Supples’ Pub

It’s been all over the auto news-wires - someone leaked Motor Trend cover images showcasing the newly redeisgned 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX. The pictures are still available at NASIOC, a huge Impreza forum.

But as you can probably tell from those pictures (shown above), it is hideous. I never thought the new design Subaru was going for with the 2007 models was a step in the right direction, but it wasn’t terrible. This just takes things too far.

2002 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS - ConsumerGuide Automotive

2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STi - ConsumerGuide Automotive

 
2007 Subaru Impreza WRX STi - ConsumerGuide Automotive

You can see the progression in the pictures above. The 2006 MY (Model Year) sported a little more tame version of the classic “bug-eye” look, as seen in the 2002 MY. 2007 pretty much does away with the bug-eye look and goes for something more sleek and smoothed out. I like the 2006 better, but the 2007 design wasn’t a deal-breaker in my book.

Enter: The Mazdaspeed3

2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 - Edmund’s InsideLine

Take a look at the leaked pictures of the 08 WRX again - open them side-by-side with the MS3. Don’t tell me they aren’t targeting the Mazdaspeed3 with this new style WRX. Both are sporty driving, around/under $25K (WRX is borderline, can go over), turbocharged four cylinder “sport compacts.” Between the new look and the hatchback offering, Subaru isn’t pulling any punches. Unfortunately, they’re likely to alienate some of the more “mature” Subaru aficionados with the teen-ricer look. Insurance rates are already sky high for all Impreza’s, by my estimation due to the number of dangerous teenage Impreza drivers and expected law breaking, and I can only see this attracting more of them.

At least Subaru made the decision easy for me: if I ever get a WRX, it will be a used one.