DriveTech

The Subaru Impreza WRX STi isn't just a cult car anymore

Subaru has always been a cult car manufacturer in my book, as its vehicles are often driven by folks who march to the tune of a different drummer. Subarus don't need to be stylish, they just need to function in all types of weather and road conditions-and Subaru didn't disappoint with the 2007 Impreza WRX STi. This is one of the more stylish all-wheel drive vehicles out there.

Stopping by Bob Baker Subaru-Volkswagen in Car County Carlsbad is always a treat. The dealership boasts great folks, it's No. 1 in service and has cars that are fun to drive. When they threw me the keys to a satin white pearl Impreza WRX STi with the manual six-speed transmission, I almost left my car with the door open and the keys in the ignition!

I couldn't wait to hit Coast Highway and see who was tooling down the road. Without going into detail, I found enough buddies that the road to Alpine was a thrill. In fact, the Subaru came out on top is all I will say concerning its performance. This car will put a smile on your face that will stick for a week.

Walking up to a Subaru Impreza WRX STi, you can't help but notice the tailwing on the trunk lid. It looks a little strange on a four-door sedan but the two-door Impreza is no longer being made. Another standout feature includes the gold-painted wheels mounted on racing tires. I swear they look like the race tires that have been a Subaru tradition for a long time.

The Impreza has a front air dam with fog lights that really light up the back country and all-wheel drive (a signature component on the Subaru - no one does all-wheel drive like Subaru). Often drivers don't notice they have all-wheel drive except when they're in a corner a little too hot. The Subaru all-wheel drive gets drivers through most corners safely.

Another feature worth mentioning is the driver-controlled center differential, which can be controlled by a knob on the center console (both front and rear differential are limited slip). It also has a Super Sport four-channel/four-sensor/four-disc ABS Brembo heavy duty braking system. There's a 2.5-liter dual overhead camshaft intercooled turbocharged six-cylinder engine that's almost 300 horsepower (293 horsepower at 6,000 rpm) and torques comes in at 4,400 rpm. You get a neck snapping 290 pound/foot, backed by a great six-speed manual transmission that works flawlessly. The combination is perfect.

Because this is a car with a lot of rally experience under its belt, you find rally items such as an all-aluminum hood and functional scoop, a manually operated intercooler water spray, high intensity lighting and (to keep the STi look) there are ground effects that add to the "rally look." Thinking one spoiler is cool, why not two? And to give you that final race-feel, you get inverted strut performance suspension and a quick ratio power steering.

Inside the Impreza are two-tone blue and gray race seats up front and a decent backseat that flips and separates. There's a nice center console, a rather drab, but very functional dash with tachometer in the middle, the speedometer off to the right and a few other gauges helping accent the dash. There's a basic sound system and the climate controls work fine, plus there's lots of little storage areas.

I know I keep mentioning all-wheel drive, but the truth is Subaru uses symmetrical all-wheel drive. Simply put, this gives the Impreza a balance that ensures stability and poise on dry or wet roads. All-wheel drive isn't just Subaru's heritage, it's the company's passion.

The safety features are outstanding. The fuel mileage is 19 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the open road. For a car that performs like this one and is priced at around $30,000, it is No. 2 on my fun vehicle list. On a scale of one to 10, a solid 10 for price and for its performance.

Next week, I'll review a car from Quality Chevrolet.