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2011 WRX driving impression

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Post  catgut Sat Jan 15, 2011 8:16 am

First off, special thanks to Dom & Orly for the test drive. It was a 4-door Premium package and I have to say that although I'm partial to hatchbacks I liked the 4-door almost as much.

Please remember that I'm comparing against my '08 hatch.

The wider body and track are compelling and I dig the new look Cool I like the wheels and love the OEM 235 tire width. It was equipped with a tilt moon-roof but personally I'm not a fan of such things; they're prone to seals drying out and leaking, corrosion, and besides...it raises the CG and cost Mad

Fit and finish for both the interior/exterior is excellent. I really like the std bluetooth and MP3 control over my '08. The red stitching is a nice subtle touch on both the steering wheel and seats. I dig the translucent red hazard switch too Razz Shifter feel seems to be a little more precise but not by much; maybe it's me and being accustomed to my '08 rubber-box shifter. If there's one thing I could recommend to Subaru engineers for the 5-spd is to make it feel a little more inspiring, precise, and get those damn sycnronizers working better to help speed up the shifts! Okay, rant mode 'off', back to our regular scheduled program.

I started the engine and I was very pleased to hear that boxer rumble from the OEM twin exit-quad-tip exhaust Cool GREAT job Subaru Very Happy I must admit though....I was VERY surprised by the lack of clutch pedal pressure. It felt like I stepped on a fleece pillow. You have to realize that my '08 has a heavy clutch. I like this. It took me a few shifts to adjust my technique but all in all I guess it'll just have to do. Some may love this feature some may not....I'm on the fence but that's just me. Kinda reminded me of when I first drove my sister's '09 Impreza, not the impression I was expecting. Not a problem, just something I noted and I feel confident Subaru has all bases covered and just needed more appeal to those who wanted a lighter clutch. Trunk is spacious and ample for room groceries. couple golf bags should fit without issues.

On to the drive:
What can I say, it drives like a Subaru Wink I complimented its suspension (although the TPWS light was 'on' possibly indicating over-inflated tires from not being fully prepped) but having driven so many different cars under many conditions I estimate that the suspension would have a great advantage over my OEM version from the higher rates and matched dampers+top-hats. The suspension makes you feel confident in city driving and is a vast improvement over the '08. Of course better tires will help Wink

OEM power from the VF 52 is very usable and its powerband is broad. The best way I can describe it on OEM tune is that it's a great in-between turbo when comparing the '08 WRX TD04 and the '08 STi VF 48. Personally I'm looking for this turbo to replace the TD04 and supporting mods for 300+ HP/TQ. I think it'll fill the role nicely.

When driving over wash-board type roads during turns I did notice the usual rear-end squirming around. This was present from the '08 WRX but not so much in the STi. Whiteline has a fix for this but just noting it here as an idiosyncrasy with these newer Imprezas. Nothing that someone with a budget and know-how can't get sorted Surprised Braking is nicely modulated but not near as nice as the STi of course.

Overall the 2011 WRX 4-door is an improvement over the previous models save for the clutch pedal pressure. I'm very happy with how it rides on the street but I'm curious how it will do on the track in comparison to my slightly modded '08. The added creature comforts add more value for your money and the sticker price is decent for what you're getting. Thanks again to Dom for his time and effort.

I'm still waiting for the charcoal grey Spec-C Cool Wink

J


Last edited by catgut on Sun Jan 16, 2011 2:43 am; edited 2 times in total
catgut
catgut
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Post  catgut Sat Jan 15, 2011 8:26 am

My favorite 2011 4-door (STi) with 19" Advans afro

2011 WRX driving impression 69822_457225558414_584488414_5510493_8038985_n

2011 WRX driving impression 66643_1667969977174_1175042163_1908946_5508651_n

J


Last edited by catgut on Sun Jan 16, 2011 2:45 am; edited 1 time in total
catgut
catgut
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Number of posts : 466
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Post  GuamSTI Sat Jan 15, 2011 11:41 am

catgut wrote:My favorite 2011 4-door (STi) with 19" Advans afro

2011 WRX driving impression 69822_457225558414_584488414_5510493_8038985_n

2011 WRX driving impression 66643_1667969977174_1175042163_1908946_5508651_n

J

Very nice write up, Is this what you got for christmas? Very Happy
GuamSTI
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Post  catgut Sun Jan 16, 2011 2:29 am

Thanks Jay. No, awaiting the Spec C ;-)

J
catgut
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