After what seems like years of justifying the new design to your mates, you can now look at the Impreza WRX and smile. I’ve never been so chuffed to see a bigger backside in my entire life.

It rounds of the car and prevents it from looking like an eleven year old Kia Rio. Dark 17 inch alloys, a subtle spoiler at the rear and a neat intercooler up front round off what has become an exciting package.

But with Subaru, it’s never been about appearance, has it? It is quite simply all about the drive, but more on that in a bit. It certainly has never been about the interior. Looking at the dash in this car, I couldn’t help but think that Subaru’s henchmen are so single minded that they literally forgot about it. Either that or they just don’t know what ‘an interior’ is. It’s like having a 17 year old brother who lives in his darkened room, endlessly hacking into the Pentagon but couldn’t operate the washing machine if his freedom depended on it.

The after-market radio is so awful that it’s laughable. I simply can’t understand how in 2009 a Japanese car company can install an after-market radio which is flummoxed by an MP3 disc. You invented the bloody thing you wallies. Get it right.

Thankfully, when they weren’t rummaging around in old parts bins for a light switch, the other 99% of this car’s development time was used by the drivetrain geniuses at Subaru HQ to perfect the best all wheel drive system known to man. Honestly, throw this car into any corner at any speed and you will a) frighten your passengers to death, b) create an orchestra of tyre squeal and c) come out of the corner perfectly in tact.

I’ve never felt so brave and yet so safe. On a good road at an ungodly hour and with plenty of fuel on board (this car has a drinking problem) you’ll struggle to have more fun in anything near this sort of money.

The best part about everything this car does is what it doesn’t do. This is the only car I know that doesn’t try and flatter you. Every car these days is built so that a blind one armed orang utan can do a 1 minute 29 around the Nurburgring in the snow.

But the Subaru just isn’t. If you aren’t careful with the clutch, you will stall. If you don’t work the gears, you’ll be slow and boring. Short-shift in 3rd or 4th and you’ll bang your nose on the steering wheel.

But concentrate, grab the car by the scruff of the neck and drive it like you’re in a bar fight, and the Impreza WRX will never fail to deliver you to sheer driving…heaven.

Article originally appeared on overdrivetv.co.za - a SubaruBlog.co.za partner.

While that car was known as the Impreza 2.0 GT and was powered by a 2.0-litre turbo producing 155 kW, the new WRX sedan – introduced locally in June 2009 – is powered by the latest version of the turbocharged 2.5-litre DOHC Boxer engine and is the most powerful WRX ever. At 195 kW and 343 Nm it is 26 kW more powerful and has 23 Nm more torque than its hatchback predecessor.

Subaru Impreza WRX Sedan

“We wanted to move the WRX into a new segment of the market, an area where it would be clearly recognised as the ultimate compact sports sedan,” says Grant Bowring, SSA’s Brand and Marketing Manager. “As cars have grown over the last couple of generations, those machines which were once considered compact in size have clearly gone beyond that, so it has made sense in terms of market positioning to fill that gap with the Impreza, a car which is perfect in terms of size and character to satisfy the driving enthusiast.”

The end result is the WRX sedan, a focussed and razor-sharp performance machine that raises the bar in all departments where cars of this ilk are judged. The launch of the WRX sedan coincides with the realignment of the entire Impreza range: the STI continues unchanged as the sole hatchback, while the WRX is joined by a four-door version of the 2.0R which is - apart from a number of improvements to the interior and exterior - identical to the hatchback it replaces.

“In this age where it is all too easy to forget how important emotional appeal is, not just in cars but in technology in general, the Impreza range - and the new Impreza WRX in particular, reflects a need to build efficient, intelligent cars which can still provide drivers with plenty of satisfaction.” says Bowring.

In this instance the efficiency to which Bowring alludes also embraces a full maintenance plan across the Impreza range, adding substantially to the value proposition and ownership experience which includes a wide range of aftersales benefits including a 24 hour turnaround book-in time on any servicing and repairs.

The updated Impreza range now comprises the 2.0R sedan 5-speed manual, which is expected to be launched from R249 000, 2.0R 4-speed automatic from R259 000, the WRX sedan from R349 000 and the STI at R545 000.

Exterior
The Impreza notch is built on the identical 2 620 mm wheelbase as the five-door hatch but it is 165 mm longer overall – all off this added behind the back axle. Width and height are, unsurprisingly, unchanged at 1 740 and 1 475 mm respectively, giving the car a compact, slender shape. Slender it may be but the end result is a sense of purpose which wasn’t always apparent on the hatchback. The overall shape accentuates the rising beltline and the swage which runs just above the colour-coded door handles to meet with the tail light clusters where they wrap around the flanks.

Subaru Impreza WRX Sedan

Adding to the sportier bent is the aerodynamic wing on the bootlid of the WRX, turning the tail up cheekily and – on a more practical level – adding rear downforce as speed increases. A couple of detail touches reinforce this strong performance focus and the Dunlop SP Sport 01 tyres – at 225/45 – are substantially wider than before. Rim diameter remains unchanged at 17-inch to allow for generously-proportioned brake discs.

Additional stylistic changes to all models are a bold chrome garnish highlighting the numberplate surround, and a rear bumper with dual exhaust outlets for a more purposeful rear view in keeping with the car’s character. The finishing touch to the front view of the Impreza WRX is a grille which is now identical to the metallic mesh design of the Impreza STI with specific badging to denote the model’s identity.

