112_0909_09z 2008_subaru_impreza_WRX rear_three_quarters_view

But then, both of these numbers and most of the niggles tended to be forgotten when our red devil was fired up and sent out for a gallop. Said assistant web producer Carlos Lago, "This new WRX is softer than previous iterations, not that it's a bad thing. The car is a fun daily driver; potholes and bumps don't rattle the spine and the onset of power is just a hoot. Jurnecka agreed, "The WRX continues to shine as one of the more spirited cars in the fleet, and I'm always reminded of its gusto as it rockets up the local freeway on-ramp on my commute home. The power is still impressive, even more so for a 'practical' sedan that starts in the mid-$20,000s." How lovely.

What a difference a year makes.

112_0909_05z 2008_subaru_impreza_WRX engine

From The Logbook

"Drove it home in pelting rain and, in cornering, it stuck to the road like a lamprey. It's quick pickup aids in battling the anti-destination league and contributes to the fun factor as well. It's an attractive package with an efficient, clean interior.- Jackie Manfredi

Over seven hours in the driver's seat of the WRX confirmed it: I like this car. I'm continually surprised by its smooth ride. The seats hit in all the right places, leaving no sore spots. Even the gas mileage was good for a car with this kind of power.- Rusty Kurtz

The second-gen WRX has certainly grown up compared with the first-gen car. The body feels more robust; the interior is roomier and more refined; the ride is cushier and quieter.- Ron Kiino

Our Car
Base price	$24,995
Options	Satellite radio and navigation package ($4100); center armrest ($163)
MSRP, as tested	$29,258
Total mileage	20,462
Avg fuel economy	21.2 mpg/0.92 lb/mi
Problem areas	Heavy clutch, clutch chatter
Maintenance cost	$358.29 (2 oil change/inspection/rotate tires, 1 replace air filter,1 axle-fluid change)
Normal-wear cost	$0
3-year residual value*	$14,629
Recalls	Roof-mounted adapter kits models 3068 and 3069 (090E011000), cylinder head oil supply and turbocharger pipes improperly assembled (08V460000)
* Automotive Lease Guide

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX
POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS
Drivetrain layout	Front engine, AWD
Engine type	Turbocharged, flat-4, alum block/heads
Valvetrain	DOHC, 4 valves/cyl
Displacement	150.0 cu in/2457 cc
Compression ratio	8.4:1
Power (SAE net)	224 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque (SAE net)	226 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
Redline	6500 rpm
Weight to power	14.3 lb/hp
Transmission	5-speed manual
Axle/final-drive ratios	3.90:1/2.88:1
Suspension, front; rear	Struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Steering ratio	15.0:1
Turns lock-to-lock	2.8
Brakes, f;r	11.6-in vented disc, 11.3-in disc, ABS
Wheels	7.0 x 17 in, cast aluminum
Tires	205/50R17 88V M+S, Bridgestone Potenza RE92A
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase	103.1 in
Track, f/r	58.9/58.9 in
Length x width x height	180.3 x 68.5 x 58.1 in
Turning circle	34.8 ft
Curb weight	3193 lb
Weight dist, f/r	54/46%
Seating capacity	5
Headroom, f/r	40.3/37.6 in
Legroom, f/r	43.5/33.5 in
Shoulder room, f/r	54.8/53.2 in
Cargo volume	11.3 cu ft
TEST DATA
Acceleration to mph
0-30	1.7 sec
0-40	2.8
0-50	4.1
0-60	5.6
0-70	7.7
0-80	9.8
0-90	12.6
0-100	16.1
Passing, 45-65 mph	3.1 sec
Quarter mile	14.3 sec @ 94.7 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph	134 ft
Lateral acceleration	0.79 g (avg)
MT figure eight	27.6 sec @ 0.62 g (avg)
Top-gear revs @ 60 mph	2550 rpm
CONSUMER INFO
Stability/traction control	Yes/yes
Airbags	Dual front, front side, f/r curtain
Basic warranty	3 yrs/36,000 miles
Powertrain warranty	5 yrs/60,000 miles
Roadside assistance	3 yrs/36,000 miles
Fuel capacity	16.9 gal
EPA city/hwy econ	19/24 mpg
CO2 emissions	0.90 lb/mile
Recommended fuel	Unleaded