2006 Subaru Impreza WRX

2006 Subaru Impreza WRX

It's easy to become what is termed a "driving enthusiast" when you can go top-shelf - we're talking, top of the line, the crème de la crème.

There are Ferraris and Porsches and Lambroghinis. If you prefer American muscle, think Shelby Mustang, Chevy Corvette or the Ford GT (a second-look at the GT-40 of Le Mans fame introduced for a select few a couple of years ago).

But most of us will never feel that rich, Italian Ferrari leather beneath our glutes. We'll never hit the Autobahn in a Lambroghini.

That Porsche may be in his or her future, but, for the moment, the Ferraris are best left to reruns of Magnum P.I., and the "enthusiasts" with quite a bit of disposable income.

But that doesn't mean the term "enthusiast" can't apply to you. It just takes a little effort and knowing where to look. We're talking about "bang for the buck" and a driving enthusiast on a budget has to bear that in mind.

As we said last time, the 2006 model year has come to a close, but 2006 models are still at dealerships, who are already making room for 2007 models. If you're shopping for a new 2006 model, advantage shopper.

Here's the formula: More bang + fewer bucks = ?

The answer: The 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX.

If you're a video gamer, you may remember the WRX from Gran Turismo and wondered what that car was doing in that game.

Don't be fooled by the Impreza part of the name - or the Subaru either, for that matter. Turns out, the WRX is a legitimate hot rod and has been for several years.

The WRX is a little more refined for 2006, and this is a positive or a negative, depending on how you look at it. Refinement is good, but so is a little bit of unapologetic brashness found in the earlier models.

One definite positive is the bigger, 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It's a horizontally-opposed or "boxer" four with added horses and extra torque. The new engine, which replaces the 2.0-liter four that seemed to lag until the turbo kicked in, creates 230 horsepower with 235 ft.-lb. of torque.

Not bad for a "subcompact." At no point does it lag, particularly with a tight, race-designed five-speed transmission that comes standard. An automatic is only available on the up-model "Limited" edition. Why bother, though? Real enthusiasts dig the stick.

The WRX also featured several cosmetic tweaks, including a fairly significant nose job that brings it in line with the rest of the Subaru line. Other changes include 17-inch wheels (standard) and a new Shaker-style hood. Underneath, the brakes are improved to provide extra stopping power with the increased power of the engine coupled with a sports suspension and quick, responsive steering.

That's the bang - and it is significant when behind the wheel.

What about the bucks? The WRX line is wider than before, starting with the entry-level WRX TR coming in at $24,660. Add in a few extras, including fog lamps, sports seats, automatic climate control and a six-disc CD changer among others, and you're at the mid-level WRX for about $1,000 more. The WRX Limited adds more standard features,including a moonroof, and adds about $2,500 to the base price, coming in at just over $28,000. Beyond that lies the STI, which is pure racer in the way of the Mitsubishi EVO, but that's a review for another day.

Fuel mileage is nothing special, but not back-breaking either at 20 mpg city and 26 on the highway. And while we're thinking about practicality, all-wheel-drive can come in handy from time to time.

The WRX offers that bang for the buck, and has certainly found a niche with the tuner crowd.

But it's pre-tuned quite nicely for everyone else - including the would-be enthusiast.