Thoroughly redesigned for 2008, the WRX has a face not only a mother could love, necessarily, but maybe one only she'd recognize. Upon first laying eyes on the new WRX sedan, enthusiasts weren't always kind, likening its looks to Corollas, Saturns and, sometimes, even Accords. Heck, even journalists who drove the car lamented the redesign cost the WRX its rawness behind the wheel.

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There is no question the new car is more refined, which is exactly what Subaru wanted. It is, after all, in the business of selling all the cars it can make.

The engine of the WRX remains largely unchanged, with the same 2.5 liter displacement and horizontal, four-cylinder layout, though a new intercooler, turbocharger and intake manifold mean the power now comes earlier as the midrange is emphasized. Peak numbers remain the same as in the previous generation car, however, at 224 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 226 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm, or 400 and 800 revs sooner, respectively. Likewise, the same transmissions are carried over, unchanged, comprising the five-speed manual and optional four-speed automatic. Symmetrical all-wheel drive, a Subaru trademark, is of course standard equipment.

For the first time, the WRX comes with Vehicle Dynamics Control, which can thankfully be switched off with the push of a button, and other goodies buyers get include 17-inch 10-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels, 80 Watt 4-speaker audio system with AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA capability, vehicle speed-sensing volume adjustment and auxillary audio jack, as well as a leather-wrapped shift knob and 3-spoke steering wheel with cruise control buttons (though no longer MOMO branded). Another first for the sedan is the 60/40-split flat-folding rear seats. Of course, air conditioning, power mirrors, locks and windows are included too.

The first optional package, Premium, adds fog lights, a four-piece ground effects kit with rear spoiler, dual chrome exhaust tips, heated side mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer, two-level heated front seats and steering wheel-mounted audio controls for the upgraded 10-speaker sound system with in-dash 6-disc changer also with MP3/WMA capability.

The second and final options package includes all of the above, but substitutes the audio system for a 100 Watt system with a single-disc AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA player integrated into the 7-inch touch-screen LCD that provides navigation data and a multifunctional trip computer (fuel economy, driving range, outside temperature, calculator and maintenance log). Sirius satellite radio is also included.

Lots of dealer-installed accessories as well as the four-speed auto transmission round out the standalone options.