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2003 Subaru Impreza WRX compact Performance Sedan and Wagon

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Subaru's turbo-charged sports sedan and wagon are fired up for fast work, thanks to a unique little engine that produces big-time muscle and torque from relatively modest displacement. The 2.0-liter plant has four cylinders opposed horizontally and set perpendicular to the drive line, then linked with equal-length drive shafts so pairs of cylinders act like boxers jabbing at one another in counterbalanced movements that negate the typical engine's vibrations.

Next, a turbo-charger and inter-cooler boost the engine's output to score serious numbers. It makes 227 hp, with all of that power directed through either a four-speed automatic transaxle with electronic controls or a tight-shifting manual five-speed.

There's no choice about traction mechanism, however, as all Subarus support an AWD system that's always engaged. Using an Impreza as foundation, WRX emulates Subaru rally cars, only without roll bars and five-point safety belts. Standard equipment extends to sporty suspension tuning and a Momo steering wheel, frontal and side air bags for front seats plus a sound system with six-disc CD changer in the dash.