WRX had never had such a grave burden as now. From its very birth, the last WRX model was considered extremely unsuccessful. Forever criticized design and mediocre handling. WRX became like a small child whose favorite sweater was stolen, who was very mocking, and then returned back. Subaru clearly did not suit.
It is with such a stone on my soul that Subaru decided to equip WRX details from the older STI sister, put on new discs and increase the power of the opposite four -cylinder engine.
The new car dubbed WRXS. And the first pleasant impression of him is created when you only approach the car. The front “lip” from the STI (which even looks pretty dull on the original STI) here, by the way, the rear spoiler and the false radiator grille also subtly complement the WRX design. All elements resemble those that Airfix produces, they visually facilitate the appearance of the machine. Pretty beautiful 18-inch matte-gray discs in a radius per inch more standard WRX-Ovsky. They very successfully harmonize with the appearance of the car and create an interesting ensemble.
I admit that when the new Impreza model came out, I began to think that Subaru avoids its branded color — the WR Mica Blue trademark, and this was reasonable. The people without much enthusiasm accepted the new Impreza, so it is not known what the fans of the brand would think when he saw a discreet five -door hatchback in the company’s corporate color. When I first saw him on sale, I thought about how blessed that Golf and Focus have no branded colors and they will not be able to disgrace. These thoughts were stupid … Subaru dared to this color, and in front of me Impreza in the corporate color of WR Mica Blue. And I will tell you what — in this color she is very nothing, if not the beautiful. So, ladies and gentlemen, Mica Blue returned and he again!
Prodrive, which was again engaged in the “centuries -old tradition” — the refinement of the opposition Boxer -a Impreza, this time “conjured” over the ECU block and the new graduation system that gives this impreza a new, improved voice. Power, at the same time, increased from 230 liters. With. at 5200 rpm to 255 l. With., But more tuning touched the indicators of torque — it grew from 320 nm at 2800 rpm to 390 nm at 3000 rpm. As a result, the acceleration dynamics also improved — 97 km/h can be achieved after 5. 5 seconds, and before they were achieved in 6. 1 seconds. But the maximum speed in both versions remained the same — 230 km/h. Of course, such changes in the characteristics cannot but rejoice, but I am interested: why did not use the PRODRIVE Performance Pack in Prodrive, which was created for the previous generation (which had the same. 5-liter «opponent»), issuing 270 liters. With. Power and considerable 420 Nm of the moment … After all, it was quite possible ..
However, WRXS is much better than a standard WRX. With a sufficiently large torque and elasticity of a five -speed manual gearbox, it accelerates and rides almost as quickly as the older STI sister. The suspension is still quite soft, not accurate in responses, but the wheels of a larger radius partly save the position with handling, making the steering wheel a little more sensitive. Despite the increased power, as you see, the suspension remained at the same level. The only thing that I like in it is if a pit falls under the wheel under the wheels, the car will not get off the trajectory and perfectly soften the blow to such an extent that you only hear it.
The funny and funny thing that can be done on this car is to drive on a safe area in inertial skids on steep snakes. To do this, it is enough to slow down sharply in corners and work roughly with the steering wheel. If everything is done correctly, you can learn to drift with all four wheels (but only on condition that VDC — Vehicle Dynamic Control will be disconnected). WRXS did what was supposed to do in this world. At a price exceeding the cost of WRX by £ 2400, it is much better than the original. But if you compare this model with the previous Impreza, we must admit that this is a good car, but far from the best. Of course, he does what is prescribed to him, but somehow not so expressive.