Subaru Impreza WRX Overview

The rally-derived WRX holds legendary status among a sport compact car segment also including the VW GTI, Mazdaspeed3, Honda Civic Si and Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart. For 2011 it is available in sedan or 5-door hatch body styles and in base, Premium or Limited trim levels. Providing plenty of power for the nimble WRX is a turbocharged 2.5-liter Boxer horizontally opposed 4-cylinder making 265 hp and 244 lb-ft of torque. The sole transmission choice is a 5-speed conventional manual. While the WRX is plenty quick in a straight line, the real story here is a sophisticated sport-tuned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which can split power front and rear and side to side to deliver maximum power to the drive wheels with the best traction. Options include a navigation system, Sirius or XM satellite radio, boost gauge, short throw shifter, leather sport seats and xenon headlights. The WRX STi offers even hotter performance, though it comes at a premium of more than $8,000 over the standard WRX's $25,495 base price.