Scooby WRX [NAC]

[TM]

Dan,
Considering that the WRX is much more
of a raw-edged car than the S4, I don't
know if it will be a competitor.

The WRX, unless it differs greatly from the
last generation car and the car already reviewed
in Europe, will be a much sharper-handling
car than the S4, with better power to weight
ratio. In terms of pure performance, I'd have
to say that the WRX will kill the S4.

However, if you're looking for a refined,
fast car, there is no comparison. The WRX looks
like a cheap econobox compared to the S4. You
can't live down the econobox roots of these cars-
it costs way too much to make a model-specific
interior. Otherwise, I'd imagine that the Lancer
Evo VII and the Impreza WRX/STi/etc. would be
much nicer inside- they've done about all they can
do w/ Recaro seats, Momo airbag steering wheels
and the like.

That said, I can't wait to see how the US-spec
WRX will turn out and how it will drive. I think
the car is ugly, but depending on how it performs,
I don't really care if it's ugly.

The other cool thing about the Subaru is that you
can buy lots of performance parts for this car
direct from the factory. Unfortunately, we can't do
this in the States. I'd love to have access to the
Quattro GmbH catalog of goodies. If that were the
case, our A4 would have Alcantara/Leather seats in
black on black, Alcantara headliner, dashboard
and steering wheel, Audisport Alcons, turbocharger
and programming, "Shadowline" trim and factory 17s.

Taka