The just launched Impreza WRX sedan has won its first comparison test, against the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, published in the January edition of MOTOR magazine.
The extensive eight-page report says: “Now that Subaru has increased the 2.5 Boxer’s boost pressure by 18 percent and reduced the exhaust gas-flow restriction by 30 percent, the 2009 Rex has become the undisputed class king for straight-line stonk.”
MOTOR adds: “In the bottom two gears, the WRX spools up so quickly that its red tacho needle will lunge into the 6750rpm rev limiter if you aren’t prepared for a quick up-shift. But it’s this engine’s breadth of talent that asserts its hairy-chest status. All that additional high-rev muscle doesn’t come at the expense of low-rev drivability, and if anything, the MY09 Rex feels even torquier than the already strong MY08-er. It’s as creamily smooth as ever, too, yet has just the right amount of extra turbo whistle to accompany its enhanced brawn.”
On quarter mile times, MOTOR says “…but against the 195kW WRX’s searing 13.8 (at 165.3km/h) the Mitsu is reduced to also-ran status.”
Referring to fuel efficiency, it adds: “Over an identical 800km test route, the Ralliart averaged 14.7L/100km against the WRX’s 13.2…”
On the gearbox, MOTOR observes: “…but its basic five-slotter remains infinitely preferable to Ralliart’s technology-for technology’s-sake double-clutcher.”
Suspension changes are also given the tick: “There’s more meat in the steering (plus a damper valve to reduce kickback), less roll in corners, and tighter body control – allowing the Impreza’s inherent chassis balance to take centre stage.
“As soon as you turn its red-stitched leather wheel, the WRX responds.”
MOTOR concludes: “The MY09 WRX makes a far better stab at being a budget rally star. Its handling poise and grand-touring manners make a mockery of the Ralliart’s half-baked efforts, and so does its polished refinement.”
“The more things change, then, the more they stay the same. Fifteen years young, the WRX brand still impresses with its engineering excellence and its great performance.”
For the full story, see the January edition of MOTOR, out now.