Conclusion

There is very little competition in Canada in the category of affordable quasi super cars. The Subaru Impreza WRX is perhaps the best known and most admired thanks to its WRC pedigree. At $35,495, the compact AWD rocket is not cheap and has even lost some lustre when compared to the 6. The Mazda has a newer, more hi-tech chassis, a nicer better appointed interior and more equipment. At $36,795, the Subaru Legacy 2.5GT is a closer rival is every aspect save for the absence of traction and stability control.

The Mazdaspeed6 can easily rival both cars in all out performance however both Subarus have better sorted steering. This is a very important issue. I really like the WRX if only for its outer dimensions. The Legacy is not as brutal as the Mazdaspeed and I thought that I preferred the 2.5GT but the more I think about it, the more confused I get. The are both great cars in their own right.

Good stuff:
Turbo power
Devilishly good looking

Not so good stuff:
Turbo lag
Steering

Competitors:
Subaru Impreza WRX
Subaru Legacy 2.5GT
Audi A4 2.0T Quattro