2009 Subaru Impreza WRX Review | Drive Chicago
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2009 Subaru Impreza WRX

Impressive hatch.

by: Dan Jedlicka

Regular versions of Subaru's Impreza all-wheel-drive compact models are decent, but the higher-line high-performance WRX models provide far more fun, without sacrificing practicality.

Regular Subarus in the automaker's revised 2009 lineup are the nicely equipped 2.5i, 2.5GT and Outback Sport, which is one of the first crossover vehicles. All come in sedan and hatchback form and have list prices  from $17,495 to $27,495.

The higher-performance Imprezas come as the WRX, slightly more upscale WRX Premium and all-out WRX STi, which comes only as a four-door hatchback. They're priced from 24,495 to $34,995.

While all Imprezas have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, the WRX and WRX STi have a turbocharged, higher-horsepower version of that engine. The WRX has 265 horsepower, while the STi provides a sizzling 305 horsepower.

The WRX has been redone after a somewhat disappointing redesign for 2008. There is a  41 horsepower increase to 265 horsepower, although the STi retains last year's 305-horsepower rating.

Despite its added punch, estimated WRX fuel economy is decent--18 mpg in the city and 25 on highways. The STi delivers 17 and 23 mpg..With the added power, a few miles per gallon are lost.

If a budget allows only the $26,995-$27,495 GT, you still get a turbo version of the Impreza engine, but with 224 horsepower. It only comes with a rather dated four-speed automatic, although transmission has a manual-shift feature.

TheWRX sedan and hatchback and STi hatchback aren't sold with an automatic. And the WRX only comes with a five-speed manual gearbox, when the six-speed manual of the WRX STi seems more appropriate. The WRX manual shifts in a nifty manner, but works with a stiff, long-throw clutch. 

To accompany its added power, the WRX gets an uprated suspension, more body stiffening and 45-series tires on 17-inch tires.

The STi gets even wider  40-series tires on 18-inch wheels, besides higher-performance Brembo brakes, flared fenders, aluminum hood, stiffer suspension and a driver-controlled differential with three performance modes and six driver-selectable settings. Not to mention leather/alcantara upholstery.

The STi is a blast, but a bit too much for anyone but a hard-core performance buff. The quieter, more comfortable WRX is more suited to a larger audience. It's plenty fast and still looks sporty with such items as a large hood scoop and a discreet rear spoiler.

I tested the $27,495 WRX Premium sedan, which had a solid feel and nice body fits. Standard for this model are a power sunroof, automatic climate control, heated front seats; cruise control, AM/FM radio with an in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, wiper deicer and a split/folding rear seat.

There are the usual comfort/convenience features such as power windows, mirrors and door locks with remote keyless entry.

As with other Imprezas, safety items include an anti-skid system, front-side and curtain-side air bags and anti-lock all-disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution.

Steering is quick and accurate, but a little heavy. The ride is supple and handling is sharp, assisted by Subaru's advanced all-wheel-drive system. Brake pedal action allows consistently smooth stops.

Acceleration is swift, with scant turbocharger lag, although the best 65-75 mph passing  calls for a downshift from fifth to fourth--and sometimes to third gear

Large outside door handles are easily grasped Backlit gauges can be read at a glance, and the nicely stitched front seats are very supportive for hard charging--although occupants sit rather low. Big outside mirrors help provide good driver visibility.

Up-front room is good for tall occupants. So is rear-seat space--although the center of the back seat is too stiff for comfort and best left to the center pull-down armrest. Surprisingly, it contains no cupholders, as do most such armrests.

Climate controls are large, but radio controls are small. Dual front console cupholders are positioned to avoid spills. The glove compartment is fairly large, but the deep covered console storage bin is set a little too far back. Front doors have good-sized storage pockets, but rear pockets are small. Grab handles reside above all doors.

The large trunk's opening is wide, but rather high. The lid raises well out of the way, but has no interior pull-down handle or indented area. Rear seatbacks flip forward and sit flat for more cargo room, but the pass-through opening from the trunk is only moderately sized.

The hood glides up on twin struts, revealing easily reached fluid filler areas. There's no large, unsightly plastic cover over the engine in its neat-looking compartment.

The Impreza WRX always feels as if its on your side, which is especially comforting when road and weather conditions get rough.

Visit DanJedlicka.com for more road tests, interviews, and classic car articles.Visit DanJedlicka.com where veteran auto writer Dan Jedlicka reviews the latest cars and trucks in an easily understood but detailed manner. In addition, Dan's Web site also includes colorful classic and collectible car articles, a letters column and candid interviews with auto-field personalities.



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Dan Jedlicka

Dan Jedlicka joined the Chicago Sun-Times in February 1968 as a business news reporter and was named auto editor later that year. He has reviewed more than 4,000 new vehicles for the Sun-Times--far more than any newspaper auto writer in the country. Jedlicka also reviewed vehicles for Microsoft Corp.'s MSN Autos Internet site from January, 1996, to June, 2008.

Jedlicka remained auto editor at the Sun-Times until October, 2008, and continued writing for the newspaper's AutoTimes section, which he started in 1992, until February, 2009. While continuing his auto writings at the Sun-Times, he served as assistant financial editor of that newspaper from 1970 to 1973, when he began his automotive column.

He has appeared on numerous radio and television shows, including NBC's "Today," ABC's "20/20" and "The CBS Evening News." He was a host, consultant and writer for Fox-TV Channel 32's 1991 New Car Preview show and that Chicago-based station's 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995 Chicago Auto Show Previews.

Jedlicka's auto articles have been printed in national magazines, including Esquire and Harper's. His auto columns have been reprinted in U.S. government publications and economic textbooks and he is profiled in the "World's Greatest Auto Show" history book about the Chicago Auto Show. In late 1975, Jedlicka was host and technical advisor for three one-hour television specials, "Auto Test 76," which aired nationally on PBS and were the first nationally televised auto road test shows.

In 1995, Jedlicka was the recipient of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois Inc.'s Consumer Education Award, given annually to a person who has gained distinction in the field of consumer education. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award in the Media category and inducted into the Legends of Motorsports Guild at the Carquest World of wheels custom car show in Chicago in January, 2006.

Jedlicka was a member of the North American Car and Truck of the Year jury, composed of a select number of auto journalists from throughout the country, from 1995 until 2009. From 2010 to 2012, he was a member of Consumer Digest magazine's auto experts panel that gave Best Buy new vehicle recommendations.

He is a 1987 graduate of the Bob Bondurant Race Drivers School and later of the BMW "M" and Skip Barber Advanced Driving schools. He was a member of the U.S. team that participated in the 1987 1,000-mile Mille Miglia race/rally in Italy and has been a race winner at the Chicago area's Santa Fe Speedway.

Jedlicka has owned 25 classic cars, including 1950s and 1960s Ferraris and 1950s and 1960s Porsches, a 1965 Corvette, a 1967 Maserati and a 1957 Studebaker supercharged Golden Hawk. Jedlicka resides with his wife, Suzanne, in the Frank Lloyd Wright historic district of Oak Park. They have two children, James and Michele.

For more reviews from Dan, visit Facebook.

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