JK SUBARU

Overview

For 2011, the Subaru Impreza gets upgraded audio features, STI-inspired styling for the WRX and a sedan version of the WRX STI.

Those who crave performance will want to check out the 2011 Subaru WRX, which gets not only the STI's wide-body fenders but also improved handling thanks to wider wheels, wider track dimensions, and stiffer subframe bushings. And then there's the STI itself, which gets a firmer suspension calibration and lighter wheels to better its handling as well as a few more standard features such as heated seats. 2011 is also the first year of the current Impreza where you can order the WRX STI as a sedan in addition to the hatchback.

The WRX is a high-performance version of the Impreza that comes with a five-speed manual transmission (no automatic is available), a turbocharged engine, summer tires, an aggressively tuned suspension, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column and special WRX trim and body styling. The WRX Premium includes the extra items from the 2.5i Premium as well as the sunroof package. Options include a dash-mounted navigation system, short-throw shifter and a turbo boost gauge. Upgrading to the Limited adds leather upholstery and xenon headlights.

The WRX STI is equipped similarly to the WRX, but increases the performance even further. It comes with a six-speed manual transmission, 18-inch wheels, high-performance tires, Brembo brakes, front and rear limited-slip differentials, SI-Drive vehicle settings, an even more aggressively tuned suspension, a bigger hood scoop, xenon headlights, sport seats and faux-suede and leather upholstery. The WRX STI Limited adds foglights, 18-inch BBS wheels, the sunroof package and leather upholstery. A navigation system is optional on the STI trims.

The WRX has a turbocharged version of the 2.5 that cranks out 265 hp and 244 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual is the lone transmission choice. Its 0-60 time in testing was a snappy 5.3 seconds, while fuel economy estimates are 18/25/21. The WRX STI gets even more turbo boost for 305 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque. With its standard six-speed manual, the STI achieves fuel economy of 17/23/19 and impressively, reaches 60 mph in a blazing 4.5 seconds.

In government crash tests, the 2011 Subaru Impreza scored a perfect five stars for frontal crash protection, five stars for front occupants in a side crash and four stars for rear occupants in a side crash. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Impreza its highest-possible rating of "Good" in the frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests.

The turbocharged Impreza WRX is an exciting performance machine for the money, featuring upgraded power and considerably more athletic moves through the corners thanks to its firmer suspension and summer performance tires. The WRX STI kicks it up a few more notches thanks to limited-slip differentials front and rear, powerful Brembo brakes, a six-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged rush of acceleration whenever the throttle is wide open.

Motor Trend Reviews 2011 Impreza WRX - The powertrain provides a rush to your ears and your gut, matching your own excitement as you explode from corner to corner. You're smiling the whole way. Motor Trend Reviews 2011 Impreza WRX

Popular Mechanics Reviews 2011 Impreza WRX and STI - "Packs a turbocharged flat-four cylinder with a serious punch as well as a world-class all-wheel drive system."

Cars.com Reviews 2011 Impreza WRX - The 2011 WRX receives extensive exterior and interior changes that move it closer to the STI in style.

Jalopnik Revies 2011 Impreza WRX STI - "The STI is still the most approachable and user-friendly all-wheel-drive speed demon on the market, a go-anywhere, do-anything piece of all-weather genius."

Content from Edmunds.com and Subaru.com