Practical and fun
Published On: May 25, 2010
2010 Subaru Impreza
WRX STi
When you were young, did you have the good fortune to drive a car that made you feel just plain ol’ good? Everything about it suited you perfectly…the size, the look, the performance? You slipped stylishly behind the wheel and all was right with the world?
For me, it was my Fiat X-19. Oh, my. It was the first car I ever bought; a car that almost caused my ever-practical parents to disown me. It was everything they hated. It was a sports car. It was zippy. It had room for only two people; it was a convertible; it was bright turquoise, and it was Italian.
It nearly killed ’em.
In those days, you had two choices: (1) fun, unpractical cars, or (2) un-fun, practical cars. I cast my lot with fun and never looked back.
Fortunately, today the range of choices is much broader, and no one should have to compromise fun for practicality. The 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STi is a car that would have satisfied my parents and me back in the “olden” days.
First, the Subaru Impreza STi is beautifully designed and stylish in a cute sort of way. Quite compact, the Impreza has plenty of room for four. While you may not want to put two basketball players in the back seat for a cross-country rally, the nicely appointed interior is spacious enough for the tallest of my friends.
The STi is one of a stable full of Impreza models, and it’s one of the thoroughbreds of the bunch. It handles like a dream. Tight, responsive steering, and plenty of power. Had I driven this car during my autocross and racing days, I would have been darned hard to beat!
All-wheel drive came in mighty handy in the Big Snow enabling me to scoot around town and up and down hills with nary a problem. The STi offers three performance modes to suit your driving environment, conditions and personal preference: Intelligent, Sport and Sport# (Sport Sharp). The “Intelligent” mode is good for everyday all-purpose transportation, offering smooth driving and maximum fuel efficiency. Dial in the “Sport” mode, and you get a lovely power boost when you put your foot in it. In Sport# mode, the Impreza STi is at the top of its game, delivering maximum power and superb handling.
See, you really don’t have to choose any more.
2010 Cadillac SRX Turbo
2.8L, V6 Turbo
There is just something about a Cadillac. They’re not flashy. They’re not flamboyant. They’re just American-elegant cars, and the 2010 SRX Turbo is no exception. It is just one fine, fine ride.
Smaller than its predecessors, this year’s SRX has assumed pure-D crossover status. If you’re considering a comparable Lexus, Volvo, Acura or BMW, don’t jump until you’ve taken a spin in the SRX.
On a recent trip of several hundred miles, the car was simply a joy to drive and incredibly comfortable…sort of like bombing down the highway firmly ensconced in your living room. Hours on the road with no auto fatigue at all. (Is there an award for superior power lumbar support?)
The 2.8L turbocharged V6 turbo delivers power when you need it, and in the unpleasantness of February’s snow and ice, the AWD and traction control came in miiiighty handy. Not only could I get safely down my hilly driveway, at the end of the day, I could get back UP. No mean feat.
The car is incredibly appointed. The list of luxury conveniences is long. Everything from XM Satellite radio (subscription sold separately) and a year of Onstar to a USB port, rearview camera and a programmable power liftgate.
But above all, it’s a Cadillac. And there’s just something about a Cadillac. Especially this one.
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