2009 Subaru  Impreza WRX
Prices: $24,995-$34,995

Regular versions of Subaru's Impreza all-wheel-drive compact models are decent, but the higher-line high-performance WRX models provide far more fun, without sacrificing practicality.

Regular Subarus in the automaker's revised 2009 lineup are the nicely equipped 2.5i, 2.5GT and Outback Sport, which is one of the first crossover vehicles. All come in sedan and hatchback form and have list prices  from $17,495 to $27,495.

The higher-performance Imprezas come as the WRX, slightly more upscale WRX Premium and all-out WRX STi, which comes only as a four-door hatchback. They're priced from 24,495 to $34,995.

While all Imprezas have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, the WRX and WRX STi have a turbocharged, higher-horsepower version of that engine. The WRX has 265 horsepower, while the STi provides a sizzling 305 horsepower.

The WRX has been redone after a somewhat disappointing redesign for 2008. There is a  41 horsepower increase to 265 horsepower, although the STi retains last year's 305-horsepower rating.

Despite its added punch, estimated WRX fuel economy is decent--18 mpg in the city and 25 on highways. The STi delivers 17 and 23 mpg..With the added power, a few miles per gallon are lost.

If a budget allows only the $26,995-$27,495 GT, you still get a turbo version of the Impreza engine, but with 224 horsepower. It only comes with a rather dated four-speed automatic, although transmission has a manual-shift feature.

TheWRX sedan and hatchback and STi hatchback aren't sold with an automatic. And the WRX only comes with a five-speed manual gearbox, when the six-speed manual of the WRX STi seems more appropriate. The WRX manual shifts in a nifty manner, but works with a stiff, long-throw clutch.  

To accompany its added power, the WRX gets an uprated suspension, more body stiffening and 45-series tires on 17-inch tires.

The STi gets even wider  40-series tires on 18-inch wheels, besides higher-performance Brembo brakes, flared fenders, aluminum hood, stiffer suspension and a driver-controlled differential with three performance modes and six driver-selectable settings. Not to mention leather/alcantara upholstery.

The STi is a blast, but a bit too much for anyone but a hard-core performance buff. The quieter, more comfortable WRX is more suited to a larger audience. It's plenty fast and still looks sporty with such items as a large hood scoop and a discreet rear spoiler.

I tested the $27,495 WRX Premium sedan, which had a solid feel and nice body fits. Standard for this model are a power sunroof, automatic climate control, heated front seats; cruise control, AM/FM radio with an in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, wiper deicer and a split/folding rear seat.

There are the usual comfort/convenience features such as power windows, mirrors and door locks with remote keyless entry.

As with other Imprezas, safety items include an anti-skid system, front-side and curtain-side air bags and anti-lock all-disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution.

Steering is quick and accurate, but a little heavy. The ride is supple and handling is sharp, assisted by Subaru's advanced all-wheel-drive system. Brake pedal action allows consistently smooth stops.

Acceleration is swift, with scant turbocharger lag, although the best 65-75 mph passing  calls for a downshift from fifth to fourth--and sometimes to third gear

Large outside door handles are easily grasped Backlit gauges can be read at a glance, and the nicely stitched front seats are very supportive for hard charging--although occupants sit rather low. Big outside mirrors help provide good driver visibility.

Up-front room is good for tall occupants. So is rear-seat space--although the center of the back seat is too stiff for comfort and best left to the center pull-down armrest. Surprisingly, it contains no cupholders, as do most such armrests.

Climate controls are large, but radio controls are small. Dual front console cupholders are positioned to avoid spills. The glove compartment is fairly large, but the deep covered console storage bin is set a little too far back. Front doors have good-sized storage pockets, but rear pockets are small. Grab handles reside above all doors.

The large trunk's opening is wide, but rather high. The lid raises well out of the way, but has no interior pull-down handle or indented area. Rear seatbacks flip forward and sit flat for more cargo room, but the pass-through opening from the trunk is only moderately sized.

The hood glides up on twin struts, revealing easily reached fluid filler areas. There's no large, unsightly plastic cover over the engine in its neat-looking compartment.

The Impreza WRX always feels as if its on your side, which is especially comforting when road and weather conditions get rough.