#19. 2013 Subaru Impreza WRX – Boldness Redacted
Source: Wikimedia
The Subaru Impreza WRX has been an incredible vehicle for a long time. The rally cross pedigree of it has made it one of the best choices for any weekend warrior. However, it really hasn’t changed a whole lot since its inception. In 2013 Subaru decide they should gauge interest in a new
What Subaru Was Thinking
Cue to the Subaru Boardroom.
Subaru Presenter: “Ladies and Gentlemen. As all of you know, the WRX has been our trademark to the world. They know Subaru as a tough as nails vehicle capable of traveling on any surface at great speeds. When we first launched the Impreza WRX in 1992, we thought we were making a small family car. Well, the WRX showed we were making a pocket rocket. The original WRX was all about risk! The car was fun and attractive and gave drivers the feeling of a car twice the price. Ladies and Gentlemen, we haven’t updated the WRX nearly enough. The styling is still somewhat the same after 20 years! Allow me to present you the new WRX Concept Car!”
Upon revealing the new concept, there was in drawn breath around the room (mostly). The car was beautiful. It was sleek and sporty and aggressive. It looked like just getting into the car was going to result in the most fun driving experience possible. It was the update the WRX needed! Except obviously, it wasn’t. Instead, they just put out another humdrum looking Impreza WRX.
Source: Shutterstock
What The Public Thought
The public continues to buy the WRX because of the engine and chassis, but not because of the appearance anymore. The Impreza WRX has a reputation. That’s really the only thing going for it. The concept car got great reviews and everyone loved it. It was the bold redesign that would get non-Subaru buyers flocking to it. Instead, the 2014 and 2015 WRX were watered down imitations that really didn’t provide any of the glitz and glamor of the concept. Just disappointing.
