Featuring a sports suspension, stronger shocks and brakes, and front sport seats, the 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon is not your typical family wagon, but a concealed street racer, thanks to a 2.5-liter, turbo DOHC H4 that hits 230-hp this year (up 3-hp from last year) with 235 lb-ft of torque.  The engine is matched to a 5-speed manual only, and the practical wagon uses its AWD and limited slip center and rear differentials to ably tackle tough roads and weather.  Other features include front and rear stabilizer bars, an independent suspension, 17-inch wheels with all-season tires (the 2.5i only has 16-inch), 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, daytime running lights, foglights, and dual front-side airbags.  Dual-stage deploying airbags are new this year.

Outside, the 2006 Impreza WRX Wagon sports a front air dam and rear spoiler and a standard roof rack, which supplements the 27-62 cubic feet of interior cargo space.  A cargo cover keeps things hidden, and tie-downs and grocery hooks keep things secure.  A trailer hitch is available.  Leather trim, carpeted floor mats, intermittent front and rear wipers, full power features, a temperature display, a CD changer, and wheel-mounted cruise control are part of the WRX Wagon package.  Skid plates, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a security system, and an alloy-topped shifter knob are a few options.  Great power and acceleration, AWD performance, and cargo versatility please owners of the 2006 Impreza WRX Wagon, but they don't like the 20/26 mpg and the slight turbo lag.