What's up, car enthusiasts! Today, we're taking a super close look at a legend in the making, the 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX Premium. If you're into sporty sedans with a bit of rally heritage, you're gonna love this ride. We're talking about a car that perfectly blends everyday usability with outright performance, making it a fantastic choice for anyone who wants a bit more thrill in their daily commute or weekend adventures. Subaru has a long history of building tough, capable cars, and the WRX is their flagship performance model. The 2010 model year brought some sweet updates that made it even more desirable. So, grab a coffee, get comfy, and let's dive deep into what makes this specific Impreza WRX Premium a real gem.

The Heart of the Beast: Engine and Performance

Alright guys, let's talk about what really gets the adrenaline pumping – the engine and performance of the 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX Premium. Under the hood, you'll find a legendary 2.5-liter turbocharged Subaru Boxer engine. Yeah, you heard that right, a turbocharged Boxer! This setup isn't just for show; it's designed to deliver power low down and keep it coming. This particular model packs a punch with around 265 horsepower and 244 lb-ft of torque. That's a serious amount of grunt for a car of this size and weight, guys. The power delivery is smooth, thanks to the turbocharger kicking in without too much lag. And the sound? Oh man, the signature Subaru rumble is unmistakable and just adds to the whole exhilarating experience. When you put your foot down, this car moves. It’s not just about straight-line speed, though. Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is standard on the WRX, and it’s a game-changer. This means power is constantly being sent to all four wheels, providing incredible traction and stability, especially in corners or less-than-ideal weather conditions. You feel so connected to the road, and that confidence allows you to push the car a little harder, knowing it’s going to grip and go. The 2010 WRX Premium typically came with a 5-speed manual transmission, which is the purist's choice. It’s a crisp, engaging gearbox that allows you to really feel in control of the car’s power. While an automatic was available on lower trims, the Premium almost always featured the manual, and honestly, that's where the real fun is. Steering is responsive, the suspension is tuned for a sporty feel without being bone-jarringly stiff, and the brakes are more than up to the task of stopping this performance sedan. It’s a package that’s designed to make you feel like a rally driver, even if you're just heading to the grocery store.

Premium Touches: Interior and Features

Now, let's talk about what sets the 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX Premium apart from its sportier siblings – the premium touches that make it a bit more civilized for daily driving. While the WRX is all about performance, the Premium trim level makes sure you're not sacrificing too much comfort and convenience. Stepping inside, you'll notice a significant upgrade in materials and features compared to the base WRX models. The seats are often a highlight, typically featuring a more supportive design, sometimes with better bolstering and perhaps even leather accents or full leather upholstery, depending on the specific options chosen. These seats are designed to hold you in place during spirited driving but are also comfortable enough for longer journeys. The dashboard and interior trim often receive a more refined finish, with better plastics and maybe some metallic or faux-carbon fiber accents to enhance the sporty yet premium feel. Subaru knows that WRX buyers aren't just looking for a track day car; many use these as their daily drivers, so they included features that make life easier and more enjoyable. Expect to find a premium audio system, often with more speakers and better sound quality than the standard setup. This could include features like satellite radio readiness and an auxiliary input for your tunes. Climate control is usually automatic, keeping the cabin at your desired temperature effortlessly. Other premium features might include a power sunroof, which adds an open and airy feel to the cabin, and heated front seats, a definite bonus for those chilly mornings. Keyless entry and push-button start might also be present on some models, adding a touch of modern convenience. The steering wheel is usually wrapped in leather and often includes integrated audio and cruise control buttons, keeping your hands on the wheel and your focus on the road. While the WRX isn't exactly known for being a luxury car, the Premium trim significantly elevates the interior experience, making it a more pleasant place to be for both the driver and passengers. It strikes a great balance between its performance DNA and the need for a comfortable, well-equipped daily driver. It’s this blend that makes the WRX Premium so appealing to a wider audience.

