As for braking, I would opt for more abrasive front brake pads to shorten braking distances. A couple of Subaru dealers and aftermarket retailers will be glad to sell you a pair. It took me 42 meters to stop from 100 to 0 kph, whereas sports cars normally take less than 35 meters.

Ride comfort prevails
In city traffic or on backcountry roads, the Impreza WRX moves like a hare and sticks to the road like hot cheese. When pushed hard, you feel a bit of understeer; modulate the throttle and the car will start to oversteer. Engineers purposefully tuned the WRX to encourage drivers to use some level of restraint: when the front end tries to disobey, your reflex is to lift your foot, which restores grip to the front wheels. Be careful, though: releasing the throttle too quickly will induce a brutal weight transfer. For sure, the all-wheel drive system allows solid footing at all times.

AWD makes this Subaru a perfect all-season car.

Yet, the most impressive aspect of this sporty Subaru's road manners is ride quality. The suspension was calibrated to deliver a comfortable ride no matter what the road conditions are. It's a good thing considering our damaged roads. Handling is somewhat affected: the new WRX suffers from increased bodyroll. It's not a genuine sports car like the STI -- and I'm thankful because I prefer the more flexible, easier-to-live-with handling of the WRX. I would have liked just a bit less sway in corners.

Affordable
At $32,995 for the sedan and $33,895 for the 5-door hatchback, the sporty 2008 Impreza WRX comes very well equipped. Ideal for hauling your family, running errands and surviving rush hours, this Subaru allows your inner child to have fun all year long, regardless of weather conditions. What else could you ask for? Oh, I know: more money for fuel!


Power
Reliability
Seat comfort
New layout
Flexible handling

Braking
Fuel consumption (in aggressive driving)
Passenger seat cushion is too low
Significant bodyroll


None


Photo Credit : Amyot Bachand