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Written by:
Tom Jensen
11/28/2006 - 07:00 PM
Charlotte, NC
Subaru has gone for elegance over boldness in the updated Impreza. (Subaru photo) ยป More Photos
Editor's Note: Over the next two weeks, SPEEDTV.com will countdown 10 of the best cars of 2006/07. This is an admittedly subjective list, geared to real-world enjoyment and functionality, the idea being that any vehicle that qualifies for the list ought to make you smile every time you get behind the wheel.
CATEGORY NO. 8: Entry-level sports sedan
THE WINNER: Subaru Impreza WRX
In the automotive universe, there's an awful lot to be said for cars that deliver cheap thrills, and few do more for less than the Subaru Impreza WRX Sedan and Wagon.
At a starting price below $25,000, the Impreza WRX comes armed with a staggering array of go-fast and fun features, starting with Subaru's excellent turbocharged and intercooled 2.5-liter, 224-horsepower boxer engine, enough oomph to propel the sports sedan from a standing start to 60 miles per hour in just 5.5 seconds.
There's also full-time all-wheel drive for excellent handling, an easy-shifting five-speed manual transmission, sport-tuned suspension, anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes and low-profile 45-series tires riding on alloy rims. Taken as a whole, the mechanical underpinnings make for a car that is swift, nimble and precise, able to carve up winding back roads with the kind of surgical precision that's guaranteed to put a smile on one's face every time.
The interior was obviously designed by people who like to drive fast, because it delivers ergonomics that enhance the driving experience. The front buckets are specially contoured sports seats that hold people firmly in place during hard driving, yet are very comfortable in general cruising. The steering wheel is a fat, leather-wrapped three-spoke unit through which the large, center-mounted
The back seat, while not cavernous, is roomy enough for young children and the quality of materials belies the WRX's bottom-feeder price tag. We aren't talking Lexus levels of luxury here, mind you, but you never feel punished for not being able to afford a more expensive car.
Speaking of which, if you really want to go whole hog, for $33,495, Subaru offers the slightly insane Impreza WRX STI, which produces a whopping 293 horsepower and raises the fun ante exponentially, albeit it at a price point that's nearly 40 percent higher than the base WRX.
For most people though, the Impreza WRX is an excellent way to enjoy an awful lot of bang for the buck, a car that's fast, fun, inexpensive and versatile. You can order it in TR (tuner ready) model that's easily customizable or even as a sports station wagon.
So whether you're into being fast and furious or into a family in a big way, the Impreza WRX gets it done. And that's good enough for a spot on our top-10 list.
SPEC SHEET: Subaru Impreza WRX
TYPE: Sports sedan
SEATING CAPACITY: four
ENGINE: 2.5-liter turbo four cylinder
HORSEPOWER: 224
TORQUE: 226 foot-pounds
GEARBOX: Five-speed manual
ZERO TO 60 MPH: 5.5 seconds
EPA FUEL MILEAGE: 20 city/26 highway
BASE PRICE/AS-TESTED: $24,995/$26,019
Click here to see the car that was picked for the Practical Muscle category!
Click here to see the car that was picked for the Entry-Level Roadster category!
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