Subaru Impreza WRX mk4 - Dam good car

[LDoR]

This post sort of follows on from my review of the Evo since the only reason i decided to test drive one was the Evo being such a let down. Again, i shall start by saying that the Evo used to be the car for me, always based my opinion on the fact that it looks better, then i drove one.

Anyway, as per usual with test drives the salesman drive it down the road first and then let me switch over. Strangly i noticed some good things about the car just from being a passenger. I am usually a terrible passenger, clutching the seats and tensing for every corner or junction. But in the scoob, i felt fine. The sales guy wasn't exactly hooning it around but i felt very secure in the car, It's comfy too being the SL version with the leather seats. The engine i very much more muted than in all scoobs from the past. You can still hear the boxter rumbling up front, but now at a distance.

From the drivers seat things keep getting better. Compared to the evo the pedals are ligher and the steering better weighted. I would say that it could use a tad more feel and weight, but when you are used to the LCR you can say that about anything. One of the first things you don't notice is turbo lag. It's only when it was pointed out to me that there was low lag that i noticed that there wasn't any lag at all. The 2.5 litre block is tractable all the way through the rev range and there is no lag at all as far as i can tell. Floor it and the engine picks up nicely; it's very responsive and sounds good as you start to pile on the revs. Gear change is nice as well, not overly notchy like it was in the Mk3 scoob. Although the power doesn't compare to either my chipped LCR or the evo on paper, in the real world, it feels fast enough. It does really need the PPP kit to do it justice, but you'll never feel underwhelmed by the speed.

All of this is however Superfluous because the most impressive thing about the Mk4 scoob is the handling. It is by a long way one of the best chasis i can remember experiencing (the Noble when i drive it left me in such a buzz that the experience was mostly a blur). It's hard to describe what it feels like but you are almost instantly aware of the chasis and the road. You feel like you know exactly what is going on and can place the car exactly where you want it on the road. Somehow, even though the ride is excellent and the steering lighter than i would normally like, you get all the feedback you could ever want. The scoob inspires confidence in you to push on into the corners all the time keeping you relaxed and happy.

The only problem i can see with the scoob is the looks. I like the new front end but the profile and back end are far to ordinary. The back seats are also cramped (even compared to the Leon) and the dash, although well built with nice soft touch plastics just isn't pretty to look at and looks a little cheap Japanese. I think its the bluey grey colour that ruins it.

All in all, i was really impressed by the Impreza WRX mark 4, it's a very nice car to drive. I was thinking to myself that if someone where to endown the Audi S4 with same handling charactaristics as the Scoob, i wouldn't even have to think twice about the S4.

I'm still of a mind set to get a Noble, but my hunting shall have to stop until after easter, when i get back from the Hols and i have the cash ready to sort it all out.

[xJib]

Another good review. You should do it for a living.

Did you not take an STI out for comparison, or is that not a option?

[LDoR]

Originally Posted by xJib

Another good review. You should do it for a living.

Did you not take an STI out for comparison, or is that not a option?

Thanks, just put down my thought with out really editing them. I should one day try and spend some time writing proper reviews.

I didn't want to take the STi out, even though it was offered to me. I though it would be too hard code (closer to the evo 8) and not really what i was looking for in a car. + they only appeard to have a Mk3 STi in, not interested in the old stuff.

[xJib]

My other half had a STI ver4 before the LCR and I would say it rode much better. Granted it was on 16” wheels, but it still had low profile tyres. If you get the chance to take the new one out you should.

[NeilC]

what about an sti spec D. Discreet looks and better interior.

[LDoR]

One thing i don't like about the STi - Gold wheels

[225]

You can get the STi in spec D though, smaller spoiler, normal alloys etc and if you get the SL version all the toys but with all the pace and handling.

[CupraRStar]

Hmmm as a Scooby STi Type 20 owner (and SEAT fan) your car choice would be easy for me. The Noble is by far the quicker car, amazing to drive when you know what you are doing, very unforgiving when you don't!

Mind you I see a lot of chat about interiors, Noble interiors often look like they ram raised halfords for the seats and nicked the switch gear from a fiesta. Not that that would stop me buying one!!

VX220 is really a difficult car to own in winter - the heater is very poor and you get ice on the inside of the screen even if garaged!!

The Scooby WRX, especially the 2.5 is more a LCR, CTR competitor than the other cars you mention.

The Evo, like the Scoob, is a marmite car...love it or hate it

Monaro - don't know can't comment

Elise/Exige - not my cup o' tea, (and easily eaten by Evo or Scoob on track in my experience) and still mighty fine cars, I always wanted the JPS F1 tribute Elise and never got round to owning one.

Whatever you buy its going to be fun. If you choose a Scoob cut up your credit cards because £500 for Revo is one thing but the ££££ you can spend on rally rockets is quite another!

Have fun,

Mark