Well Yom and I were bored, so we decided to go test drive the new WRX. Fortunately we had a new salesman, so he didn't mind if I got on it. At first glance, the cargo area in the hatchback is really small. Something where unless you were going to get groceries, you would have to fold down the back seats. The interior seems nicer, but the ergonomics weren't the best for door handles, window switches, etc. The center stack also seemed dangerously close to the steering wheel leading me to think that if I were to lean over the grab something out of the passenger footwell, I'd smash my head on the dash. it protrudes out and up and goes into a deep concave on the passenger side. The interior design does not flow well for me.
The seats were generally comfortable, not too bolstered, but good enough for the average person who uses this to get to work. They were somewhat firm, but not firm enough to give sporting intentions.
The drive started off well. The clutch seemed to grab a bit too much towards the end of the release of the clutch(if that makes sense). Driving around the streets it felt really peppy, no turbo lag, overall I was really impressed. It pulled really well between 2500-4000RPM and it provides a great around town powerband. The ride was smooth, transmission took some effort to get into 1st or 2nd at any speed, and the car hated it when I rev-matched it on the downshifts. Next came the freeway, where I gave it some gas, expecting something similar to the great mid-range power on the top end led to disappointment. It fell flat on it's face from 4300RPM on. It felt strong, then at that crossover point, the turbo ran out of gas and left me wondering where the power went. Big letdown for anyone who plans to wring up this motor into the upper threshold of the RPM range. It also seemed that 5th Gear could be a bit taller, it pulled fine on the freeway, but it was at 3200RPM at 70mph. The first car I drove had aftermarket wheels and tires put on it at the dealer(stock size, and it cost $2200 on top of sticker!!!) and they weren't balanced properly, so we went back and got another car to test on the twisties.
In the next car, the stock tires could handle the road just fine, and they can always be changed out, but it was the utter amount of body roll that surprised me. Having driven stock WRX's, STi's, and 2.5RS's, I was shocked at the body roll and the feeling of disconnect from the road. This car is definitely geared towards a different market now. It's softer, cushier, more back seat room, but lacking all the quirks of the previous WRX.
The exterior styling has grown up, and so has the car, it is no longer the weekend racer it once was, it's a commuter car.
Pros: Little to no lag around town, nicer interior materials, smoother ride, quieter, great mid-range, can't hear the boxer as well
Cons: Body roll, no top end, lack of cargo room, can't hear the boxer as well
And there's my little review, don't buy the new WRX unless it's your 3rd or 4th car.
