Vehicle: 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX
Price as tested: CDN$35495

Performance: The biggest change underneath the WRX has to be its engine. The new 2.5L flat 4 has replaced the outgoing model’s 2.0L engine as WRX’s sole engine, on the other hand, the awesome STI remains using the higher boost version of the 2.5L turbocharged flat-4 as in the more mainstream WRX. Thanks to the extra displacement, the annoying turbo lag at 3000rpm in outgoing WRX has become a thing of history. In with the more smooth delivery of 230 horses and 235 lb/ft of torque. The throttle response is just “right away” as you take it off-the-line. Due to the lack of turbo lag, the acceleration is much more linear and user-friendly. Its also offer much better control of the powerband through the rev range. There is no shortage of power at every rev range in this powerplant. With its well-matched gear ratios and decently feel clutch, the 5-speed stick shift works magically with this powerplant.

Handling: The outgoing WRX has always been a great driver’s car, this revised version is no exception. While it retains its handling sharpness and driver feel that have become a hallmarks of WRX, its rebound damping has made for a better ride quality than before. Pushed through the corners, WRX reacts like a sports car does. The aces on the cake has to be its wonderful symmetrical AWD. The symmetrical AWD combines with the lower center of gravity of horizontally opposed engine are just 2 of the reasons why WRX aces through the corners. The cornering is flat and predictable. Steering feel is excellent with lots of weight and feedback. Its overall crisp feel with plenty of grips really made WRX a lots of fun-to-drive.

Brakes: As expected, WRX’s 4-wheel discs with ABS and 4-channels/sensors system provide braking performance as its handling. The stops are short and straight, while the pedal feel solid.

Interior: Although WRX has gone through its 3rd revision in its life cycle, its interior ambience still lacking. While Subaru has put some better materials and features into its latest revised version, it still feels cheap. On the other hand, the driving position and controls are as easily find as before.

Conclusion: The more refined transformation of power from the new 2.5L really transformed WRX from a good car to a great car. All of this extra performance without losing its hard-edged character and affordable price tag will surely make it more appealing than ever.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2006 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX
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Performance: 4.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 3/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4/5