Edgy exterior

While the interior may feel cheap, the exterior on either model is chunky and edgy. The big air intake on the hood, which always takes a little getting used, still adds to the car's looks instead of detracting from it. The front end looks mashed down a little with a short and wide grille and the headlights round the corner of the front end. The smoked aluminum spoked rims maintain that tuner look. But there are little curves that give this car a sharp look from nearly every angle.

This car maintains a more subtle look than its more famous STI brother with simple badging and body-colored door handles and bumper. There are only the tiniest splashes of chrome here and there — such as the Subaru badge and the rear tail lights that come in that annoying bright silver.

But giving up a little on some of these features still leaves you with a spectacular little racer.

It will chew up corners, provide you with a smooth (but firm) ride and how much do you really care about a navigation system?

Lots of carmakers talk about no compromising vehicles, but really, there's no such thing. The WRX provides lots of performance, and to WRX owners, the rest doesn't really matter that much.

    See also:

    All-Wheel Drive warning light (AT and CVT models)
    WARNING Continued driving with the AWD warning light flashing can lead to powertrain damage. If the AWD warning light flashes, promptly park in a safe place then check whether all four tires ar ...

    Internal trunk lid release handle
    The internal trunk lid release handle is a device designed to open the trunk lid from inside the trunk. In the event children or adults become locked inside the trunk, the handle allows them to open t ...

    Safety warnings
    You will find a number of WARNINGs, CAUTIONs and NOTEs in this manual. These safety warnings alert you to potential hazards that could result in injury to you or others. Please read these safety war ...