Well, you're obviously all entitled to your oppinions but... I can't help but shake my head reading some of them. When the WRX first came out in '02, everyone raved about its performance but had issues with it's bug-eyed headlamps and chinty interior. Subaru obviously listened to the public and lost the bug-eyes in '04 and gave the interior a huge upgrade in '05. Fast forward a year and, while they improved upon what was already a kickass engine, most would agree they took a step back with the fugly grill. Like peajay, it eventually grew on me... but if I'm going to drop 25k down on a car, it shouldn't "eventually" grow on me.
So.... since Subaru obviously has a history of listening to their critics, the fugly grill is gone. Being a new model, they naturally weren't going to just stop there.
Interior: if you really think it looks like a kia you need your head examined. take another look. It seems to have the same high-quality construction as the current model. Notice some of the nice touches like the glossy glove box and sculpted lines. In dash navigation anyone? how about steering wheel controls. Oh and the best part... framed doors! These are all improvements over the current model. Did they take a step backwards? Not that I can see... the only thing that I'd have to learn to live with is the hideous green lighting I'm sure they'll put in the base WRX. But other than that... the interior my not be flashy but it's definitely an improvement.
Exterior... obviously this is always subjective so why even waste my time? But I will anyway. Dual exhaust.... the license plate is between the lights (where it should be) the taillights have a nice LED cluster.... as was mentioned, the fugly 06 grill is gone in favor of a much cleaner all around look. Does it look like a mini Legacy? yup! Is that a bad thing? Not to me it's not. Think about the market for this car. Let's split the difference and say this car will sell for $25k Without question, Subaru hired a firm to do market research on what type of car their target market wanted. Who's their target market? Well... how about people who can afford $25k for a new car? While there will always be "kids" out there stretching their budgets and financing at double-digit rates in order to get the car of their dreams.... These are not the people subaru is after. They know those kids will be there no matter what. instead, imagine the 20 or even 30 something with a good paying job... Maybe they thought about a WRX before but couldn't get over the boy racer looks. huge hoodscoop... gigantic wing.... So instead, they paid a lot more for an infinity or something like that... offering similar performance but with a more understated look.
Fast forward to 08 and that guy doesn't have to worry about looking like a putz in front of his boss. (this coming from a guy who drives around in a bright orange car so I know a thing or two about "car discrimination") Unlike many of the people in Subaru's target market though, I could care less. Since subaru's in the business of selling cars and not worrying about the collective backbone of today's young male, saying "you shouldn't care what other people think of your car" is completely irrelevant.
Since I, as usual, went off on a tangent... I'll sum it up by saying this....
With this car, you're getting all of the performance you come to expect from the WRX along with an extremely classy looking car. This is the combo that attracts people to the $35k+ Infinity G... Lexus IS.... Audi S4.... the list goes on and on. Subaru saw the chink in their armor and fixed it. Now, more than ever, this car will represent the ultimate bargain for people looking for the best of both worlds.
