Well, for all the bile ejected by the howling dogs in this thread, what is the reality of the new WRX?
None of us bar journos have driven it, of course. Apparently, however, the ride has been firmed up far beyond the outgoing model, it pulls 0.95g on the skidpad, the 6 speed manual shifts much better, and the CVT has the real VTD centre differential drive, like my Leggy GT.
Motor Trend found it ate the Focus ST for breakfast, so the GTI is going to struggle against it as well, new Mark VII or not. So the new WRX is better than the old one. I couln't stand the old styling, it looked like an alien from outer space to me and about as subtle. Plus there haven't been any negative reviews of any consequence, the engine is much more flexible than the old EJ and doesn't surge, even if it has less ouright power at full steam. Get the new STI if you want high rpm go and the real 6 speed.
The engine has roller rockers unlike the Forester XT, and the CVT has the planetary gear centre diff instead of yes, none, just the ancient MPT in the Forester.
Price $29,995 for the cheap model, where I don't have to pay for a sunroof, crap navi, leather seats and so on. I think I'll have one of these bland little devils.