Hey car enthusiasts, let's dive deep into one of the most iconic performance sedans of its time – the 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX Premium. If you're looking for a car that blends everyday usability with exhilarating track-day capability, then you've come to the right place. The WRX Premium trim, guys, wasn't just an appearance package; it was a carefully curated selection of upgrades designed to enhance both the driving experience and the comfort of this already legendary machine. Subaru really knew what they were doing when they rolled out this beauty. It's a car that screams performance while still offering the practicality needed for your daily commute or a weekend getaway. We're talking about a car that has a serious cult following for a reason. It's a raw, unadulterated driving experience that’s hard to find in newer cars, which often lean more towards refinement than outright fun. The 2010 model year, in particular, saw some subtle yet significant tweaks that made the WRX even more desirable. From the enthusiast's perspective, this car represents a sweet spot in the WRX lineage – refined enough to be comfortable, but still retaining that raw, turbocharged punch and legendary Subaru all-wheel-drive grip that made the nameplate famous. So, buckle up, because we're about to explore everything that makes the 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX Premium a standout.

Performance and Powertrain: Unleashing the Beast

Let's get straight to the heart of what makes the 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX Premium tick: its incredible performance. Under the hood, this beast packs a potent 2.5-liter turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve flat-four engine. This isn't just any engine; it's a Subaru boxer engine, renowned for its low center of gravity and balanced design, which contributes significantly to the car's exceptional handling. We're talking about a solid 265 horsepower and 244 lb-ft of torque. Now, that might not sound like stratospheric numbers by today's standards, but believe me, when that turbo kicks in, it's a completely different story. The power delivery is aggressive and thrilling, offering a serious shove that pushes you back into your seat. This engine is paired with a standard 5-speed manual transmission, which is exactly what you want for a car like this. It offers a crisp, engaging feel that puts you in complete control of the power. Forget those slushy automatics; the manual is where the real fun is at. The gearing is well-matched to the engine's powerband, allowing you to exploit the turbo's boost effectively on twisty roads or during spirited driving. Subaru's legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is, of course, standard. This isn't just for show, guys; it's a serious performance enhancer. It provides phenomenal grip in all weather conditions, allowing you to corner with confidence and accelerate out of turns with tenacity that few other cars can match. Whether you're tackling rain-slicked streets or carving up a mountain pass, the AWD system makes you feel glued to the road. The WRX Premium also received upgraded brakes compared to lower trims, meaning it can stop as effectively as it goes. The suspension setup is firm, leaning towards sporty, which further enhances the car's handling prowess. It’s designed to minimize body roll during cornering, keeping the car flat and predictable even when pushed hard. This combination of a potent turbocharged engine, a precise manual gearbox, and the exceptional grip of the AWD system makes the 2010 WRX Premium a truly exhilarating driving machine that punches well above its weight.

Exterior Styling: Aggressive and Functional

When you first lay eyes on the 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX Premium, you know it means business. Subaru absolutely nailed the aggressive yet functional exterior design for this generation. It’s a look that has stood the test of time, and honestly, it still turns heads today. The most prominent feature, and a defining characteristic of any WRX, is the hood scoop. This isn't just for aesthetics; it's a functional component designed to feed cool air directly into the intercooler, which is crucial for maintaining optimal engine performance. Complementing the hood scoop are the aggressive front fascia, featuring a unique grille and a more pronounced front spoiler, giving the WRX a wider, lower stance. The headlights are sharp and purposeful, adding to the car's menacing presence. As a Premium model, you get some distinct advantages. For starters, you're looking at 17-inch lightweight alloy wheels, often finished in a striking gunmetal grey, which not only look fantastic but also contribute to reducing unsprung weight, benefiting handling. These wheels are typically shod with performance tires, ready to grip the asphalt. The side profile is enhanced by subtle fender flares that give the WRX a muscular look, hinting at the wider track and capable suspension beneath. The rear of the car is equally impressive. You'll find a prominent rear spoiler – a signature element of the WRX lineage – which isn't just for show; it aids in aerodynamic stability at higher speeds. The dual exhaust tips, often polished or stainless steel, not only sound great but also allow the turbocharged engine to breathe more freely. The overall silhouette is that of a compact sports sedan that’s ready for action, but with enough refined lines to also serve as a respectable daily driver. It strikes that perfect balance between boy-racer aggression and understated performance. The paint options for the 2010 WRX Premium were also typically vibrant, with choices like WR Blue Mica being a fan favorite, further emphasizing its rally-bred heritage. It’s a car that looks fast even when it’s standing still, and that's a testament to Subaru's design team.

