2003 Subaru Impreza WRX review from UK and Ireland

I have just test driven an Impreza 2003 WRX which I am going to purchase.

I drove a 2003 Honda CIVIC Type R earlier in the day and Celica T Sport a couple of weeks previous.

I was sold on the looks of the Celica inside and out, granted I didn’t drive it hard out on the test drive; but I never felt the urgency in the 189BHP engine. Sure it kicks at 6000 RPM, but that means you have drive like the devil every where to get performance, which is good. I got up to 80 MPH in no time. Fine on the motorway, but not a daily commute to work for which I do. Even if driven to the 6000 RPM band that Oh yeah factor is not quiet there. As there so many cars offering better performance namely the WRX and Type R. I can’t see how Toyota can’t justify £19,500 (£21,000 list) price tag. I think £18,000 is more like it while these other cars exist. I am going for one last test drive in the Celica in a weeks time were am going to drive it like hell to see if It might change my mind, but I don’t think so.

The Type R; pulls from early so it feels faster compared to the Celica. Similar to the Celica test drive it was short, but long enough to tell me that this car is bit of an animal. But that could be its downfall. Cabin noise from both road and engine noise were OK maybe even nice. But on daily basis hmm? The Celica on the other hand; though not feeling as fast is probably going as quick. But in much more refined fashion, this includes its handling, which for me is good especially as that devilish 6000 RPM can have near or better performance than the Type R at this end of the rev range. But if you do like the Type R at a little over £15,000 (a good deal) you can’t argue.

Yes this is Subaru review.

At £19500 this isn’t a pretty car; I’d like though, to think it has a rugged handsomeness? Inside, I‘d have to say its looks good especially compared to the Type R’s truly plastic look.

But forget these aesthetics, yes on paper the Impreza has better performance with 225BHP it should, but as it is in the same price range as the Celica you may think its performance might be close.

No. This Car is manic, pure driving pleasure; after a momentary wait for the Turbo to spool the WRX launches like a rocket which implanted a manic grin on my face. You don’t have try to get this car going like the above models, it just moves, no fiddling about with rev ranges and ratios, though if you want I’m sure there is more performance to be had.

Like the Celica it is refined while driving, but at the same time making you know you’re moving at serious pace. I won’t dwell on all wheel drive; control and breaking.

All are good if not great! I would also point out this car was not even on my short list originally, just a what the hay test drive.

Sold it self and that’s it; great car.