Subaru Impreza WRX Review: Subaru WRXes. Auto or Manual?

My guess is as good as yours. If you had $80,500 for a meatier, more responsive car that slices and dices through traffic with ease, get the 2.5. If you wanted bigger wheels and bucket seats, you could always do that later.

My priorities also happen to lie within the engine bay itself. However, the STi-like red instrument cluster that I really dig isn’t going to be easy to come by!

My girlfriend loves the convenience of the auto, and many drivers who hate the hassle of driving a manual in heavy traffic that is so common nowadays. I have to admit that I share the enthusiasm.

Equipment levels are also better, and that Urban Grey paintjob of our test car was just to die for. It even had that JDM spec rear wiper which, in my opinion, is really useful for rainy days. I wouldn’t want to get caught off boost in this car, so you have got to know your stuff well when doing the limbo in tight situations.

The 2 litre auto's higher price of $87,500 also reflects the higher levels of equipment and tuning, having it come with the same spec as the local Japs get from Fuji Heavy Industries.

As a final factor to add to the headache, (this will void the warranty of your car though) you do know that you would be able to source for a 2nd hand, 6 speed STi manual gearbox with ease from aftermarket tuning garages right? Oh dear, I shouldn't have said that...

Credits: Amery Reuben