Category: Hot Hatchbacks 
Price Range: No data available
Good value for money; a good compromise between performance and everyday usability.
Feels neither as quick nor as performance-focused as other WRX iterations.
Not the most hardcore of hot hatches, but exceedingly enjoyable nonetheless.
The WRX S isn't the quickest Impreza, but it'll still do 130mph and 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds. Not that it actually feels that quick: the power peaks at a low-ish 5,600rpm and the 288lb-ft of torque at 3000rpm, so it's a slower-building sensation than the all-out, all-or-nothing earlier Impreza Turbos, with a more even power delivery.
It's all very civilised, tempered by good sound-proofing, relatively comfort-biased suspension and light, slightly oddly-weighted steering. It's less road-going rally car than hormone-enhanced family hatchback, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. After all, if you want a no-compromises, teeth-jarring Turbo, there's the WRX STi 330.
When not pushed pedal-to-the-floor, the WRX S is a tractable, manageable everyday vehicle. It doesn't 'tramline' along every groove in the road, its clutch is as light as that of any non-turbo runaround, and there is no trace of turbo lag or torque-steer when accelerating away from traffic lights. It's safe, predictable and entirely user-friendly, despite its potential to perform when desired. It's a hot hatch for grown-ups.
