A dream machine with pulling power
The Subaru Impreza WRX has got to be the ultimate in pulling power for gals who love the fast lane ... and we’re not necessarily talking torque!
This light-heavyweight commands respect on country or urban roads, motorways, or just on a trip to the local supermarket! Full frontal, its aggressive styling - and that big air vent on the bonnet - show this is one mean machine.
It has all the power you’ve ever wanted ... and more. Riding just a horse, all that power moving beneath you, is a very exciting feeling. Multiply that one horse by 215bhp and you’ll get close to the picture. Pure grunt power.
The fun started straight at the ‘off’ - the 2-litre turbocharged engine glided us away, purring but powerful. Waiting in traffic at Newlands Cross, I watched men drivers casting long, envious glances in my direction. Sizing me up. Well, maybe it was my car (as well!!!). They obviously appreciated a thing of beauty. And power. The respect factor. It was the same on a later occasion in the supermarket car park.
Something close to ecstasy came with a bit more freedom on the Naas dual carriageway when I was able to give the WRX its head. What a buzz! It IS capable of doing 143 mph ... which we can’t do here, but it’s good to know you have the power to avoid certain situations.
I nicknamed it the ‘Animal’ ... one which could land you in trouble very easily, such is the acceleration at your command.
The WRX is a highly strung, souped up thoroughbred which handles beautifully. Yet it is also a remarkably quiet mover when you just want to go with the flow in the urban jungle.
But Subarus have tamed jungle and mountain roads all over the world. World Rally Championship winners, again and again. The name Impreza has been engraved in the hearts of motorists the world over as the top name in sports vehicles.
The power behind this supreme driving force is Subaru’s pride, the horizontally-opposed ‘Boxer’ engine. Lightweight, low centre of gravity, virtually no vibration, and minimal power loss. Beautiful balance.
Subaru’s acclaimed all-wheel-drive is of course part of the package. Along with the much more responsive engine in this latest car it makes the WRX as close to a road-going rallier as you’re likely to get.
On the safety side, it feels as strong as they say it is. After all, it is built to cope with the rigours of world rallying.
The WRX also comes with ABS and dual airbags as standard. Side airbags are available as options. While children might be far from the minds of the WRX wannabees, ISOFIX child seat fixings come as standard.
The body styling is sporty and squat, set off by large oval headlamps. The aggressive bonnet grille opening is repeated by an even deeper air intake set into the front bumper, flanked by Subaru’s distinctive and large fog lamps.
The sides are sleek without shouting for attention. The rear lights, I thought looked a bit old-fashioned, but nice. The rear spoiler is optional, but necessary for the image of the WRX version.
Inside, the cabin is spacious and sporty with plenty of good quality materials. There’s a very high-tech metal look to the driving area, all the way from the pedals to the steering wheel boss and the centre stack. The instruments surrounds also have a metalised finish which I found very attractive. The instruments are very clear - white numbers on a black background - with the speedometer where it should be, right in the middle.
I especially loved the snug bucket seats which seemed to caress my body while giving great support in the right places (though I’ve heard some men say they would have to lose a few pounds in weight for a comfortable fit!). The seats have integrated headrests. There’s height adjustment too. The gearshift comes with a neat and comfy leather knob.
There are enough cubbies for most bits and pieces. What could be mistaken for a specs case between the two sun visors turned out to be a handy extra visor to bridge the gap. Neat!
Neat also were the frameless windows on the doors which added to the overall sporty look.
Standard features include air conditioning, CD player, and climate control which is simple to operate with a straightforward dial switch for temperature. (We gals don’t like fiddling around!) Specials to the WRX include 17" aluminum alloy wheels.
Did I mention that HUGE boot? Shopping still has to be done, even in the (very) fast lane.
A few small gripes. The bonnet is aluminium and can easily be dinged, so make sure your friends don’t get in the habit of sitting on it while attempting to chat you up. And where was the rear windscreen wiper when the Heavens opened? (On the Sportwagon only, bad move.)
But who’s really complaining about a car that can do the 0-60 trip in under 6 seconds. You’ll get about 28mpg from this £32,000 beauty - but maybe a lot less if you’re as enthusiastic as it begs you to be.
Finally, while a gal loves a bit of attention, it’s best to lock yourself in when driving alone, so as to ward off attention of the unwelcome kind! Jealousy can make people do funny things.