Author Topic: CD Article: 2006 Subaru WRX  (Read 13217 times)

Offline Autos_Editor

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CD Article: 2006 Subaru WRX
« on: November 28, 2005, 11:45:01 pm »
You may discuss our cover story of the day in this thread....
Test Drive:
2006 Subaru WRX

2006 Subaru WRXThe 2006 Subaru WRX features a fresh new nose and some other cosmetic changes, but the most important upgrade is a new 2.5-litre turbocharged boxer four cylinder engine, reports Haney Louka.  With a base price of $35,495, the WRX offers better performance than some luxury cars costing $15,000 more, he says.      More...

Offline The Mighty Duck

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Re: CD Article: 2006 Subaru WRX
« Reply #1 on: November 29, 2005, 12:21:55 am »
Anyone else see the Mazdaspeed6 vs. WRX comparison coming...?

Offline G0dspd

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Re: CD Article: 2006 Subaru WRX
« Reply #2 on: November 29, 2005, 01:27:43 am »
I don't know ... I'm still having problems with the nose on this one.  The bug eyes headlights of the pre-2004 models was an acquired taste but can’t deny that the car had character  ;).  You knew what it was when you saw it (probably from the back) … no question about it.  The 2004-2005 models with the “revised” headlights is my personal choice … it looks like a performance car but I wish they would’ve kept the big “rally style” fog lights. ;D  The major problem with the new 2006 model is that it has the “suped up generic car” look that his predecessors didn’t have. (small fog lights … boo!)  Don’t get me wrong … I would still get one if I had the money.
« Last Edit: November 29, 2005, 01:36:47 am by G0dspd »
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Offline tpl

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Re: CD Article: 2006 Subaru WRX
« Reply #3 on: November 29, 2005, 06:45:00 am »
G0Dspd:   To quote the reply to some rich guy whining about the new BMW 5 series looks " when you are driving it, you can't see the outside"

I liked those huge driving/fog lights as well

My only "complaint" is  Does the centre viscous diff ALWAYS transmit some power, preferably 50%   I am presuming but I do not know that the front diff is at the gearbox and the rear drive is hung out behind like a Quattro.

I guess one cannot tell from watching the rally cars on TV as they would have manually adjustable differentials all round?
« Last Edit: November 29, 2005, 06:49:21 am by tpl »
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Offline Snowman

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Re: CD Article: 2006 Subaru WRX
« Reply #4 on: November 29, 2005, 07:02:01 am »
I will agree that the WRX is a very capable performance sedan but I would never try to compare it to an A4, 330i, or the IS 350. The WRX is even on the same page when it comes to refinement and finished materials.

The WRX is only comparable in performance and handling and that is where the similarities should end. There is a good reason why this car is priced $15k less. If you look at the WRX’s real competition it is priced $2k-$3k more than its rivals. Pricing is not a Subaru strong point in Canada.

I would agree with the observations of others here that a Legacy GT Limited would be a better candidate for a comparison. The LGT is marketed to the same individuals who would be considering an A4, 3 Series and the IS.

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Re: CD Article: 2006 Subaru WRX
« Reply #5 on: November 29, 2005, 08:22:53 am »
I will agree that the WRX is a very capable performance sedan but I would never try to compare it to an A4, 330i, or the IS 350. The WRX is even on the same page when it comes to refinement and finished materials.

The WRX is only comparable in performance and handling and that is where the similarities should end. There is a good reason why this car is priced $15k less. If you look at the WRX’s real competition it is priced $2k-$3k more than its rivals. Pricing is not a Subaru strong point in Canada.

I would agree with the observations of others here that a Legacy GT Limited would be a better candidate for a comparison. The LGT is marketed to the same individuals who would be considering an A4, 3 Series and the IS.


Perhaps the other contenders are out of place....the WRX is all sport when compared to the others in this sport sedan class.  The others mix adequate performance with a little bit of luxury.  They certainly are sporty...but in a refined way.  Would the WRX be more comparable when snuggled up in a category with the SRT4, the Cobalt SS, Corolla S etc?  But at the end of the day....how do you classify all these cars?

Offline Snowman

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Re: CD Article: 2006 Subaru WRX
« Reply #6 on: November 29, 2005, 08:58:03 am »
Agreed, the WRX is almost in a class by itself. A step above the fwd torque steer compacts and a couple steps below the entry level luxury sport sedans.

