Subaru WRX gets fat

Subaru has abandoned the understated look of its performance hero, the Impreza WRX, by giving it a more aggressive design that�s borrowed from the flagship STi.

Despite toning down the appearance of the WRX with the arrival of the current shape in 2007, Subaru has reverted to the more radical styling the WRX has been known for. The new WRX hatch borrows the wider front and rear guards from the faster, more performance-focussed WRX STi.

The broad shouldered look of the new WRX sedan is expected to pave the way for a faster STi version based on the Impreza sedan, further linking the WRX to its rally heritage that in many ways created what has evolved into a cult car.

The wider body allows the wheels to be spaced further apart (a wider track, by 35mm at the front and 40mm at the rear) for improved cornering ability and handling, each cornerstones the WRX reputation has been built on.

Due in Australian dealerships towards the end of 2010 the revised WRX represents the second major update to the model in three years, as Subaru fights competitors in an increasingly competitive segment that now includes the likes of the Mazda3 MPS, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart and multiple-award winning Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior says the new WRX will stand out more.

�This new look gives the iconic Impreza WRX even greater presence in a package which has already won accolades for its turbocharged symmetrical all-wheel-drive ability.

�This design further distinguishes our turbo Impreza variants, including the Impreza WRX STI, from the normally aspirated versions, which we�re sure will please the many loyal WRX fans out there.�

Subaru Australia spokesman David Rowley denies the styling of the new WRX has gone more aggressive, shifting away from the move to soften the suspension and overall look of the WRX that many considered as Subaru�s move to more closely target the Golf GTI.

�We see it as an evolution of the current car and it�s a great way to maintain interest in what�s regarded as an icon in the Subaru range,� he says.

�We wouldn�t say it�s more aggressive. It�s just taken on a different level of sophistication.�

While the WRX hatch picks up the main body panels of the WRX STi hatch, unique bumpers, grille, wheels and other details will help diffentiate the two.

However, the move to share body styles for Subarus two turbocharged performance heroes appears to dilute the differentiation between the two, something considered important given the STi costs some $20,000 more than the regular WRX.

Subaru is not talking pricing for the new WRX lineup just yet, although given the circa-$40,000 (plus on-road costs) pricing has been in place since the WRX first snuck on to the market in 1994, it�s unlikely it will veer much from the successful mark.

It�s unknown how much the engines will change for the updated WRX and STi.

However, the new WRX is expected to get an updated version of the existing car�s 2.5-litre turbocharged horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine.

The current Subaru Impreza WRX STi gets a more powerful 2.5-litre turbocharged engine and Subaru is likely to ensure the two are still split when it comes to performance and technical details.