Ch-Ch-Changes: 2009 Subaru Impreza

Subaru has given the redesigned-for-2008 Impreza WRX a healthy boost in power for 2009, up from 224 to 265 hp. Besides the bigger turbocharger, the folks at Subaru also retuned the suspension and made summer performance tires standard, rather than the all-seasons it had for 2008. It only comes with a five-speed manual transmission.   

That’s really all the change you need to know about for the WRX; the car itself was completely redesigned last year. The move is to allow the WRX to better compete with Mitsubishi’s upcoming Lancer Ralliart.

There’s also a new Impreza trim level being added that keeps the outgoing WRX’s power plant. It’s called the Impreza 2.5 GT. It will come only with an automatic transmission.

One major addition to the entire Impreza lineup for 2009 is stability control, which will now be standard. That means the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick designation for the car will now apply to all models. More photos below.

Update: And yes, a power moonroof is now part of the Premium option package. That package is standard on the new 2.5 GT model. No pricing has been announced yet.

Update 2: The WRX and 2.5GT will go on sale September 1.

More Impreza News (KickingTires)

Comments

[Ken]

It looks like I can just barely see a sunroof in many of these photos... there was no sunroof avaiiable in 2008 - any confirmation of it being available in 2009?

[Dave T.]

Ken,
GOOD Question. We've updated the post above. Thanks for pointing that out.

[JM]

hopefully they can make fuel economy a little better with the turbo, for all models that have it.

[ken h]

wrx still looks ugly. ralliart is a lot better looking.

i kind of feel sorry for the people who bought the 08 wrx. the 09 wrx is so much different and better.

competition really is good for the consumer.

[J]

Is it a new trim level, or is it just naming difference for different transmissions?

Are they still using the 4AT?

[Capeplates]

Superb Subaru - love to give it a blast on the motorways