Living in Iowa definitely makes a compelling case for AWD. Unfortunately, the cheap feel of the interior turned me off and my next stop was a Mazda dealer, where I bought my 09 MS3 GT.
Just curious, why did you go with the WRX sedan? I think the 5 door looks much better, and I need cargo space for the work I do.
Still, congrats on the new car, I hope you enjoy it as much as you enjoyed your MS3!