Impressive Impreza

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The first WRX wasn't as cramped as its compact dimensions seemed, but there's truly adult-sized room in the new car, for better or worse.

Where the longer body grants the biggest change is in ride quality, Subaru says. Along with a lower engine position, the WRX's center of gravity has moved down somewhat, which Subaru says works with the stiff new body and new rear multi-link suspension to improve on handling.

And that's likely going to be remembered in WRX lore as Subaru's "mission accomplished" moment. The chorus of voices from Subaru fans and enthusiast magazines and Web sites like TheCarConnection.com agrees that the new WRX isn't as crisp or sprightly as the last car. A quick inland dash from California's Interstate 5 to Monterey reveals it all-the formerly fleet WRX's responses have been dillied with. The body rolls into turns unathletically, there's a newfound squirrelly feel to the tires under extreme duress, and the steering-the paragon of great feel 'n feedback-takes a split-second to take a right-now set.

Its rawest edges have been shorn off. But the WRX does get more cargo room in the back (that new rear suspension lies flatter, and more out of the way), and thanks to framed windows, a quieter ride. There's also enough airbag coverage for every possible collision and anti-lock brakes, though stability control is not standard equipment.

Egging us on

Given the choice of two body styles, we'd take the egglike five-door WRX over the sedan almost every time. It's not quite voluptuous, but despite the Pacifica-like grille it's a smart silhouette. It's also quite Saablike, leading us to wonder if GM was involved at all in early planning, and if Saab ever was intended to get a new 9-2X from this architecture.

The four-door manages to look more banal, with a set of Suzuki-like taillamps. It's a U.S.-only body style, as hatchbacks still don't garner the kind of respect that they do in Europe. The sedan is 4.5 inches longer than before, and 6.5 inches longer than the five-door, with the trunk space to prove it-three golf bags' worth, Subaru says.

Distinguishing the WRX models from baser Imprezas are the usual trim and chrome bits. Subaru also offers an aero kit with a chrome exhaust on the five-door; four-doors get dual chrome exhausts and a rear spoiler.

Both versions cosset drivers (a word you've probably never heard before in a WRX review) with far, far nicer cockpits than most any other Subaru, save the Tribeca. A thick steering wheel offers up a clean view of the gauges, while the climate controls are big, Reese's cup-sized knobs that are easily adjusted on the move. A band of metallic plastic crests across the dash in a handsome wave. An optional navigation system and an available iPod jack appeal to the techno-savvy types who probably already have the WRX on their to-drive list.

But it's not the features, nor the creamier ride, that's supposed to entice us into a $24,995 WRX. It's supposed to be how it's glued to the road, and how it sounds when you zestfully dust off the crapheap in the lane next door. And in that respect the WRX is a lesser car than before. The singular intent has been redirected to cater to a different audience-a less numbers-driven one.

In the process, Subaru's bruised its street credentials among the car freaks a little bit. We'll let you know next week if the 305-hp STI will carry the day for Subaru as we think it's intended to, or if Evo drivers have even more to gloat about.

Meanwhile, it's time to call our siblings and remind them who got a better grade in gym.

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX

Base price: $24,995 (four-door); $25,495 (five-door)

Engine: 2.5-liter flat four, 224 hp/226 lb-ft

Length x width x height: 182.5 x 78.0 x 53.9 in

Wheelbase: 108.3 in

Curb weight: 3891-4067 lb (manual/automatic)

Fuel economy (EPA city/hwy): 19/24 mpg (manual); 20/25 mpg (automatic)

Major standard features: Power windows/locks/mirrors; six-speaker audio system with AM/FM/CD/MP3 and RDS; steering wheel-mounted audio controls

Safety features: Dual front, side, and curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes, traction control; active head restraints; tire pressure monitors

Warranty: Three years/36,000 miles

Provided by TheCarConnection.com—The Web's Automotive Authority