Subaru's Impreza line has grown to the point where you almost need a program to tell the players. For 2006 there are 10 models, both sedans and wagons. All are powered by a variant of Subaru's 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine. All come standard with full-time all-wheel drive and a manual transmission. A four-speed automatic ($800) is optional on most.
The Impreza 2.5i Sedan ($18,295) and 2.5i Sport Wagon ($18,295) are the least expensive. Both are powered a 173-hp version of the 2.5-liter boxer engine (up eight horsepower for 2006, with variable valve timing and lift), and both come well equipped. Standard features include upscale bits like interior air filtration, auto-off headlights and an outside temperature indicator, as well as air conditioning, an 80-watt stereo with CD, cruise control and remote keyless locks. The 2.5i Sport Wagon comes with a split folding rear seat, rear cargo utility bars and cover, roof rails and a trailer harness connector.
The Outback Sport wagon ($19,195) is designed for rugged conditions. The Outback's suspension is raised and tuned for more wheel travel (or off-road capability). It adds a chrome grille and gray-metallic lower body cladding, roof-rail crossbars, and projector-beam foglights. The Outback Sport Special Edition wagon ($19,695) comes with a 240-watt stereo with six CD changer and auto-dim rearview mirror.
The WRX is the high-performance Impreza, now powered by 230-hp turbocharged version of 2.5-liter four, with sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch wheels and more potent brakes. The WRX was created as a limited-production specialty car, but it quickly became one of Subaru's best sellers, and there are now six variants.
The WRX TR sedan ($23,995), new for 2006, gets the high-performance mechanicals and standard features comparable to the 2.5i. TR stands for Tuner Ready, and this WRX is geared toward sport-compact enthusiasts who might choose to equip it with some of the hundreds of dealer-installed or aftermarket parts and accessories currently available.
The WRX sedan ($24,995) and WRX Sport Wagon ($24,495) add more features, including heavily bolstered sport seats, automatic climate control, a 140-watt stereo with CD changer, the fog lights and leather trimmed wheel and shifter.
The WRX Limited ($27,495) and WRX Limited Sport Wagon ($26,995), also new for 2006, are the peak of Impreza luxury. Their price includes leather seating with dual-mode heaters in front, a power moonroof, windshield wiper de-icers and heated outside mirrors. These are also the first WRX models offered with the four-speed automatic transmission.
The WRX STi ($32,995) sits atop the Impreza line. This is the one most coveted by hard-core driving enthusiasts, and it's distinguished by a huge two-step rear wing and even more aggressive bodywork. More important, it's powered by a crazy-fast 300-hp version of the boxer four, with even firmer suspension and track-style Brembo brakes.
Options include a CD changer ($355) and an engine block heater ($30).
Safety features on all models include dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags, and seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters for the front seats. ABS comes standard and features four sensors and four channels (meaning all four wheels can brake independently). It comes with electronic brake-force distribution (meaning wheels with the best traction get the most brake force in a panic stop).
The purchase price includes 24-hour roadside assistance for the duration of the three-year, 36,000-mile warranty.