2009 WRX 265 Review – Week 2

Earlier this week I wrote about my 1st week with the WRX, i was actually behind a bit when i wrote it. Today I have a chance to do the week 2 review on time, so here goes.

Overall I am still extremley happy with the car, I can honestly say that this has been the most fun car i have had, and I am so glad that i actually went for it. The drive and the performance of the car are just amazing. If you want to feel a speed rush, this is a real good way at it. I am also still impressed with the gas efficiency of the car, its averaging arround 10L/100KM so not bad for a speed monster.

This morning i woke up and there was a bit of frost on the windsheild, its that time of year i guess, i did turn on the car, put on the heat, and was surprised how fast it defrosted the windsheild, i would say within seconds it started to warm up, so that is another think i like about it. I almost thought that I should turn on the heated seats, but thought i will save that experience until it really get cold to see how that does.

Earlier this week, i took a very tall friend on a ride, he sat in the front seat, and commented how much space he had, he said that he liked how Subaru designed the passenger side very well, because they curved it in and allows for a lot of leg room, he actually sat in the back and while yes a bit tight for his height he still managed to sit comfortably. Interesting as well how the back seats are designed in a curved way, gives those who sit in the middle a bit more comfort. well done with that.

On the “needs improvments” side of thing. The radio, i mean I already talked about the radio, i dont why the sound is not great, i should take it in and have them look at it. Plus that radio itself is not user friendly, or maybe its me. There are a couple of buttons that, well, i have no idea what they do. So one day, i will pull out the user manual and read it to see what those buttons are all about, for now i will go on believing that when pressed they will do miracoulous things. Of course the compartments, if you have read this blog, you would know by now, that i think the car needs serious compartment action.

Now on a different note. I was driving it yesterday on the HWY(a bit over the speed limit) going 120 KM/H or 75 M/hour, and i was looking at the dash and noticed that the car is driving with RMP at 3000. Now i gotta tell you the car makes a really cool noise at that level, i swear it sounds like a plane ready to launch, and if you do give it gas, it will launch. BUT BUT BUT, i thought to myself, hey i am just taking it easy, i really am not in the mood to fly, i was actually on cruse control, and though this cars is seriously missing a 6th great. I mean the HP of it warrants a 6th gear. If they had a 6th great you would cruse at much lower RPM which is just fine with me. When i have the kids in the car, i dont need to be going Moch 5. Plus it will be more gas efficient. Even the Mini for goodness sake has a 6th gear, the BMW 1 as well, etc… I dont quite understand why Subaru has not moved up in the 6 gear box format yet.

  • #1
    Posted by Don on December 1st, 2008 at 1:02 pm

    Another comment or two after a couple of weeks of driving my new wrx sedan. There are two standouts worth mentioning – 1. performance 2. stereo.
    Performance is outstanding. The engine is head and shoulders above both the previous 2.0 WRX and the turbo 2.5 in the Legacy. This engine is very motivated. There is some turbo lag, but with a single large turbo the power delivery is very very satisfying.
    Stereo – is a disaster. I was looking forward to plugging my ipod in and listening to some hi-fidelity recordings. NOT! This so-called Premium system is a dud. Virtually everything comes across a very muddy, muffled and low-fi. I had trouble remembering a car stereo that was as bad as this, and it might be the 1982 Mazda RX-7. I will be researching some upgraded speakers to see if they help, but the trouble may also be in the actual unit itself.
    Summary – I very much enjoy the driving experience, with very sporty handling and electrifying acceleration (I own two sport bikes and the power delivery is similar to a high revving bike – minus 5 k rpms). I am dissapointed with the stereo, but can live with it until I find some suitable replacement.

  • #2
    Posted by Samer Forzley on December 1st, 2008 at 1:05 pm

    Don

    I totally agree with you, and yea that sound system is an absolute disaster, Subaru owes us money for that…

    Samer

  • #3
    Posted by timojhen on February 13th, 2009 at 1:01 pm

    Also interested in replacing the stock stereo (which came with the premium trim kit) since it is horrific.

    Debating something with Nav, since that’d be nice to have eventually. Has anyone found something which fits the 2009 which they recommend? Some of the sites I normally use (Crutchfield.com) don’t even show the 2009 yet…..

  • #4
    Posted by Samer Forzley on February 23rd, 2009 at 4:19 pm

    Cant say i have been looking for a replacement sterio, Crutchfield is a great site

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