THE Subaru Impreza WRX is a wide-body attitude adjustment in an all-wheel-drive car line that ranges from a meek entry model to the spike-fanged, 305-horsepower WRX STI.

The WRX has always been a hoot to drive, but this year Subaru stroked its stance with the same wide-body styling as the STI. The package is available as a sedan and five-door hatchback, which launched this generation’s legend. The track is wider by about 1.5 inches, and the 17-inch Dunlop SP Sport performance tyres are an inch wider, too.

The “Rex” is a wicked thing to see in a rearview mirror and fun without being overwhelming. Pricing in the US starts at US$26,220 (for either body style) and goes to almost US$30,000 for the WRX Limited with leather, moonroof, fog lights and more. Stepping up to the 305-hp STI, with six-speed manual and honking-big trunk wing, would take another US$10,000.

The 265-hp test car had no options and fit my hand like a well-balanced canyon-carving tool. The bolstered sport seats hold snug without restricting and with good lower back support.

There’s something about the thrum of the 265-hp, “boxer” four-cylinder at 4,500 rpm that taunts the driver to make a downshift and flatten the throttle. The car jumps and the Dunlops grab for a contact patch. The steering is steady and controlled while exiting a hot corner, but there still can be some understeer — front-end push — in tight turns. But all it takes is a little throttle steer to correct.

The gearbox isn’t quick, and the throws aren’t short, but there’s enough torque that gear changes don’t have to be rushed. There’s a good long run in first gear and plenty of play-room in third and fourth.

Road noise can be loud, but the six-speaker audio system is up to drowning out the harshness.

The basic bones of the Impreza are sturdy and simple without any ergonomic flaws. Front headroom of 40.2 inches is tall; rear legroom of 33.5 inches is adequate. Trunk space looks bigger than its 11.3 cubic feet, and the back seats fold 60/40.

Nothing important will change for 2012 on WRX and STI. But the 2012 Impreza, in sedan and hatchback, will be completely redesigned and roomier with more trunk room and a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 30 per cent improved fuel-economy ratings.

Standard features include: functional hood scoop; trunk spoiler; alloy pedal covers and driver’s foot rest; carbon-black checkered upholstery with red stitching and embroidered WRX logo; leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching

Safety features include: six air bags; four-wheel disc brakes with 4-channel ABS; electronic brake-force distribution; brake assist; stability and traction controls; hill-start assist

— Creators Specs: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX

Body style: compact, five-passenger, all-wheel-drive, wide-body sport sedan

Engine: aluminum, DOHC turbocharged 2.5-litre horizontally opposed 4-cylinder

Horsepower: 265 at 6,000 rpm

Torque: 244 ft.-lbs. at 4,000 rpm

Transmission: 5-speed manual

0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds

Fuel economy estimates: 19 mpg city, 25 hwy

Fuel capacity: 16.9 gallon

Trunk space: 11.3 cu ft

Front head/leg/shoulder room: 40.3/43.5/54.8 in

Length/wheelbase: 180.3/103.3 in

Turning circle: 35.4 ft