk space proved to
be a blessing when after Christmas sales were proving tempting. Perhaps that is
the best word to describe the WRX, tempting.
Dad's
view: Powered by a 2.0-liter, 227-horsepower turbocharged engine and combined
with the Subaru Forester's heavy duty five speed transmission, the WRX gives you
permission to explore the limits of your driving ability. The four-wheel disc
brakes with twin-piston front calipers and 16 –inch alloy wheels are adequate,
but the first thing we would do is get the larger 17 alloy wheels and 215/45
tires to insure the viscous limited-slip rear differential has plenty to do. You
can also enjoy the advantages of Subaru's proven full-time Subaru All-Wheel
Driving System. However, this is not a drag racer, although it goes from 0 to 60
in a little under five seconds, because despite its 217 pounds of torque, most
of the action happens above 4000 rpm.
I
loved the WRX and would willing add it our stable of Subarus because we know
that they are very reliable and economical to operate. However, with an
aluminium hood and functional air scoop that leads to the large air-cooler, I
wonder if front end alterations are not going to be very expensive. It stumbled
a few times, but from the wear on the tires I can surmise that it had a short,
but sometimes brutal life. On the main, it was very sweet and always eager to
please.
Woman
Graduate Student's View: The real joy of the WRX is the sport-tuned four-wheel
independent suspension that enables you to corner with an ease unlike any car we
have ever tested. The seats are nicely bolstered and the heating and
air-conditioning are truly wonderful. But Subaru also gives you, keyless entry,
power windows and door locks and a trunk pass-through that is very handy. In the
game of life the WRX is like moving into a new apartment and finding all the
utilities were included and that includes the premium cable stations. There is
always something on with this Subaru.
Teenage unemployed boy: Inside, the car is surprisingly roomy. The car has a nice
feeling Momo leather-wrapped steering wheel and funky aluminium pedals with
rubber grips. The stereo, which has a six-disc in dash CD changer, is above
average. The trunk holds three large suitcases and the four doors enable easy
access for everyone. We tested the sedan, but my choice would be the Sports
Wagon so that the dog could experience the fun the WRX offers and I could get my
new ski board on board. Its not a pretty car, but my mom says that beauty is
only skin deep and my dad says, "Ask your mom."
Family conference: Subaru's standard safety features three-point seatbelts for all five
seating positions with pre-tensioners and force limiters in front, anti-lock
brakes, daytime running lights and standard front seat and side impact air bags
just add luster to this little diamond that does not mind the rough.
Written by The Car Family
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