Cars of the year revealed
By Michael Binstock
Acorn Automotive Editor

Subaru WRX - pure excitement

I find it really difficult when asked to select a car of the year. Do I go for technical achievement? How about luxury and price points? But when it comes down to it, my criteria is very simple – after my test period with the car, did I want to give it back? This past year there were two cars that I found it very difficult to part with.

Inspired by the Subaru Impreza World Rally Championship racecar, the 2002 All-Wheel Drive Impreza WRX offers outstanding performance.

The turbocharged Impreza WRX performance models demonstrate the value of a racing pedigree in a road car. Subaru captured the grueling World Rally Championship three years in a row. This type of rallying encompasses all-weather, high-speed driving on pavement, hard-packed gravel, mud and snow.

In addition to the 227-horsepower turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, the 2002 Impreza WRX model comes equipped with a full roster of standard high-performance equipment. Sport-tuned four-wheel independent suspension provides sharp handling response and a compliant ride. The WRX comes equipped with standard 16 x 6.5-inch alloy wheels with 205/55 R16 Bridgestone Potenza RE92 tires. Subaru dealers can install accessory 17 x 7-inch alloy wheels with recommended 215/45 R17 tires.

Jaguar X-TYPE

The 2002 Impreza WRX brings the company’s years of experience with rally-winning turbocharged cars to the road. The WRX engine uses aluminum-alloy construction for the cylinder block and heads.

The WRX engine produces 227 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 217 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. The resulting beefy midrange gives the WRX 2.0-liter turbo the response of a much larger engine. The WRX engine’s specific power output compares to some supercars – 113.5 horsepower per liter of displacement. In plain words, this little powerhouse knocks you back into the seats as the power comes on and leaves every other car in the dust. The functional hood scoop supplies cool air flow for the intercooler.

I’m not condoning fast driving. In fact I’m the first to stress that driving a car should be an exercise in caution and safety, but there are some roads, locally, where it’s possible to let the juices flow and put your driving talents to the test. The WRX is a car that can test you. It’s not the usual competent sedan but a high performance "wolf in sheep’s clothing."

It’ss been some time since I have enjoyed a car so much. There was enough room for the family, a cavernous trunk and all the driving excitement I could possibly want, and in a car that sells for less than $25,000.

Suburu of Thousand Oaks Performance Center can do even more to this car, increasing the horsepower to almost 250 bhp and tuning the WRX to make this one of the most amazing cars I’ve driven for some time. Go check it out.

Automobiles of the year

Now to my second choice. The Jaguar X-TYPE sport sedan combines a fresh performance spirit with the luxury, craftsmanship and refinement for which Jaguar is renowned. There are two motors available, a 2.5 liter with 194-horsepower and a 231-horsepower 3.0 liter AJ-V6 engine. The standard Jaguar Traction-4 all-wheel drive system provides outstanding grip on both dry and wet road surfaces, giving the X-TYPE a clear advantage over front and rear-wheel drive models in this segment. The X-TYPE 2.5-liter model features a standard five-speed manual transmission, with a five-speed electronic automatic available as an option. The 3.0-liter model comes with the automatic as standard, with the manual as a no-cost option. An optional Sport Package available for both models puts a sharper edge on the responsive handling and adds exclusive trim.

There’s no doubt from the design that this is a Jaguar. The sleek profile, quad headlights, low-profile chrome grille and Jaguar hood ornament draw a clear link to other current Jaguar models. My first thought was a leaner, smaller XJ8, not a bad observation.

Inside, traditional Jaguar craftsmanship blends with new technology. Standard equipment includes Connolly leather-trimmed seats, a full slate of power conveniences and a 120-watt audio system. There is an GPS navigation system, which includes a touch-screen that also provides control for the audio and climate systems, as well as the optional, integrated cellular telephone and JaguarNet emergency messaging system.

As I found out on the streets and freeways of Atlanta and also on the banking at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Jaguar has developed the X-TYPE’s driving dynamics to reward the driving enthusiast, providing nimble responses while delivering a traditional smooth, comfortable and quiet ride. Even at 140 mph on the banking where racecars achieve over 200 mph, the X-TYPE felt safe and secure.

The standard full-time all-wheel drive system, Jaguar Traction-4, uses a planetary center differential with a viscous coupling to split the power 40 percent front/60 percent rear. The rear-biased torque split reinforces the sporting character of the new Jaguar sedan. In poor weather, the viscous coupling automatically and transparently transfers power away from slipping wheels to those with the best traction.

The Georgia streets were dry so I wasn’t able to test in extreme conditions but on Atlanta’s winding country roads I wasn’t able to get into any trouble. The car felt as if it would go anywhere I pointed it.

You do feel a difference in driving the bigger engine, there’s more mid-range power and when mated to the five-speed manual transmission, it brings a sensation to driving a Jaguar that hasn’t been available for almost 30 years.

Like the exterior, the X-TYPE interior uses classic Jaguar themes with a contemporary twist to provide an intimate, comfortable and thoroughly functional cockpit. Traditional real wood veneers in bird’s-eye maple are combined with soft, luxurious trim materials, with Connolly leather seats standard on both models. Attention to detail throughout reflects Jaguar’s rich tradition of craftsmanship, including the refined feel of all controls and switches, as well as the overall quality of fit and finish.

The Sport Package interior is distinguished by the use of dark wood veneer, exclusive leather-trimmed sports seats, a sports steering wheel with perforated leather trim, dark speaker trim, and a gearshift knob finished in leather.

Jaguar of Thousand Oaks has the X-TYPE in stock and ready for test drive. You won’t be disappointed.