WRX :: Motor Trend magazine's first drive impressions, WRX pricing

Motor Trend's "First Drive" Impressions and 2002 Subaru WRX Prices Announced!

Say "Rally" in the U.S. and most people will imagine a homecoming queen or sign-touting protesters, not a race car. Elsewhere, the World Rally Championship ranks with Formula One as the only worldwide auto racing series. Subaru has campaigned race versions of its Impreza to three consecutive WRC championships, in which cars based on real production models race on pavement, hard packed gravel, mud - even snow. Thus Subaru offers the '02 Impreza WRX for the first time in the U.S. market, but already a performance car legend with a cult following elsewhere in the world. The new gen. WRX makes its magic with a turbocharged air-to-air intercooled 2.0L DOHC flat-four, its 227 hp (an amazing 114 hp/L) is routed through a 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed auto and a full-time (50/50) viscous coupling all-wheel drive system. Fully independent suspension mimics the rally car's; it's nimble, stable, and predictably driftable without bad habits. Standard discs with ABS and 205/55VR16 Bridgestone Potenza RE92 tires on aluminum rims at all 4 corners ensure better than average handling and stopping. We estimate a sub-6.0 sec. 0-60 mph time and cornering/stopping better than anything in its price range. Expect a loaded "base" model to sticker for $25,000. Limited availability will drive up the pricing at first, but in-the-know enthusiasts will plunk down the premium. Who could blame them ?

Subaru of America has announced the MSRP for the red-hot 2002 WRX Sedan and WRX Sport Wagon models. Introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the new generation of Impreza models will be powered by a 2.0-liter/227-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. They will reach Subaru dealerships in early Spring 2001.

The destination and delivery fee is $525 on all models except in Alaska ($685). Prices shown do not include destination and delivery charges, licenses and state or local taxes. Independent Distributor's destination and delivery rates may vary.