The 2014 Subaru Impreza WRX is available in base, Premium, Limited and STi trims as a 5-door hatchback or a 4-door sedan.
All but the STi are powered by a 265-horsepower, 2.5L horizontally opposed ('boxer') 4-cylinder engine. The only transmission is a 5-speed manual.
As with all Subarus, the WRX comes with Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive system, which works especially well in snowy conditions and adds handling confidence in wet, inclement weather or when scrambling for footing on a dirt rally trail.
The base WRX comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, 4-wheel disc brakes and LED taillights. The stereo is a rather basic CD/MP3 audio system with 6 speakers and a USB input that will accept an iPod. Bluetooth is also included.
The seats are performance-oriented fabric-covered buckets but the steering wheel is leather-wrapped and will tilt-adjust as well as telescope. Power accessories are included as is an automatic climate control system.
A strong suite of safety systems are also standard, and included anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control and tire pressure monitoring. The airbag complement includes driver and passenger frontal, side and head-curtain deployment.
The Premium WRX adds a power moonroof, fog lamps, heated mirrors and heated front seats. The Limited brings leather seat trim.
Voice-activated navigation is optional, and comes with an upgraded stereo that includes smartphone integration and Harman/Kardon's Aha radio infotainment system. It is available on both the Premium and Limited.
The STi takes the fun-to-drive performance of the WRX to the next level. The STi is the closest thing Subaru can build to a street-legal rally car. It comes with a 305-horsepower version of the 2.5L boxer engine, a 6-speed manual transmission, Brembo 4-piston brakes and a driver-controllable center differential system. The front and rear differentials are limited-slip as well. The standard wheels are 18-inch BBS and the rear spoiler is much larger than the standard WRX one. It won't take much to notice the special aero kit that comes on the STi; it includes special fender side scoops as well as front and rear under spoiler and diffuser. The seats are wrapped in Alcantara and have the STi logo embroidered on the headrests.
The STi Limited is only available as a sedan and includes leather seats and HID headlamps. The only factory option on either STi is the navigation system and audio system upgrade package.
Blistering All-wheel Drive Performance
Rally-racing Credibility
Responsive Handling
Space-efficient Layout
The WRX and STi get a smartphone integration system when equipped with the optional navigation system. Otherwise, they return for 2014 unchanged.
The Subaru Impreza WRX comes as either a compact sedan or hatchback. It stands as an impressive performance bargain, evidenced by its popularity among amateur racers. A powerful turbocharged engine and excellent all-wheel drive chassis come at a very affordable price in a car that is comfortable as both a daily driver and weekend track thrasher.
The top of the heap WRX STi wagon starts at $36,495 but with its even more powerful engine and no-compromises racing aesthetic, it is still an incredible performance value.
