Its finally here and its on sale, and with the MY09 (2009 model) WRX, Subaru has made a very definite attempt to get the car back to something closer to the WRX of old. Reviews of the MY08 WRX as being too soft have been heeded, and the new model is an acknowledgement by Subaru that it may have gone too far in softening the car with the release of the all-new Impreza range last year.
According to Nick Senior, Managing Director of Subaru Australia: “Controlled aggression sums up the MY09 Impreza WRX – it performs better across the board, from power and torque to carbon footprint, which is a major engineering achievement.” Another Subaru source states that Subaru “put the boot in for Model Year 2009, adding power, torque and a raft of other aggressive ingredients.†About time!
So, does the MY09 WRX deliver what Subaru promises?
Firstly, according to Subaru testing, the new WRX does the 0-100kmh sprint in 5.31 seconds compared to the MY08 which did it in 5.8 seconds. Our testing didn’t reveal the same numbers, but we were being a quite sympathetic to the driveline and clutch of the loan car that we had, yet still happily posted sub 6 sec times. The car is most certainly quicker than the outgoing model, and Subaru’s testing times are believable if you have less mechanical sympathy than we did.
Interestingly though, whilst the car is most certainly quicker to 100kmh, at higher speeds the additional 26kw of power and 23Nm is less noticeable. There’s also noticeably more punch when coming out of corners as a result of the added torque but its less than you would expect.
The big improvement is the handling grip, thanks to the revised suspension and wider Dunlop SP Sport 01 225/45R17 tyres. The car feels a lot tighter than the previous car, with better turn it, less understeer and improved body roll, yet it still lacks the directness of earlier models and doesn’t feel quiet as sharp as Mitsubishi’s new Lancer Ralliart. Its a huge improvement however, and Subaru credits this to the stiffened coil springs, stabilizers and top mounts and increased roll rigidity to improve maximum lateral G and turning ability.
So what else is improved?
The WRX now runs the larger turbocharger from the STI, and boost has been increased from 11psi to 13psi. It definitely gives more power, but low range is slightly less explosive than beforehand due to the larger turbo. However, mid range power is more usuable, so no complaints here. The new turbo is combined with a revised exhaust system providing a 30 per cent reduction in gas flow restriction, to match the turbo performance and increase engine power.
The transmission has improved shift feel through use of a ball type key for the first and second gear synchro hubs and a change to the key groove on third and fourth synchro sleeve. The end result is a gearbox still with the characteristic Subaru notchiness, but far less pronounced.
Hardened materials are used for the main shaft and first driven gear, while operation of the clutch slave cylinder now incorporates an orifice valve to protect the drivetrain during rapid clutch engagement.
Kickback in the steering is also better with the use of a damper valve being added to the steering gearbox. We noticed the improvements on parts of the Old Pacific Highway north of Sydney where the kickback was less noticeable than previous models.
Other enhancements feature a new mesh grille and WRX badges front and rear, for added visual distinction and the WRX sedan features a boot lid spoiler and the hatch a rear roofline spoiler. Red brake calipers differentiate WRX from other Impreza variants.
For the first time, the car is available with the options of leather with sunroof, satellite navigation or the combination of leather, sunroof and SatNav. A 60/40 split/fold rear seat optimizes cargo carrying options.
So, how does it handle around the track? Subaru’s internal testing on an undisclosed 1km track has the MY08 WRX completing a lap in 49.55 seconds whilst the MY09 does it in 47.7, a difference of 1.85 seconds.
Head to the Forum for the Subaru Press Release.
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MY09 WRX Highlights
- 0-100 km/h time improved from 5.8 seconds (MY08) to 5.31 seconds
- 26 Kilowatts more power
- 23 Newtonmetres more torque
- Increased boost
- Enhanced suspension package – sharper, more aggressive handling
- Better fuel efficiency (combined cycle/ADR 81/01)
- Carbondioxide emissions reduced
- Options of leather trim with sunroof, and satellite navigation
- New mesh grille, with WRX badges front and rear
- Distinctive red brake calipers
- Wider tyre
- Red stitch seating and steering wheel adds to sporty appearance
- WRX logos on front seats
- Pricing maintained at MY08 levels – simple choice between hatch or sedan, as prices are identical
The Shell service station at Paget was selling unleaded fuel for 98 cents a litre yesterday, while Mobil in Sydney Street had unleaded at 99.7c.
