Two demands made almost immediately after the launch of the current body shape in 2007. They were for a sedan variant, and for more performance. Of course requests for performance are a constant cry from all keen owners of fast cars. But there was more to it than simply better acceleration. Many WRX enthusiasts were a disappointed over the loss of what they called the ‘bad-boy’ character of the early WRX.

Since its introduction way back in 1994, Subaru WRX has always had loads of personality. The flat-four engine has a very distinctive note and an exhaust throb that appeals, the all-wheel drive setup has its individual way of doing things. This was a car well suited to brash teenagers – of any age.

The previous WRX had plenty of performance. Engine delivery was more linear and the big turbo lag of the past had been reduced. But somehow the excitement had dissipated. While the stopwatch said the new WRX was quick, the seat of the pants didn’t receive the same messages as before. At the time we likened it to the maturing of the brash teenager into a refined young man.

More power was added to the equation for the MY09 WRX. The 2.5-litre turbocharged boxer engine now puts out 195 kilowatts, which is up by 26 kW. Even more importantly the torque of 343 Newton metres, an increase of a very handy 23 Nm, was much appreciated. Additionally, work has gone into bring the bulk of the torque further down the graph and fattening out the shape of the curve over as much of the rev range as possible.

This results in the WRX being able to complete the sprint from rest to 100 km/h in only 5.3 seconds. The outgoing model was already good 5.8 at seconds, 5.3 is something special and would have required a megabuck Italian or German supercar only ten years or so back.

So good are Subaru's engineers that the latest engine has lower fuel consumption than the superseded unit. Fuel economy around town will fall into the 10 to 12 litres per hundred kilometres range unless you want to do a lot of traffic light Grand Prix starts. On the open road you can get it under nine litres without trying overly hard.

There's still the inevitable turbo lag, enough to be irritating at times, particularly if you're the sort of control freak that likes instant engine response. But getting over 340 Nm from 2.5 litres of engine is always going to result in compromises.

Subaru has finally introduced the sedan variant as part of the 2009 makeover. This body really suits the image and on-road stance of the WRX range and has long been a favourite with buyers. Typically the split between hatchback and sedan has been around 50/50. As you can imagine in these tough economic times, the guys at Subaru Australia are delighted to have added the new body shape to the range.

While the lines of the new Subaru WRX sedan certainly stand out, but there are some that say they could be even bolder. Then again full-on enthusiasts are the hardest people in the world to please. Any car lover who saw the WRX sedan during our test period praised its looks – though the vivid red paint work certainly played its part.

Handling has been slightly improved as well, though there weren’t the same demands on the chassis engineers as on the engine guys. Tyre width has been increased from 205 millimetres to 225 mm, with wheel diameter of 17 inches. Suspension bushings, springs and dampers complement these new Dunlop SP Sport 01 tyres. The WRX retains its longtime ability to hold onto the road in a most satisfying manner no matter how slippery the surface is. Wet weather driving is exceptionally safe, with high reserves of grip. But always remember that physics will win in the end...

As well as the changes to the suspension setup, a new damper valve has been fitted to the steering gearbox to reduce the kickback that could cause hassles at times in the superseded model. We certainly didn’t feel any of that old bugbear during out test week, yet the feeling through the wheel hasn’t been affected by the damper.

Our road test WRX came with the optional leather trim you will get seats with sports stitching. These feature a ‘WRX’ logo on the back of the front seats and were much praised by all who saw them.

The price of the WRX remains at $39,990, a figure that has existed, apart from a few short periods, since its introduction way back in 1994. Both the hatchback and the new sedan have the same price tag. However, given the impact of the GFC (Global Financial Crisis) it must be all but impossible for Subaru Australia to continue to sell the WRX at that bargain basement level. Hint: Pay a visit to your local Subaru dealer soon if you want to tie up a good deal.

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE

WRX 2.5-litre four-door sedan: $39,990 (manual)

WRX 2.5-litre five-door hatch: $39,990 (manual)

WRX STI 2.5-litre five-door hatch: $59,990 (manual)

WRX STI Spec R 2.5-litre five-door hatch: $64,990 (manual)

FEATURES

ABS Brakes: Standard on all models

Air Conditioning: Standard on all models

Automatic Transmission: Not offered

CD Player: Standard on all models

Central Locking: Standard on all models

Cruise Control: Standard on all models

Dual Front Airbags: Standard on all models

Front Side Airbags: Standard on all models

Stability Control: Standard on all models

Traction Control: Standard on all models

SPECIFICATIONS (Subaru WRX 2.5-litre four-door sedan)

ENGINE:

Capacity: 2.457 litres

Configuration: Four cylinders horizontally opposed

Head Design: DOHC, four valves per cylinder

Compression Ratio: 8.4:1

Bore/Stroke: 99.5 mm x 79.0 mm

Maximum Power: 195 kW @ 6000 rpm

Maximum Torque: 343 Nm @ 4000 rpm

DRIVELINE:

Driven Wheels: All-Wheel-Drive

Manual Transmission: Five-speed

Automatic Transmission: Not offered

Final Drive Ratio: 4.444:1

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:

Length: 4580 mm

Wheelbase: 2620 mm

Width: 1740 mm

Height: 1475 mm

Turning Circle: 10.8 metres

Kerb Mass: 1410 kg

Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 litres

Towing Ability: 650 kg (1200 kg with braked trailer)

SUSPENSION AND BRAKES:

Front Suspension: Independent, MacPherson struts, anti-roll bar

Rear Suspension: Independent, double wishbones, anti-roll bar

Front Brakes: Ventilated disc

Rear Brakes: Disc

PERFORMANCE:

0-100 km/h Acceleration: 5.3 seconds

FUEL CONSUMPTION:

Type: Petrol 95RON

Combined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 10.4 L/100km

GREEN VEHICLE GUIDE RATINGS:

Greenhouse Rating: 5/10

Air Pollution Rating: 8.5/10

STANDARD WARRANTY:

Three years/unlimited km