Exterior & Styling
Let's not mince words here: When it comes to styling, Subaru went off the deep end a few years ago and brought us such gems as the B9 Tribeca — later blandified — and a couple models whose grilles were supposed to evoke parent company Fuji Heavy Industry's proud aircraft heritage. That the aircraft in question were the Japanese Zeroes that kamikazied themselves into the U.S. Navy in WWII must not have seemed significant to the Subaru product people. In the end, these designs were also zeroes, and they did more damage to Subaru's reputation than they did to us Yanks.
Along comes the 2008 Impreza WRX, looking still different than any other Subaru and a little odd in the front, but I must say it works better when you see it in person than it does in photos. The tail of my test sedan was more agreeable, recalling the Scion tC and any number of other cars. Its taillights are relatively simple, but at least they're not silver under clear lenses. Sadly, the same can't be said of the hatchback, which prolongs this tired trend that I'm confident history will judge as harshly as I have. The typical automaker sees a sedan as a more conservative choice that's likely to appeal to older buyers. Apparently hatchback buyers are perceived to have bad taste.
One improvement in the model's look is a better-integrated hood scoop, which draws in cooling air. Previously it stuck up higher — and does even more so on the STi.
See also:
License plate light
1. Insert a finger into the right side of the license plate light cover, then press once to the left and pull out to remove the cover.
2. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and pull out the so ...
Page scroll
If the registered name or phone number has more than 12 characters, press the
“TEXT” button for more than 1.5 seconds to scroll the name or phone number. ...
Use of engine braking
Remember to make use of engine braking in addition to foot braking. When descending
a grade, if only the foot brake is used, the brakes may start working improperly
because of brake fluid overheat ...