The new generation Subaru Impreza WRX hatchback launched here in 2007 reminded me of a star athlete showing the first signs of flabbiness.
The suspension was softer, the acceleration figures were good but not fantastic. It was still fast and handled well but felt like it had spent some time sitting on the couch munching high-cholesterol snacks.
And, although looks have never been Subaru's strongest point, the rather unfortunate styling of the WRX hatchback really stretched brand loyalty.
Recently Subaru SA addressed this by replacing the WRX and 2.0R hatches with sedan models, leaving the high-performance STi as the only hatch in the range. The sedan is built on the same wheelbase as the hatch but is 165mm longer with a wing on the boot.
Along with its extended bum the WRX also got a testosterone boost. The turbocharged 2.5-litre DOHC boxer engine has a bigger turbo and an upgraded exhaust to hike outputs to 195kW and 343Nm (26kW and 23Nm stronger than the outgoing WRX hatchback), making it the most powerful WRX yet and edging closer to the STI's 221kW and 407Nm.
There's nothing changed in the Impreza's all-wheel drive system, which still apportions a standard 50/50 front-to-rear power split, varied to a certain extent by a viscous coupling depending on driving conditions.
However, the suspension has been tweaked for better handling with slightly stiffer springs, beefed-up roll bars, and wider (225/45 R17) rubber.
I wondered whether this would bring the car back to its finely-honed athletic best.
A few minutes behind the wheel confirmed that the WRX sedan, like the hatch it replaces, is still a very driveable, everyday-user-friendly car. It wafts over rough roads without dislodging teeth or spinal discs but has some serious bite when prodded.
It accelerates quicker than ever and takes corners just as fast - on bumpy roads probably even faster than its firmly sprung predecessors - and, although this Scooby has a more civilised side, it still does the business when you're driving in all-guns-blazing mode.
Subaru hasn't forgotten what sprinkles Tabasco on an enthusiast driver's oyster - that came through loud and clear during a few laps around Gerotek's ride and handling circuit.
There's a tad more body roll but less understeer than in WRX's past, ensuring a super-crisp turn-in as the noise snuggles into the apex. The car dances through turns with the typically sharp, fleet-footed feel that has made the WRX badge revered in high-adrenalin lore.
The more compliant suspension allows the car to be driven quicker through bumpy mountain passes, rather than skittering about like a drop of water on a hot stove, while a new steering damper reduces kickback on bumpy roads.
EXTRA FIREPOWER
The engine also makes a suitably charismatic sound, a burble distinctive to its pugilistically-arranged cylinders, so it rates favourably on the aural scale.
The extra firepower was clearly evident in the car's more spirited feel and subsequently confirmed by our testing equipment when we recorded 0-100 in 6.2sec and a 14.3sec quarter mile at altitude, compared to the 7.4 and 15.1 attained by the less muscular hatch.
The WRX is officially restricted to a top speed of 210km/h but your Subaru dealer can ungovern it to 233km/h. All you have to do is ask - and that apparently applies to most governed Subaru models.
Earlier, two-litre turbo WRXs were notorious for turbo lag, which made them go from meek to manic in a sudden rush. The 2.5's power delivery is more linear and thus more civilised, although the kettle still only starts boiling at 4000rpm.
The main changes to the cabin include black trim mouldings, WRX-embossed sport seats, instrument lighting in red, aluminium pedals and metal trim around the centre console and door handles.
VERDICT
The hardcore street-racer brigade might lament a slight softening of the WRX's character but it's definitely not a case of there being a wheeze where once was a snarl.
I call this the thinking man's high-performance car; it balances finesse and user-friendliness with great sporting ability. Yin and Yang in harmony.
The rough edges have been filed off and the WRX has become a more complete car without losing any of its dynamic ability. - INL Motoring