There are few cars that have left such a lasting impression on motoring enthusiasts as the Subaru Impreza WRX. Whether it was the unmistakable burble of the flat-four engine, the raw excitement of early turbo lag, or the sight of that iconic Prodrive spoiler disappearing into the distance, the Impreza WRX was, and still is a car that captures the heart and soul of performance driving.
But where did it all begin? Let’s take a nostalgic journey back to the birth of the road-going Impreza WRX, a car designed not just for the showroom, but for the special stages of the world’s toughest rally competitions.
The story of the WRX (short for World Rally eXperimental) started in the early 90’s when Subaru set out to dominate the rally world. Partnering with Prodrive, the British motorsport company, Subaru developed a car that would go on to claim victory after victory in the World Rally Championship (WRC). But it wasn’t just the rally stages that Subaru wanted to conquer – they wanted enthusiasts to experience the thrill of a rally-bred machine on the open road.
In 1992, the first Subaru Impreza WRX was born, packing a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, an all-wheel-drive system, and the kind of raw, unfiltered driving experience that made every journey feel like a rally stage. The car quickly gained a cult following, with drivers falling in love with its aggressive looks, blistering performance, and that signature boxer engine soundtrack, a sound that meant you always knew when a WRX was coming… or had just flown by!!
Owning and driving a classic WRX today is a reminder of just how thrilling turbocharged cars used to be. Modern performance cars might be refined, but back in the day, turbo lag was all part of the fun. You’d put your foot down, feel the anticipation build, and then – bam! – the turbo spooled up, and you were off like a shot, grinning from ear to ear.
It was an experience that required skill, timing, and a fair bit of bravery, especially in the wet. But that’s what made the WRX so special; it wasn’t just a fast car, it was an event every time you got behind the wheel.
One of the WRX’s most defining features was its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, offering levels of grip that made it feel unshakable in any weather. Whether you were tackling a twisting B-road, a rain-soaked motorway, or even a bit of gravel (we’ve all been tempted), the WRX delivered confidence and control like nothing else.
It’s this legendary grip that made the Impreza such a force to be reckoned with, allowing drivers to experience a rally-like thrill without the need for a co-driver shouting pace notes.
Part of what made the WRX so special was its unique styling – from the mono-style Momo steering wheels, which provided the perfect connection to the road, to the unmistakable Prodrive rear spoilers, designed not just to look the part but to add genuine downforce at speed. Every detail of the WRX screamed rally heritage, making it clear that this was a car built for those who loved driving. And let’s not forget the classic gold wheels, a nod to the Subaru World Rally Team’s championship-winning cars, a must-have for any true fan.
Even today, you can’t mistake a classic WRX for anything else. That deep, offbeat boxer rumble, punctuated by the occasional turbo flutter, is enough to send shivers down the spine of any car enthusiast. Whether you heard one coming down the street or fading into the distance, the WRX had a way of announcing its presence without saying a word. It was the soundtrack to a generation of petrolheads, many of whom spent their youth glued to the TV watching Colin McRae throw one sideways through a rally stage.
If you’ve ever dreamed of getting behind the wheel of a true rally legend, now’s your chance. At RNG Classics, our 2001 Subaru Impreza WRX 2.0 Turbo is ready to transport you back to the golden era of performance motoring. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or discovering the magic for the first time, the WRX delivers an experience like no other.
