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Two hundred twenty-seven horsepower, zero to 60 mph in about six seconds and all-wheel drive at a price less than $24,000. Works for me.

The 2002 Impreza WRX is Subaru’s dressed-down pocket rocket. Available as a four-door sedan or four-door wagon, the WRX hides its greyhound speed behind a dachshund facade. Even with its bulging fender flares and oversized fog lights, no one would ever suspect this compact sedan is as fleet of foot as sports cars that cost two, or in some cases, three times as much. It gobbles up twisty roads as enthusiastically as my grandson tackles a box of Oreos.

Various iterations of the WRX, based on Subaru’s Impreza rally racer that has claimed three World Rally Championships, have enthralled enthusiasts in Europe, Australia and Japan for some time, but none has been sold in this country until now. While the American version is tamer than the ones sold in other markets, it still offers impressive levels of performance. Underscoring its performance potential, each WRX comes with an application for free membership in the Sports Car Club of America.

The 2.0-liter, horizontally opposed four-cylinder that sits over the front wheels is similar to the Impreza’s standard powerplant, but an intercooled turbocharger puffs it up to sports car levels. The nice part about this engine is that it is flexible enough to dawdle around town like a standard Impreza, yet when you want to fly, all you have to do is mash the throttle. Turbocharged engines typically have some lag before their additional power is felt, and this one is no different. Power delivery below 3,500 rpm is unimpressive, but as the tach needle sweeps past 4,500 rpm, the WRX sprouts wings.

Working the gearbox to keep the engine humming is a pleasure since the manual transmission has a positive linkage that shifts without wasted motion. Although an automatic is a $1,000 option, most of the folks who would be interested in this car aren’t likely to choose it.

Even though the turbocharged engine is the heart of the WRX, efficient roadholding and all-wheel-drive traction are important parts of the performance equation. Subaru’s tough and tested all-wheel-drive system uses a viscous center differential to distribute drive to all four wheels in varying amounts, depending on the amount of grip available at each wheel. A Torsen differential in the rear axle equalizes side-to-side grip of the rear wheels.

The WRX changes directions with a minimum of coaxing because the suspension has been turned for flat cornering and a firm ride. Standard 16-inch wheels with all-season tires have moderate grip on dry pavement but are the best all-around compromise for varying kinds of weather and pot-hole-damaged pavement. Maximum cornering grip would be enhanced with the optional 17-inch wheels.

The WRX’s interior is pretty much standard Impreza, with the exception of a classy leather-wrapped Momo Italian steering wheel, aluminum pedals and deeply contoured fro nt seats. The AM/FM stereo has a CD changer, and air conditioning is standard.

The deeply contoured front seats provide good support, especially for vigorous driving, but their cloth upholstery is understated and subtle. Brushed silver trim is used selectively on sections of the instrument panel. The WRX lets its performance, not its looks, do the talking.

To folks who expect high style to go along with high performance, the WRX will be disappointing. Its price, however, is not. Compared to competing models from Audi and BMW, for example, the WRX is the steal of the decade.

Price The base price of the test car was $23,995. Standard equipment includes anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, side-impact airbags, cruise control, keyless entry, power windows and locks, AM/FM/CD stereo and floor mats. Add freight, and the sticker price is $24,520.

Warranty Three years or 36,000 miles. Point: If you want a performance car that is sensible, enomi and a ball to drive, the WRX offers all that and more. Its turbocharged engine puts out giant-sized power, yet gets excellent gas mileage, and all-wheel drive gives it tremendous grip and handling in conditions of all kinds. Plus, it’s available as a station wagon.

Counterpoint: The sedan’s back seat doesn’t fold forward if you need to expand the trunk’s space, and the brushed silver trim looks like an afterthought.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 2.0-liter, 227-hp 4-cyl.
Transmission: Five-speed All-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 99.2 inches
Curb weight: 3,085 lbs.
Base price: $23,995
As driven: $24,520
Mpg rating: 20 city, 27 hwy.
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