GM Philippines launches Subaru Impreza WRX

General Motors Philippines launched last week the Subaru Impreza WRX, a high-performance sports sedan with World Rally Championship credentials.

The Subaru Impreza WRX sports a turbocharged and intercooled, DOHC 2.0-liter flat-four engine producing 218 PS at 5,600 rpm and 292 Newton-meters of torque at 3,600 rpm. Apart from Porsche, Subaru is the only other car manufacturer to employ the horizontally-opposed engine for mass production, which is characterized by a low center of gravity, which in turn yields responsive handling. The locally available, all-wheel drive Forester SUV (but Subaru calls it a Sports Safety Vehicle, or SSV) also uses a flat-four engine, but of 2.0-liter displacement, and is normally aspirated.

Delivering the WRX’s power to the ground is Subaru’s famed, full-time, all-wheel drive system. A viscous, limited-slip center differential apportions torque in varying amounts to all four wheels (front-to-rear and left-to-right) as required by the driving situation, while improving weight balance because of its location and compact size. The only available transmission is a 5-speed manual with a dry, single plate diaphragm clutch.

The Subaru’s distinctive (especially its frog-on-speed front fascia and chiseled flanks) body rides on a World Rally-derived suspension composed of MacPherson struts with aluminum, L-shaped lower arms up front and dual-link struts at the rear. It has been designed for long stroke stability, high rigidity, and ease of maintenance. Grip is managed by ultra-low profile, 215/45R-17 tires mounted on 5-spoke, 5-lug aluminum alloy wheels. 4-piston, 16-inch ventilated discs in front and 2-piston, 15-inch ventilated discs at the rear deliver ample stopping power. Antilock Braking System (ABS) is also standard.

Safety-wise, the WRX also incorporates extensive structural safety features. The passenger cabin structure is reinforced by ring-shaped frames of steel around the door pillars, doorframes, and roof, thus forming a rigid safety cage. A front Chassis Reinforcement Frame further protects against frontal-type impacts via two thick beams that connect the floor panel to the front bumper. The front sub-frame is also strengthened for frontal collision safety, while Side and Rear Reinforcement Frames provide further protection. Dual airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, and load limiters are also standard.

Like the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution series of rally-cars-for-the-street machines, the Impreza WRX is basically an ordinary compact sedan pumped up with fairly exotic driving mechanicals. It similarly sports a racy interior, with only the essential comfort and convenience features for the ordinary demands of everyday driving. Black and gray is the dominant color scheme, with only a silver-toned instrument panel for some accent. A four-spoke, leather wrapped Momo steering wheel frames a fairly large, fighter plane cockpit-inspired instrument binnacle. The 260 kph speedometer is flanked by a 7,000 rpm redline tachometer on the right, and fuel and temperature gauges on the left. The short-throw shifter and parking brake lever are similarly wrapped in leather. The aluminum pedals are drilled, and front seats are Recaro-type bucket seats.

Standard features include power steering, locks, windows and mirrors; tilt-adjustable steering wheel; multi-reflector fog lamps; an AM/FM radio and in-dash CD player; window defogger; side defroster; cup holders on the instrument panel and center console; and a 60/40 split folding rear seat.

GM Philippines plans to sell the P2.1 million peso Impreza WRX in only limited numbers for now, but is prepared to import more units as the demand dictates. Awarded by international publications such as Car and Driver, Automobile, and Sport Auto, the Impreza WRX has been tagged as one of the 10 Best Cars 0f 2001, the 2002 Automobile of the Year, and the Most Sporty Car of 2001.