2011 Subaru Impreza WRX

2011 Subaru Impreza WRX 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX
First Drive Review

Click here to read our first drive of the updated 2011 Subaru WRX STI.

For 2011, the Subaru Impreza WRX gets new bodywork, wider wheels and tires, stiffer rear subframe bushings, and…not much else. We’re not complaining. We had a chance to drive the latest WRX on the back of the 2011 WRX STI launch, and we found its intra-family struggle with the STI further muddied.

Yo, Dawg, I Heard You Like Width

The WRX continues to be available as a sedan or a five-door hatchback. Both body styles are wider, claiming the bodywork of the STI hatch and new-for-2011 STI sedan. The flared fenders carve out room for wheels and tires widened one inch over their 2010 counterparts—the rubber measures 235/45-17 at each corner, up from 2010’s 225/45-17. Track increases by 1.3 inches in front and 1.5 in the rear. The STI’s quad exhaust outlets show up in back as well.

The driving experience is much like that of last year’s WRX. The ride is compliant, and handling is good if not quite STI sharp (especially now that the STI’s chassis has been upgraded for 2011). Everyday livability is helped by the fact that the WRX’s engine isn’t as peaky as its big brother’s. The wider rubber and stance should translate to an increase in skidpad grip.

Unchanged Heart

Power continues to be more than adequate, with the 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four making the same 265 hp and 244 lb-ft of torque that it has since its upgrade for 2009. You may recall—if you don’t, we’re going to remind you—that the 2009 WRX was quicker to 60 mph in our testing than the more powerful STI. The WRX should maintain that advantage, since the equipment largely responsible remains the same: a five-speed manual transmission that requires only one shift to reach 60 mph versus the two upshifts needed by the STI’s close-ratio six-speed. We’ve gotten a 4.7-second run out of the WRX and hit 60 in five flat with the STI. We have no reason to expect those times to change, given the nature of both cars’ 2011 upgrades.

Aside from the STI, the WRX sees its most direct competition from the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart. The WRX is cheaper and quicker than both. Pricing and equipment—excepting the shape and capacity of their hindquarters—are the same for the WRX sedan and hatch, with base models starting at $26,220. Premium versions are $28,720, adding heated front seats and sideview mirrors, a heating element under the windshield wipers, fog lights, a power sunroof, and a sedan-only trunk spoiler. The Limited comes in at a grand higher, at $29,720, adding HID headlights and leather seat trim. All 2011 WRXs have as standard Bluetooth, auxiliary, and iPod/USB connectivity. A touchscreen navigation head unit with RCA inputs is an option on Limited and Premium models.

Although the changes are mostly only skin-deep, the added width means the WRX can appeal to a wider audience, now capturing those who would have upgraded to the STI based on looks alone. And unless you’re heading to the track or need to get somewhere down a gravel-strewn dirt road in a hurry, that’s one more reason not to spend the $8500 necessary to upgrade.