Offline Bullet Blue

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Re: CD Article: 2006 Subaru WRX
« Reply #7 on: November 29, 2005, 09:34:56 am »
The only competitor that is suitable in my eyes is the Lancer EVO and the STI. THe WRX is hard to match up with a competitor.

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Re: CD Article: 2006 Subaru WRX
« Reply #8 on: November 29, 2005, 09:44:14 am »
...with the grille resembling the fuselage and wings of an aircraft. It's a nod, the company says, to parent company Fuji Heavy Industries' aerospace involvement that began in 1917....

There is absolutely no relationship between SAAB and Fuji...!!!  SAAB started as an aerospace company and here is the beginning:

1937: Svenka Aeroplan AB (Saab) is formed in Trollhattan.

1938: Saab begins license production of the Junkers Ju 86 and Northrop 8A-1.

1939: Saab takes over ASJA.

1944: Saab begins civil aircraft projects.


mdxtasy

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Re: CD Article: 2006 Subaru WRX
« Reply #9 on: November 29, 2005, 09:46:00 am »
There is absolutely no relationship between SAAB and Fuji...!!!  SAAB started as an aerospace company and here is the beginning:

That's because the WRX is a Subaru.   ;)

Gospod

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Re: CD Article: 2006 Subaru WRX
« Reply #10 on: November 29, 2005, 09:57:07 am »
Mea culpa...It is my mistake....

 :o

For me the one and only one aerospace related automaker is SAAB!..Subaru never did planes....LOLL

Offline ovr50

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Re: CD Article: 2006 Subaru WRX
« Reply #11 on: November 29, 2005, 10:01:59 am »
BMW was started as an aerospace company. That's what it's emblem is all about.  ::)
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Gospod

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Re: CD Article: 2006 Subaru WRX
« Reply #12 on: November 29, 2005, 10:06:54 am »
BMW  started..I agree, but today SAAB is the only one doing  cars and military jets!

Offline ovr50

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Re: CD Article: 2006 Subaru WRX
« Reply #13 on: November 29, 2005, 10:17:11 am »
Mitsubishi also did planes. Anyway........... ???

As to the new WRX, IMO the styling is the best of all 3 recent ones. I imagine the larger engine makes a substantial difference also. It is a lot of performance for $35K.

 :)

Gospod

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Re: CD Article: 2006 Subaru WRX
« Reply #14 on: November 29, 2005, 10:19:44 am »
Mitsibushi belongs to Fuji Heavy Industries..like Subaru. anyway....we went far away...lolll

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Re: CD Article: 2006 Subaru WRX
« Reply #15 on: November 29, 2005, 10:26:32 am »
Nice car...
My only complaint though is:
Why did not they drop a 6 speed manual in it???? The same question goes for the LGT...
They have the one from the STi, they could mass produce it and lower costs on the STi too....
Welcome to the 21st century, Subaru...  :'(

Offline ovr50

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Re: CD Article: 2006 Subaru WRX
« Reply #16 on: November 29, 2005, 11:00:43 am »
Mitsibushi belongs to Fuji Heavy Industries..like Subaru. anyway....we went far away...lolll

Really? I was unaware of that. I thought that Mitsu Motors was part of the larger Mitsubishi conglomerate? I'll have to check that out.  ??? ???

EDIT - I did some checking on Fuji HI but can find no reference in there to Mitsubishi vehicles (Subaru yes of course). Could you provide a link or proof that Mitsu Motors "belongs to Fuji Heavy Industries". At this point, I would say you are not correct.
« Last Edit: November 29, 2005, 11:07:05 am by ovr50 »

avtoller

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Re: CD Article: 2006 Subaru WRX
« Reply #17 on: November 29, 2005, 11:28:08 am »
That is NOT correct information. Further, Fuji was a major manufacturer of war planes.

Offline kavatski

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Re: CD Article: 2006 Subaru WRX
« Reply #18 on: November 29, 2005, 12:21:44 pm »
Not only DID Fuji Heavy Industries build planes, its aerospace division (one of five divisions, including the automobile division, aka Subaru) is still involved in aviation manufacturing. For example, FHI along with Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries have worked with Boeing on development and manufacturing of the 767, 777 and new 787 Dreamliner. FHI also builds complete planes directly for military use.

FHI also manufactures buses, engines and generators, rolling stock and even prefab houses.

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Re: CD Article: 2006 Subaru WRX
« Reply #19 on: November 29, 2005, 12:45:43 pm »
Itjust hit me: The WRX would be one hell of a commuter car. I am going to need a four car garage..