New WRX still has Scooby magic
By: Henrie Geyser
Even though Subaru have controversially softened their wild-child Impreza WRX to give it a more elegant European look, enough of the spirit of this iconic race-bred sizzler remains to make it stand out from the rest of the hot hatch tar-burners.
And yes, it might be a bit pricey at R299,000 and a tad lagging in the go-department when compared to the likes of the less-expensive Ford Focus ST 3-door (R243,600), Mazda3 MPS (R259,990) and the cocky Renault Megane F1 Team R26 (R272,000), but its phenomenal all-wheel grip and growling engine still make the slicked down Scooby bags of fun to drive.
Interestingly enough, although the suspension has also obviously been softened for the fussier Europeans, it has not comprised the WRX's ability to stick to the tar at all.
The lovable gruff-and-growl voice of the potent 2.5-litre turbo-charged boxer engine is now less audible in the new cabin, but that's probably thanks to better insulation and a reworked outlet system.
But it still enthusiastically blasts out a healthy 169kW and 320Nm which is good enough for a zero to 100km/h dash of about 6 seconds and a top speed of about 210km/h.
Where the real difference comes in is in the looks department, where the new model looks not unlike the 1-series BMW.
Gone are the in-your-face jet fighter wing at the back, the trade-mark gold wheels, the bright blue paint job and the gaping mortar-size exhaust outlet.
Fortunately they have retained the Scooby's strongest brand identification - the air scoop on the bonnet. At least this, teamed up with a sporty grille and snazzy alloys, retains some of the animal appeal the WRX has always had.
But one has to remember that times are tough and the wheels industry is an extremely competitive cut-throat business. Snoozers lose out quickly and obviously Subaru has opted to moving away from the WRX's niche market by chopping off the boy-racer parts so that it will appeal to a wider buying audience.
I saw this myself while I had the new Scooby to play around with for a week or so recently. Two of my friends, who both loved the WRX's performance but wouldn't be seen dead owning the previous model because of its kit-car looks, are now seriously considering the new model.
They both like the new shape very much. However, how the hardcore band of old-school WRX addicts will take to the new new-look Scooby is going to be interesting to watch.
Certainly in Europe it got a mixed reception with a thumbs-down by a large number of fans.
The good news is that local indications are that the market has accepted the new-look Scooby quite enthusiastically and though it is never going to break sales records (Subaru is just not that kind of crowd pleaser), monthly sales figures are on par with the previous models and even up in certain areas.
Certainly from a diver's point of view, after my week with the new version I am far from writing it off, in spite of the fact that it is decidedly thirsty when you drive it like you've just stolen it, its price is on the steep side, and the boot is small.
Where the new WRX makes an impression is in the restyled and smarter cabin finish and impressively high specifications: six airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, vehicle dynamics control, hill start assist, symmetrical all-wheel drive, excellent stereo sound system with six CD changer, MP3, auxiliary jack and 10 speakers, cruise control, racing style bucket seats, audio controls on steering wheel and 17-inch alloys.
But the WRX has always been associated with fun and exhilaration and I have always had a soft spot for it. To drive this car really hard is an absolute pleasure. It's sure-footed, forgiving and goes where you aim it, even though the wheel-feel is not always that clearly transmitted.
But once you get the hang of it, the entire driving experience becomes a lot sharper and easier to read.
I took the new Scooby for a midweek outing along some winding, traffic-free roads in the beautiful farmlands of Caledon, Bredasdorp and Swellendam and it was an absolute gas to set it free.
With the sweet-sounding engine front working in beautiful harmony with a slick gearbox, the all-wheel drive proved again why it made this car famous. With the volume pumped up and old Mick Jagger belting out “Can't Get No Satisfaction” on the Rolling Stones' latest Rolled Gold double album, my satisfaction cup truly runneth over.
Yeah, so even though Subaru may still be a little unclear about where the future target market of the WRX is and how the revamp is going to be accepted, there is more than enough in the new model to please the traditional fans and also to appeal to the suave set Subaru is hoping to attract.
The bottom line is - the new WRX retains the heart, soul and spirit of the much-loved Scooby of old even though it looks like it is now better suited to a corporate parking bay than the starting grid of race track.
See also: Impressive entry-level ImprezaMore by Henrie Geyser
More...ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Henrie Geyser has worked as a journalist in Cape Town, London and Windhoek for the Argus Company (now Independent Newspapers) and spent 12 years at The Cape Argus in Cape Town. He then owned and ran a public relations consultancy for 13 years. He joined the online publishing industry through iafrica.com, where he worked for five years as News Editor and Editor. He now freelances for a variety of print and online publications, on the subjects of cars, food and travel, among others; and is a member of the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists.
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