The WRX wooed enthusiasts when it first appeared in 2001, even if the formula wasn’t novel: Take your basic econo-box, give it a sport suspension, wide tires, grippy seats and tune the engine to squeeze as much giddyap as possible from it. Volkswagen pioneered this with its snarling Rabbit GTI back in the 1980s to stunning success. Twenty years later Subaru brought a turbocharger to the party—and all-wheel drive. This rally-car champion found an instant audience in the United States. It was as fast as a Porsche Boxster at less than half of the price, and it carried kids and groceries to boot with much lower maintenance costs. But since its arrival, the Impreza’s price has crept upward while new competitors have entered the scene.
The redesign, due to go on sale in September, is actually a little larger than its predecessor. Yet it sheds 50 pounds of weight, according to Subaru spokespeople. The flat-four engine gets a new turbocharger and intake, though power remains the same (224hp). Entry-level models will begin at about $25,000. Mitsubishi's forthcoming Evolution X produces 320hp on the same basic concept as the Subaru. Mazda's quirky RX-8 delivers true sports car handling. And Volkswagen's new GTI comes with a six-cylinder mill. Subaru will feel a lot of heat in a category in once owned outright.
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