wrxtunerd's Review of the 2008 WRX 5 Door Hatchback

[wrxtunerd]

Alright guys, just got back from a few dealerships in the Bay Area and am ready to post my review of the 2008 WRX Hatch!

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/wrxtunerd/08%20Hatchback%20WRX/IMGP4204.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/wrxtunerd/08%20Hatchback%20WRX/IMGP4234.jpg

The car:
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX 5 Door Hatchback
Color: Dark Grey Metallic
Transmission: 5MT
Options: Sport Grille

First Impressions:
-It looked impressive in person in comparison to the photos, which don't really do it justice.
-The Sports Grille options SAVES the front end for sure.
-WTF Subaru?! BACK TO 2/1 POT BRAKES!?!?
-More cabin room and definitely built with comfort and function in mind (i.e. the extendable armrest and rear cup holders in the doors).

The Drive:

*We got to test drive it out on a windy back road, so its a legitimate handling review*

-Definately quick to boost in comparison to my 07 WRX.
-VERY smooth, especially for the double wishbone suspension!
-It tucks in the turns and has little to no recoil from the rear, the body roll present in the GD's does not seem present in the 08 and understeer didn't seem to be an inherent problem... we were actually sensing a hint of oversteer...
-Taking off the traction control will get you squealing lol, but when it's on you can't really tell the difference between the LSD.

The Conclusion:

*The Goods*
-DGM is my new favorite Subaru OEM Color.
-Faster to full torque and horsepower comes quick.
-The double wishbone suspension HANDLES... and VERY smoothly.
-The Sport Grille option FTW!
-The Nav is off the HOOK! (It was in another WRX we sat in, not this hatch)
-The rear diffuser is sick.
-The gauge cluster and open ceremony are the best part about the interior.
-ALL BLACK interior, no 06-07 two tone.
-Plastic Intake manifold.
-Side skirts and rear spats are tight.

*The Neutral*
-Heated windshield wiper rests on the window. (look weird and the wipers are above the hood)
-Big ass mirrors... WRC boxy looking mirrors?!
-Heated Seats
-Smog Emissions pump is even bigger than the 06-07's.
-Relocated MAF.

*The Bads*
-WTF Subaru.... 2pots??1pots?? That was 02-05... should have been 4/2s like the 06-07.
-The turbo and intercooler are not looking mod friendly, people are going to need front mounts if they upgrade their turbo, otherwise they can only increase the thickness of the intercooler, this is because their is little to no room by the stock intercooler.
-Crowded SUV looking steering wheel.
-Shifter Bushings felt soft.

Pictures:

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/wrxtunerd/08%20Hatchback%20WRX/IMGP4212.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/wrxtunerd/08%20Hatchback%20WRX/IMGP4209.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/wrxtunerd/08%20Hatchback%20WRX/IMGP4222.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/wrxtunerd/08%20Hatchback%20WRX/IMGP4223.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/wrxtunerd/08%20Hatchback%20WRX/IMGP4217.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/wrxtunerd/08%20Hatchback%20WRX/IMGP4218.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/wrxtunerd/08%20Hatchback%20WRX/IMGP4215.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p205/wrxtunerd/08%20Hatchback%20WRX/IMGP4231.jpg

[SubieBabe]

Bugeyes FTW!
haha it doesnt really look that bad, but i still prefer the previous versions to this one.

[subaru222]

that a really nice color

[RFFG]

That's really nice, I like the new hatch a lot

[WRXmark]

Yes, the sports grille does WONDERS!!!

I actually like the front end now. :D

[RS'r]

Nice, a location for folding mirror button.:) For us JDM types

[wrxtunerd]

did you already buy an 08 like it says next to your member info?

[Carz4ever]

I think I like the hatch much better than the sedan. I also agree with SubieBabe :eek:'s FTW !

[Parker]

I want to see the non-hatch because for some reason, the hatch really bugs me.

[pawlex]

I have this car and it puts a smile on my face EVERY time I drive it. HUGE improvement inside the cabin from the '07 and earlier.

I strongly recommend picking one up :D

[08STI]

Anyone heard when parts are coming for the new 08's like exhaust or coilovers?

[WCUwrx]

Ive seen a handful of the new Impreza's. I figured, like the new design in 06, that after seeing it in person I would like it(actually grew to love the 06-07 body style), but that is far from the case. I still cannot fathom how anyone in the Subaru design group thought that it was a good idea to manufacture this design. It's so cheap looking, and very non aggressive looking. the STi isnt bad, but give me an 04-07 any day of the week. I dont see this design growing on me any. It is that ugly IMO.

[Parker]

Anyone heard when parts are coming for the new 08's like exhaust or coilovers?

i think there are a couple companies already making parts and selling them but I can't tell you the names off the top of my head. i'll have to look around...hopefully someone else can chime in.

[08STI]

The only thing i wish they would have kept is that big hood scoop like on the 07's other than that i love the hatchback.