The launch of the Subaru WRX sedan last year signaled a major shift for the
Japanese manufacturer known for its all-wheel-drive wagons.  The WRX is a
take-no-prisoners rocket that has excited lots of high-octane buyers with
screaming performance at a modest price. Although less well known, there is
another vehicle in the WRS line that¹s almost as incendiary, the WRS Sport
Wagon. 

The development of wagons is a laudable trend in the auto industry, which is
currently fixated on SUVs and truck-based vehicles. And a small, affordable
high- performance wagon with all-wheel drive is doubly commendable.

It wasn¹t too many years ago when the Subaru brand was mostly associated
with hippy communes and granola lifestyles. But the bad-boy Subaru WRX
changes all that. The WRX is also the platform for Subaru's
limited-production 260-horsepower entry into big-time rally racing
competition that is run on challenging back roads with the cars and
drivers having to adjust to real-world conditions, natural hazards and the
wildlife. Although this type of racing is not well known in the US, Subaru
has been a major competitor at the highest levels of world rallying.

The WRX features a zippy 227-horsepower engine, continuous all-wheel-drive
and a sports-tuned suspension in a light, but sturdy chassis.  The small,
but mighty engine puts the WRX in the performance big leagues. It pulls well
at all speeds and can propel the little wagon to ridiculous speeds. Subaru
claims that the WRX will zip from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than six
seconds, and that¹s very fast. Mid-range torque is also impressive,
particular for a quick burst of speed necessary to pass on two-lane roads.

Other items that make the car special are load-sensitive power steering,
four-wheel disc brakes with dual-piston front calipers and 16-inch alloy
wheels with low-profile performance tires. The interior gets front-seat
side-impact air bags, aluminum pedals and a high-end Momo-brand steering
wheel for the sporty look, all for a base price of $23,695.

Our test wagon added some interesting, but not essential extras, such as the
$801 performance package that included a titanium shift know, turbo gauge
and short-throw transmission shifter. It also added the $105 rear
differential protector. Both packages are superfluous for most buyers. The
$462 sound upgrade package also seemed to be overpriced. My advice is to
stick with the basic WRX as a good performance value.

It¹s great that the WRX has such snazzy mechanical components, because in
terms of exterior design, it is pretty forgettable, even in its searing
yellow color. I am also not convinced that it is a good idea to design the
doors without pillars, which support the windows and give the body extra
rigidity. Any vehicle that will be pounded around on marginal roads should
be built to a higher standard.

As for the interior, it suggests that the WRX is in the economy car
class plain and simple. The Subaru doesn¹t have quite the same quality feel
as is evidenced in the small and sporty Acura RSX. The sport seats, however,
do deliver a lot of support, which is important for a car that will be
tossed around on demanding roads.

While the standard WRX may not be quite ready for professional international
rallying, it is a heck of a performer, particularly considering its modest
$24,000 price tag. Does it deliver the most bang for the buck in the
contemporary small-wagon performance market? Probably, if you consider
the value of its all-wheel-drive system.

The WRX sedan is one of the more impressive performance cars I have driven
in the last couple of years. It is particularly adept on narrow, twisting
roads where pavement seems to be an afterthought. In this ultimate challenge
for steering and suspension, the WRX displays impressive handling and
agility, able to change course in the flick of a wrist.

Although the WRX Sport Wagon has the same degree of suspension
compliance and control, it seems less agile.  But the wagon is generally well 
balanced and I never experienced much oversteer, the tendency for the rear 
end to kick out during hard cornering.
 

Vehicle: Subaru WRX Sport Wagon

Price as tested: $25,474

Engine:

         Type: Turbocharged 2.0-liter opposed 4-cylinder

         Horsepower: 227 @ 6,000 rpm

         Torque: 217-ft. lbs. @ 4,000 rpm

Fuel economy, manual transmission

         City - 20 mpg

         Highway - 27 mpg

Curb Weight: 3,165