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Article Comments - 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX First Drive & Full Test

121 messages,  Last post on Sep 13, 2007 at 9:15 AM

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What is this discussion about? Subaru Impreza WRX STi, Sedan, Wagon

Article comments for
 
First Drive: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX - Now that Subaru has abandoned its flirtation with the big-grille design ethic that has changed the look of so many cars in the last five years, its designers have gone for something more mainstream. (more)
 
Full Test: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX - Power delivery is improved, as peak power of 224 horsepower comes 400 rpm earlier at 5,200 rpm, while peak torque of 226 pound-feet arrives 800 rpm earlier at 2,800 rpm. Peak boost is 11.9 psi. The five-speed transmission has less aggressive ratios in 1st through 3rd gears, but the final drive is shorter: 3.90:1 instead of the former 3.70:1. (more)

Messages Page 1 of 12

#1 of 121 Article Comments - 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX First Drive by KarenS HOST

Jun 12, 2007 (6:34 am)

Take a look at our 2008 Impreza WRX first drive and post your comments here.
 
First Drive: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX

#2 of 121 About what I expected... by rsholland

Jun 12, 2007 (6:48 am)

...and about what I had hoped for. Sure, it could be better, but in areas that "I'm" interested in: more refinement, more interior room, quieter, it appears to have scored well.
 
As to drivability, you have to keep in mind that this is the 2.0 JDM version being reported on, not the 2.5. I suspect the 2.5 will be better than our current 2.5 in terms of drivability. By that I mean the power will come on lower in the rpm band, which is always good. I also suspect, because the power comes on lower in the rev band, that gas mileage will be better than the current model.
 
Overall I'm impressed. No, it's no longer a "boy racer," and I'm glad about that. I could see it replacing my '06 WRX Limited wagon.
 
Here's another Edmunds link: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=109582
 
Bob

#3 of 121 Re: Article Comments - 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX First Drive [KarenS] by ateixeira

Jun 12, 2007 (8:46 am)

Replying to: KarenS (Jun 12, 2007 6:34 am)
They make it sound like the absence of turbo lag is a bad thing.
 
Lots of body roll in that one corner, but of course it's drifting sideways.

#4 of 121 Re: Article Comments - 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX First Drive [KarenS] by from_fl

Jun 12, 2007 (8:57 am)

Replying to: KarenS (Jun 12, 2007 6:34 am)
Subaru: Your 08 WRX just reach one "less" fan. The styling is poor and bland. It is not a "WRX".

#5 of 121 Meh by greenpony

Jun 12, 2007 (10:38 am)

It doesn't visually excite me the way the previous gen does (well, before the nose job). Not so sure I'm sold on it.

#6 of 121 ? by 11o1

Jun 12, 2007 (11:28 am)

I dont think the styling is that bad, honestly. its not obtrusive, which is the key. The front grill is definitly the low point of the vehicles styling.

#7 of 121 Re: Meh [greenpony] by ateixeira

Jun 12, 2007 (12:49 pm)

Replying to: greenpony (Jun 12, 2007 10:38 am)
Styling hasn't really stood out in a positive way since the GC8 model (97 and earlier), and we never got a WRX based on that platform here in the US.
 
The bug eyes were controversial, as was the aircraft inspired outgoing model.

#8 of 121 The Hyundai/Kia Impreza by prosource1

Jun 12, 2007 (1:19 pm)

An uncomplicated cross between a Kia Spectra 5 and a new Gen Hyundai Accent.

#9 of 121 '08 WRX by merrycynic

Jun 12, 2007 (2:58 pm)

Well, I think keeping the 2.5 litre engine below 250 HP/ 250 LBS., is just plain marketing foolishness! A 6 speed manual would have been nice. Did I read correctly? A front LSD! BRAVO! An '09 5 door STI with paddle shifters sure looks interesting! That just might be my next car.

#10 of 121 WRX Rear End by stevecebu

Jun 13, 2007 (12:14 am)

Take a look at the article just posted on Edmunds.
here is a link to a pic of the back end of the new Opel 1.8. My wife walked up to it and so Oh the WRX in Red! I said No it's an Opel. She said "Well it looks the same as the WRX."
It is very similar and I don't think Subaru will want to be confused with a low budget Opel soon to be rebadged as a Chevy. Damn shame Subaru hired teh same stylists who made all the other cars we are now looking at Mazda3 Honda Fit Opel etc...
Not a good looking car at all any more, such a shame.
 
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/MediaNav/articleId=121207/firstNav=Gallery/photoId=41050

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