Styling That Means Business: Exterior Design

The 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX Premium certainly doesn't shy away from making a statement with its exterior design. It’s a car that looks like it means business, blending aggressive styling cues with a practical sedan or hatchback (depending on the specific body style chosen for the Premium trim) silhouette. Up front, you'll immediately notice the iconic Subaru grille and the distinctive headlights that give the WRX a focused, determined look. But the real head-turner is the hood scoop. This isn't just for aesthetics, guys; it's a functional element that helps feed air to the intercooler, keeping that turbocharged engine happy and performing at its best. It's a visual cue that tells everyone this car has some serious power under the hood. The front bumper is typically more aggressive than on standard Imprezas, with larger air intakes designed to help cool the engine and brakes, hinting at the car's performance capabilities. Moving along the sides, the WRX Premium often sports larger alloy wheels, usually in the 17-inch or even 18-inch range, shod with performance tires. These wheels not only look fantastic but also contribute to better handling and grip. The side skirts and the overall stance of the car are lower and wider, giving it a planted, sporty appearance. The fenders might be slightly flared to accommodate the wider track and larger wheels, further enhancing its muscular look. Now, the rear of the 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX Premium is just as purposeful. A prominent rear spoiler is a signature WRX feature, aiding in aerodynamics and downforce, especially at higher speeds. The rear bumper often features a diffuser-like element, and you'll definitely see the dual exhaust tips, which not only sound awesome but also signify the performance-oriented nature of the engine. Depending on whether you opt for the sedan or the hatchback, the overall profile changes, but both versions exude that same sporty, ready-to-perform attitude. The hatchback, with its sportier, more compact look, might appeal to those who prioritize a more aggressive aesthetic, while the sedan offers a more classic sporty car silhouette. Regardless of the body style, the 2010 WRX Premium is a car that visually communicates its performance credentials. It’s not overly flashy or gaudy, but it has subtle, functional design elements that enthusiasts will appreciate and that make it stand out from the crowd. It's a car that looks good parked and even better on the move.

Safety and Practicality: More Than Just Speed

When we talk about the 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX Premium, it's easy to get caught up in the performance aspects, but Subaru also put a strong emphasis on safety and everyday practicality. This car isn't just about going fast; it’s about getting you there safely and comfortably, too. Subaru is renowned for its commitment to safety, and the WRX Premium is no exception. It comes equipped with a suite of airbags, including front, side-curtain, and knee airbags, providing comprehensive protection for occupants in the event of a collision. The chassis is built with high-strength steel, designed to absorb and dissipate impact energy effectively. Features like anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), and traction control are standard, helping the driver maintain control in emergency situations and slippery conditions. And of course, as mentioned before, the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is a massive safety asset. Its ability to distribute power to all four wheels provides exceptional grip, significantly reducing the risk of skidding or losing control, especially in adverse weather like rain, snow, or ice. This makes the WRX Premium a surprisingly capable car year-round, not just a fair-weather toy. Beyond safety, let's talk about practicality. While it’s a performance car, it’s still an Impreza, meaning it’s designed to be a functional vehicle. The interior, especially in the Premium trim, offers comfortable seating for four adults, with decent legroom and headroom, though the rear middle seat might be a bit tight for longer trips. The trunk space in the sedan is quite generous for its class, and the hatchback version offers even more versatility with its larger cargo area and split-folding rear seats, making it capable of carrying larger items. The cabin is generally well-thought-out, with plenty of storage cubbies for smaller items. Fuel economy, while not its strongest suit due to the performance engine, is respectable for a car with AWD and a turbocharger, especially if driven moderately. Subaru also engineered the suspension to offer a good balance between sporty handling and ride comfort. While it’s firmer than a standard Impreza, it’s not excessively harsh, making it perfectly acceptable for daily commuting. The 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX Premium proves that you don't have to compromise too much on safety or practicality to enjoy a thrilling driving experience. It’s a well-rounded package that offers peace of mind along with performance.

The Verdict: Is the 2010 WRX Premium Still a Great Buy?

So, we've covered the engine, the interior, the styling, and the safety – but what's the final verdict on the 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX Premium? Guys, if you're looking for a performance car that offers a fantastic blend of thrills, all-weather capability, and surprising practicality, then this car is still an absolute winner in my book. The 2.5-liter turbocharged Boxer engine provides exhilarating acceleration, and the signature Subaru rumble is just pure joy for any car enthusiast. Paired with the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, you get confidence-inspiring traction and handling that can tackle twisty roads and adverse weather conditions with ease. The Premium trim specifically adds those little touches that elevate the driving experience, making it more comfortable and enjoyable for daily use. Think better seats, a premium sound system, and maybe even a sunroof – all the goodies that make you feel a bit more special behind the wheel. It strikes that perfect balance between being a hardcore performance machine and a usable daily driver. The aggressive styling, complete with that iconic hood scoop and rear spoiler, means this car looks the part of a performance sedan. And let's not forget Subaru's reputation for safety and reliability. While any performance car requires diligent maintenance, the WRX is generally built to last. Finding a well-maintained example of the 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX Premium can be a fantastic investment for anyone seeking a spirited driving experience without breaking the bank on a brand-new performance car. These cars are known for their durability and their ability to handle modifications if you're into that scene, though a stock or lightly modified example is often the most reliable. Just be sure to do your homework, get a pre-purchase inspection, and look for a car with a solid service history. If you can find one that's been cared for, you'll be rewarded with a car that's incredibly fun to drive, capable in almost any condition, and still holds a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts everywhere. It’s a modern classic, guys, and definitely worth considering if you're in the market for a performance sedan with character and capability.