SUBARU acted swiftly to criticism from Australian enthusiasts that the third-generation Impreza WRX hatch was too soft, producing a new version specifically for Australia, which is one of the strongest WRX markets in the world. With a tighter suspension tune and more a powerful version of the 2.5-litre turbocharged flat-four engine, the Model Year 2009 WRX is quicker point-to-point in all conditions without losing all of the comfort and ride quality for which the 2008 model was noted. As well as upgrading the hatchback, Subaru Australia at the same time has introduced an identically-specified sedan, the variant that accounted for almost all WRX sales in previous generations.

Impreza WRX hatchback
Released: Sep 2007
Ended: Nov 2008
Family Tree: ImprezaINTRODUCED only in five-door hatchback form along with the rest of the third-generation Impreza small-car range in September 2007, the WRX was criticised for its styling – which seemed to be more polarising due to being a short-tailed hatch and the unavailability of the popular sedan body from launch in Australia – as well as its soft suspension tune. Power came from the same 169kW/320Nm 2.5-litre flat four-cylinder engine as the previous model, but now linked to a six-speed rather than five-speed manual gearbox.
Facebook Twitter Instagram