Subarus have terrific reputations for reliability, safety, and fun-to-drive factor no matter the weather or the road surface. Clearly, what holds the company back from realizing greater sales success is design. The best engineering in the world won't sell if the wrapper it comes in is either controversial (old B9 Tribeca) or forgettable (new B9 Tribeca). The new Subaru WRX is sure to be a blast to drive, but it ain't much to look at. The aggressive look of the old model is replaced by Grandpa's chrome grille, dull flanks, and, on the hatchback, a spoiler that you've gotta squint to see. Going up against the hot new Mitsubishi Evolution X, the otherworldly WRX likely has its work cut out for it.

Photos courtesy of Subaru and Christian Wardlaw