What is it?
2002 Impreza 2.5 RS Sedan and TS Sport Wagon
Why is it special?
Subaru has decided that the WRX's looks, with the blister fenders, oval headlamps and trapezoidal grille, should extend to the entire Impreza line. Um, well, it's fun, right?
A new seat-height adjuster and a more tiltable steering wheel help you find your optimal driving position, and the interior receives some much needed upgrades in terms of materials. Silver metallic bezels enhance the audio system and vents.
The 2.5 RS and TS ride on a sport-tuned four-wheel independent suspension; torsional rigidity is stiffened by "a hydro-formed front subframe with tailored-blank welded B-pillars." PR-speak. Let it suffice to say that more torsional rigidity results in increased ride quality and lessened noise vibration and harshness. The RS sedan is halted by four-wheel disc brakes and comes with 16-inch wheels and foldable power mirrors. The TS sport wagon still has rear drums and 15-inch wheels. All are available with a four-speed automatic tranny, but it's Imprezas mated to the five-speed manual that get our pulses racing.
By the way, to add to the hilarity, the turbocharged WRX receives a limited edition color called Blaze Yellow, which is more of a soft, buttery hue. These also get a rear spoiler. Only 450 will be made, so if you'd like to own an excellent-handling stick of Parkay, you'll have to hurry.
Why should you care?
Cars with all-wheel-drive capability seem to be the catchphrase these days, but Subaru has been sitting pretty all along with this technology. The TS will have an MSRP of $17,495, and the RS will go for a paltry $18,995 in the spring. Bargains, really. — Liz Kim
2002 Impreza 2.5 RS Sedan and TS Sport Wagon
Why is it special?
Subaru has decided that the WRX's looks, with the blister fenders, oval headlamps and trapezoidal grille, should extend to the entire Impreza line. Um, well, it's fun, right?
A new seat-height adjuster and a more tiltable steering wheel help you find your optimal driving position, and the interior receives some much needed upgrades in terms of materials. Silver metallic bezels enhance the audio system and vents.
The 2.5 RS and TS ride on a sport-tuned four-wheel independent suspension; torsional rigidity is stiffened by "a hydro-formed front subframe with tailored-blank welded B-pillars." PR-speak. Let it suffice to say that more torsional rigidity results in increased ride quality and lessened noise vibration and harshness. The RS sedan is halted by four-wheel disc brakes and comes with 16-inch wheels and foldable power mirrors. The TS sport wagon still has rear drums and 15-inch wheels. All are available with a four-speed automatic tranny, but it's Imprezas mated to the five-speed manual that get our pulses racing.
By the way, to add to the hilarity, the turbocharged WRX receives a limited edition color called Blaze Yellow, which is more of a soft, buttery hue. These also get a rear spoiler. Only 450 will be made, so if you'd like to own an excellent-handling stick of Parkay, you'll have to hurry.
Why should you care?
Cars with all-wheel-drive capability seem to be the catchphrase these days, but Subaru has been sitting pretty all along with this technology. The TS will have an MSRP of $17,495, and the RS will go for a paltry $18,995 in the spring. Bargains, really. — Liz Kim
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