since day one. Mitsubishi did it with the Evolution, though more for weight savings than added sales. The idea is simple: With the burgeoning aftermarket offering everything from clear taillights to superchargers, car makers can sell popular vehicles with less equipment to buyers intent on driving directly from the showroom floor to the tuner shop. Cars continue to be an expression of one’s personality, so it’s not surprising the number of owners who seek to differentiate their rides, and thereby themselves, with a unique exhaust burble, the biggest chrome wheels, or the sound system that spawns the most headaches.
Now it’s Subaru’s turn at the de-contenting wheel. Based on the hugely popular, rally-bred Impreza WRX sedan, the WRX TR adopts the same winning formula with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine – though deletes features like body-color exterior mirrors and replaces the WRX’s automatic climate control system with manual air conditioning. As a result, the 2006 Impreza WRX TR starts at $23,995, which is $1,000 less than the WRX and equal to the price of a WRX upon introduction in 2001.
What it isThink of the 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX TR as an Impreza 2.5i with lots more horsepower and much better handling. That means that there’s still a long list of standard features like power windows and power locks, but there are also several changes compared to the regular WRX. Those include black mirror housings, a urethane steering wheel, sport rather than performance seats, manual air conditioning instead of automatic climate control, a sound system with 60 fewer watts, a single-disc CD player in place of a six-disc changer, black interior accents, and the deletion of the front foglights. Such changes contribute to the WRX TR’s price being $1,000 less than the WRX. Also noteworthy is that the 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX TR comes only as a sedan (no wagon).
Why it mattersCars like the Subaru Impreza WRX and the Mitsubishi Evolution attract not only buyers who enjoy exhilarating performance but also those who want to make a statement. Even if the WRX is outstanding right out of the factory, it’s still the same car that anyone else can buy. That’s where the allure of tuning and customization comes in, and it’s also where the 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX TR looks most appealing. The core essentials are still there – the powerful turbocharged engine, the capable all-wheel-drive system, and the aluminum suspension. But the $23,995 starting price leaves a little extra cash for some sweet Recaro seats, a new high-flow exhaust, and swapping out the standard 17-inch alloys and 215/45 tires for some one-of-a-kind alloys riding on low-profile rubber.
What’s under the hood All 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX models get a new engine that puts out 230 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600 rpm. This 2.5-liter, turbocharged four cylinder features variable valve timing and maximum boost measuring 13.5 psi. In comparison, last year’s 2.0-liter engine provided 217 horsepower and 217 lb.-ft. of torque. Subaru officials claim that the new motor is more responsive off the line and provides additional mid-range torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard; no other transmission is available.
Under the skin are revised suspension and steering systems that are featured on all 2006 WRX models. New aluminum-alloy lower control arms are added in front, and the steering ratio has improved to 15:1 rather than 2005’s 16.5:1. Subaru has also focused on braking, giving WRX models rear ventilated discs that are one inch larger than last year and painting the four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers. Antilock and electronic brake force distribution systems are standard.
What’s insideThough it’s considered a de-contented model, the 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX TR features a long list of standard features. That includes power windows, power door locks with keyless entry, air conditioning, cruise control, an 80-watt stereo system with a single-disc CD player, a tilt steering wheel, an exterior temperature gauge, and front side airbags.
What we think Subaru needs a little help with this whole de-contenting thing. Sure, sometimes it can be hard to let go, but for there to be any real value in the Impreza WRX TR some sacrifices have to be made. Drop the nice alloy wheels. Nix the automatic headlights and the carpeted floor mats. Otherwise, the scant $1,000 savings hardly seems worth giving up the WRX’s performance seats, leather steering wheel, six-disc CD changer, automatic climate control, and more. Until Subaru trims a bit more fat in the TR, the better-equipped WRX remains the way to go.
Photos courtesy of Ron Perry and Subaru of America
