THE Subaru Impreza WRX was the boys' toy of the 1990s. Cheapish, bloody quick and buckets of fun to drive it sold by the thousands and underpinned the local distributor's skyrocketing sales figures. Trouble is, boys grow up - and so in this case do their toys. The second generation WRX has changed its face, put on weight and become a little easier to get along with. But only the factory seems convinced the changes are for the better. The local fan base has loudly voiced its disapproval of the styling changes in particular. Under the controversial skin, the WRX remains a quick, enjoyable car to drive. But is that enough?

Subaru Impreza WRX sedan
Released: February 94
Ended: October 00
Family Tree: ImprezaThe WRX was Subaru's golden car of the 1990s. Marketed cannily on the back of the company's rallying exploits and launched as the boom in four-cylinder sport tuning took off here, the WRX was a sales and image star. Little changed over its six-year run, power from the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine rising just five kilowatts. But then, little needed to change - it was an excellent package from day one.
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