Interior Comfort and Technology: A Driver-Focused Cockpit

While the 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX Premium is undoubtedly a performance-oriented car, Subaru didn't forget about the folks inside. The interior is designed with the driver firmly in mind, offering a blend of sporty appointments and practical features that make it a comfortable place to be, whether you're commuting or embarking on a longer journey. As a Premium trim, you benefit from some key upgrades that set it apart. The seats are a major highlight. You get sport bucket seats up front, which provide significantly better bolstering than standard seats. This means you stay planted in your seat during spirited driving, which is crucial for maintaining control and focus. They are often upholstered in a durable cloth material that’s both comfortable and grippy. For the 2010 model year, Subaru also included a premium audio system. This typically involved a more powerful head unit with more speakers, offering improved sound quality for your tunes. While it might not have the massive touchscreens and integrated navigation of today's cars, it was a solid system for its time, providing clear and robust audio. Automatic climate control was another significant upgrade found in the Premium trim. This feature allows you to set your desired temperature, and the system automatically adjusts the fan speed and air distribution to maintain it, taking the guesswork out of keeping the cabin comfortable. Bluetooth connectivity was also becoming more common, offering hands-free calling and audio streaming, which was a big deal back then. The dashboard layout is driver-centric, with all the essential controls within easy reach. The gauges are clear and easy to read, with the tachometer prominently placed. The steering wheel is typically a three-spoke design, often wrapped in leather and featuring audio controls. The materials used throughout the cabin are durable and feel well-assembled, even if they aren't the most luxurious. It’s a cabin built for function and longevity. The rear seats offer decent space for passengers, making the WRX a surprisingly practical compact sedan. The trunk is also adequately sized for everyday needs, fitting groceries or luggage for a weekend trip. In essence, the WRX Premium's interior is a well-executed blend of sporty intent and everyday comfort, ensuring that the thrill of driving doesn't come at the expense of convenience.

Safety Features: Peace of Mind on the Road

When you're driving a car with the performance capabilities of the 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX Premium, safety is naturally a top priority. Subaru has a strong reputation for building safe vehicles, and the WRX Premium is no exception. They equipped this sporty sedan with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision and to help prevent accidents in the first place. Standard on all WRX models, including the Premium trim, is Subaru's renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. While primarily a performance enhancer, AWD plays a crucial role in active safety by providing superior traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, or ice. This significantly reduces the risk of skidding or losing control. In terms of passive safety, the 2010 WRX Premium comes equipped with a robust safety cell structure, designed to absorb and dissipate crash energy. You'll find front, front-side, and side-curtain airbags providing a protective cushion for occupants in various impact scenarios. The front airbags are multi-stage, deploying with varying force depending on the severity of the impact. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard, preventing wheel lock-up during hard braking and allowing the driver to maintain steering control. This is absolutely critical for avoiding obstacles. Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) works in conjunction with ABS to optimize braking pressure between the front and rear wheels based on load and driving conditions. Brake Assist is also typically included, which automatically applies maximum braking force if it detects that the driver is braking hard but not with full pedal pressure. Subaru also paid attention to the vehicle's stability. While not as advanced as modern electronic stability control systems, the WRX Premium still benefits from a well-tuned suspension and the inherent stability of the AWD system. The steering is also designed to be responsive, allowing the driver to react quickly to potential hazards. Visibility from the driver's seat is generally good, thanks to the car's greenhouse design and relatively thin pillars for its class. The fog lights, often standard on the Premium trim, further enhance visibility in poor weather. In summary, the 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX Premium offers a solid foundation of safety features, blending active systems like AWD and ABS with passive protections like airbags and a strong chassis, giving drivers confidence whether they're enjoying a spirited drive or navigating daily commutes. It’s a testament to Subaru’s commitment to building cars that are not only fun to drive but also safe for everyone on board.

Why the 2010 WRX Premium is a Future Classic

So, guys, why is the 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX Premium still so highly regarded today, and why is it considered a future classic by many? Well, it boils down to a perfect storm of factors that are increasingly rare in the automotive world. Firstly, it represents a sweet spot in the WRX's evolution. It has the raw, turbocharged punch and the mechanical feel that enthusiasts crave, but it also has enough modern amenities and refinement to be genuinely usable as a daily driver. It’s not overly digitalized like many newer cars, offering a more connected and engaging driving experience. The 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer engine coupled with the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is a legendary combination that delivers thrilling performance and confidence-inspiring grip. This powertrain is robust, tunable, and has a distinctive character that enthusiasts appreciate. The 5-speed manual transmission is the cherry on top, providing that essential driver engagement. Secondly, the styling of the 2010 model is arguably one of the most attractive in the WRX's history. The aggressive lines, the functional hood scoop, the prominent rear spoiler – it all adds up to a car that looks purposeful and exciting without being overly ostentatious. It’s a design that has aged gracefully. Furthermore, the Premium trim specifically added desirable features like improved seats and a better audio system, enhancing the overall ownership experience without compromising the car's core performance identity. These factory upgrades make it a more attractive proposition than a base model WRX for many. The Subaru WRX community is also incredibly strong and supportive. There's a vast aftermarket for performance parts, tuning, and aesthetic modifications, allowing owners to personalize their cars and extract even more performance. Finding parts, advice, and fellow enthusiasts is easier for a WRX than for many other vehicles. Finally, in an era where most performance cars are becoming heavier, more complex, and more electronically controlled, the 2010 WRX Premium stands out as a more analog and purer driving machine. It offers an unfiltered connection between the driver, the car, and the road. It’s a car that rewards skillful driving and offers immense fun factor for its price point, even years later. For these reasons, the 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX Premium isn't just a great car; it’s a modern classic in the making, and a highly sought-after vehicle for anyone who appreciates performance, rally heritage, and a truly engaging driving experience.