2010 Subaru Impreza WRX - Impreza WRX STI Newport RI

The editors of TheCarConnection.com have driven both the sporty 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX and the high-performance WRX STI to bring you their expert take on these enthusiast vehicles here in a Bottom Line. TheCarConnection.com has also consulted what the most authoritative auto critics have written about the Subaru Impreza WRX and STI to produce a conclusive full review that gives you all the pros and cons, along with other choices.

Likes
Potent turbocharged "boxer" engine
Roomy and comfortable cabin
Superb steering
Refined ride
All-wheel-drive sure-footedness

Dislikes
Thirsty engine
Manual gearbox linkage
Outdated four-speed automatic
STI prices encroaching on luxury car territory

The Subaru Impreza WRX and STI are compact, performance-oriented sedans and hatchbacks based on the mainstream Impreza . Last year, after hordes of loyalists complained about the changes implemented with a 2008 redesign, the WRX was fortified to address concerns that it was too soft and that power delivery wasn't fast and furious enough to fit the Rex's personality. Subaru answered with 41 extra horsepower on the WRX model, wider wheels and tires, and new anti-roll bars.

Styling on the 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX sedan can be summed up in one word: bland. The hatchback , on the other hand, speaks to the rallying heritage of the Impreza with more cohesion. Still, with each successive redesign, the WRX and the STI seem to stray further from their angry, purposeful origins and closer to a mainstream look that's kinda cute, kinda ugly. Staying on for 2010 is a functional hood scoop that signifies to onlookers that these are the performance variants of the Impreza family. Note that for 2010 the WRX gets a new exterior side sill design.

A 2.5-liter horizontally opposed "flat" four produces a healthy 265 horsepower in the WRX, while a different version makes 305 horsepower in the STI. One major caveat is a significant dollop of turbo lag, especially below 3,500 rpm where both cars can feel a bit lifeless. Rev it beyond this speed, however, and the engine takes on a completely different personality, happily shoving your cheeks back to your ears as it races to redline. The horizontally opposed engine emits a low rumble at low revs, and much of this noise seeps into the cabin. It becomes increasingly vocal when you keep it in the boost--something we're sure enthusiasts will love but others may find annoying after some time with the car. The manual gearbox is best at keeping the engine on the boil, but the linkage is a bit balky. The optional four-speed automatic available on the WRX, however, is in desperate need of more gears. Fuel economy leaves much to be desired, but given the performance, you can almost overlook this. The 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX tops out at 25 mpg highway in the mileage stakes and is rated at only 18 mpg in the city. The more powerful STI, meanwhile, gets a 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway rating.

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