Actually, don't expect Subaru to sell WRX's by the thousands. Performance enthusiasts will go for it but many more customers will opt for the more market oriented 2.5 RS sedan or TS wagon or even better, the new Outback Sport. The body is almost the same with a totally redesigned look including larger headlamps, sharper body sides and very obvious tail lamps. A big spoiler is available on the sedan. In this case, the engine is a bigger 2.5-liter flat four but it less powerful than the 2.0-liter at 165 horsepower at a lower 5,600-rpm with maximum torque set at 166 lb-ft. at 4,000 rpm. The five-speed manual transmission stays available while the four-speed automatic is offered as an option. The 2.5 RS, TS and Outback with the automatic have the electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch.

All the models get a fully independent suspension but the Outback has a raised heavy-duty version. The WRX and the 2.5 RS have a sport-tuned suspension, as expected. As far as wheels are concerned, the 2.5 TS gets 195/60HR15 all-season radials while the 2.5 RS, the Outback and the WRX all get 205/55R16 all-season radials. Optional 17-inch BBS wheels with W-rated tires are available on the WRX.

Subaru has held a first press event in Florida for journalists to get acquainted with the WRX model only. What most people remembered were the great moves they made on gravel roads. But in reality, almost every Impreza driver will choose the car for its great traction in winter. Consequently, we should give you more information on base models as soon as they are made available. But if we base ourselves on past experience with the former 2.0 TS sedan during a snowstorm, when equipped with proper winter tires, an all-wheel drive Impreza is THE vehicle to drive during the cold season.