Sydney show: WRX booted and suited

SUBARU pulled the covers off the long-awaited MY2009 Impreza WRX sedan at the Australian International Motorshow in Sydney this morning.

On sale from December in both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback guises, the MY09 WRX has 26kW more power and 23Nm more torque – for maximum outputs of 195kW at 6000rpm and 343Nm at 4000rpm – plus better claimed fuel efficiency and upgraded suspension.

The improved outputs were largely achieved as a result of a larger turbocharger and an increase in turbo boost pressure.

Claimed fuel consumption is better, too, with the combined cycle figure down from 10.7L/100km to 10.4L/100km. CO2 emissions are also down, from 252g/km to 247g/km.



Perhaps acknowledging that the new WRX was given too soft a suspension tune, the MY2009 upgrade also gets a new suspension package to improve handling. Increased spring and damping rates and thicker stabiliser bars are the key changes.

The upgrade also introduces a $2500 optional package comprising leather trim and a sunroof while satellite navigation continues as a stand-alone option for $2990.

The MY2009 Impreza WRX is distinguished by a new mesh grille and badge, distinctive red brake calipers and wider tyres. Inside, red stitching is added to the seats.

The good news is that the upgrades do not come at additional cost. Both the hatch and the new sedan pricing were announced this morning as unchanged over the MY2008 hatch – at $39,990 for either bodystyle.

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