I was wondering how the WRX was percieved in Australia and the UK versus here in North America. Is it realitivly obscure and in cult status like here or is it like the Civics of North America?

I'm led to believe that the Impreza Turbo and its ilk are considered mana from heaven, the way UK car magazines write about it! Keep in mind that they had all the cool versions long before some chump like me could even imagine owning a WRX!

:)

- brew

ps: BTW, the reviews I've seen of this latest version seem to be pretty positive relative to the older models. "More refined," seems to be the word of the day.

Sometimes over here it seems like every 2nd person has a WRX... There are LOADS of the previous generation WRX's around, and the MY01 is starting to become a bit more common too, I got a black wagon because at the time there was only one other black wagon in the city of Brisbane... Due to the popularity/performance of the earlier WRX's they became a prime taget for car theives, they werent too hard to steal, and they could outrun the police cars... so they were the ideal ram raid car, and subsequently the insurance rates went through the roof... but having a wrx over here is nothing too special anymore... 4 years ago they were a bit less common, but now they are everywhere and the resale value is suffering too...

Jason

Considering they actually run WRC rallies in both countries, the following is much bigger and has been since the Impreza Turbo was "discovered" by enthusiasts. In the UK, they're considered the dog's danglies.

Pick up a copy of EVO (brit car mag) and you'll be hard-pressed to find an issue without an Impreza in it.

When I lived in Brisbane (Hi Jason) Subarus were not exactly common because, as fully imported cars, they were bloody expensive. Now every time we return I see more, even the WRXs. IMO, the WRX is more sought after in Australia than here for the reasons Jason said. Here in the state, most people don't even know what it is.
I'm sorry the insurance is so high in Oz. The price of fame!