Interior
Changes to the interior are of a detail nature but it all adds up to a more street-wise persona – coupled to added luxury. Two obvious and one less obvious change are highlights. The more subtle difference – and one which is only obvious when the current and new versions are side by side – is a change to the interior colour. Interior plastics which were once off-black is now jet black and this applies to all trim mouldings.

Subaru Impreza WRX Sedan

These changes also apply to the pair of 2.0R derivatives and the effect is to create an atmosphere which is sportier, yet at the same time more elegant. More noticeable is the fact that a sunroof is now standard on the Impreza WRX models. It incorporates a tilt/slide function, with the open and shut functions being automatic while tilting the trailing edge of the sunroof up is achieved by pressing and holding a separate button. High-backed sports seats have the WRX logo embossed in the backrests.

Obvious side bolsters translate into excellent lateral support and the driver’s seat is also height-adjustable (on all versions) with a pump-action lever. The instrument lighting also has a tinge of red, for a unified mood which creates a pulsequickening effect from first acquaintance. In the same vein are the aluminium pedals with rubberised dimples, which are purely functional. The same treatment is applied to the driver’s footrest and the fact that they add to the aesthetical appeal is a welcome bonus.

Additional upgrades to the interior add emotional appeal but some are also practical. For example, the storage compartment in the centre console is now deeper and as an obvious lip at its front edge, making it far more useful for oddments such as a phone or coins. A non-slip rubberised finish prevents objects from sliding around and rattling. The centre console of the car is otherwise unchanged and incorporates dual cupholders and, behind the handbrake, a lidded compartment with 12 Volt outlet and Auxiliary input socket.

Adding to the ambience is a new metal-look finish for the forward portion of the centre console as well as on the door pull and door lock surrounds in the rear. The interior lighting has also been revised and the map lights supplement the dome light when the doors are locked or unlocked. The luminescent instrument lighting retains the distinctive Subaru swoosh at start-up but an added function is the illumination of the needles for 20 seconds after the doors are opened and a three second fade-out when the ignition is turned off.

Practical changes include a more visible hazard switch thanks to a conspicuous red finish, chunkier climate control switchgear, revised fuel consumption readouts (averages are displayed in Trip A or Trip B modes while the figure in odometer mode is an instantaneous reading), and selective door unlocking.

Subaru Impreza WRX Sedan

The Impreza is a genuine five-seater thanks to its long wheelbase and generous body width while large rear door apertures make it easy to get in and out. A 60/40 split allows for a dramatic increase of volume and a useful load-through capability. The Impreza’s multi-link rear suspension not only results in an exceptional ride and handling balance but it also means less intrusion into the luggage compartment. The result is an exceptionally wide and flat luggage area which was a deciding factor in Subaru Southern Africa continuing to supply a full-sized spare – a soothing thought when traversing the subcontinent’s wide open spaces…

Subaru dealers will offer a list of options for the Impreza to include a colour screen satellite navigation (based around a Kenwood facia unit for seamless integration, as Kenwood is also the supplier of the standard tuner/CD unit), and a sports exhaust system which gives a more meaningful burble which is unmistakably Subaru. The 2.0R is also available with leather and satellite navigation as options.

Engine and Transmission
What is under the bonnet is invariably what will matter most to the typical Subaru Impreza WRX buyer and not only is there more power and torque but there’s a more extrovert nature to go with it. While the outputs of 195 kW of power at 6000 revs/min and 343 Nm torque at 4000 rpm represent gains of 15.4 and 7.2 percent respectively, they don’t convey the change in character.

The power arrives further up the rev range giving it a more athletic nature and rewarding the driver who likes to work at his job. The engine really comes on song from 2 500 revs/min onwards – on paper making it slightly peakier than before – but at that point the vast majority of torque is already available. Look at the graph of twist effort and it is a bit like a siloutte of Table Mountain and from 2 500 to 5 000 the delivery of Newton Metres is above 340, give or take one or two.

With so much torque spread so widely there is little risk of being caught flat-footed and the gear ratios are unchanged, though the five-speed box has been strengthened in key area to cope with the gains at the flywheel. Improved shift feel has also been achieved through the use of a ball type key for the first and second gear synchro hubs and a change to the key groove on third and fourth synchro sleeve.

The gains in headline numbers have been achieved by fine tuning a number of areas:

* Maximum turbocharger boost is increased from 78 kPa to 92 kPa.
* A revised exhaust system provides a 30 per cent reduction in gas flow restriction, to match the turbocharger performance and increase engine power.
* A bigger turbocharger has been fitted and is now the same size as that of the STI, providing superior acceleration at high engine speeds.

While Impreza WRX is meaner, it’s also greener - lower fuel consumption and emissions result from the engineering refinement. Fuel consumption is improved in the combined cycle from 10.7 l/100km to 10.4 l/100km (approximately three percent), while carbon dioxide emissions are down from 252 g/km to 247 g/km, which just goes to show that you can have your performance cake and eat it.

Chassis and suspension
The WRX nomenclature has always been an evocative one and it conjures up images of an overtly sporty car. And in its latest guise it certainly lives up to that, delivering a driving experience which is invigorating thanks to crisp and incisive responses from the controls and suspension settings which are taut yet able to cope with a wide variety of road surfaces.

Suspension remains fundamentally unchanged, combining a strut-type front end with a triangular lower control arm, and at the rear a compact multilink system. The unique attributes of all-wheel-drive, the low centre of gravity of the Boxer engine and the perfectly symmetrical suspension layout are the ideal starting point for a car which faithfully obeys every driver input.

However, sharper handling has been achieved by making a number of detail changes:

* Anti-roll bar diameters have been increased by 1 mm front and rear and now measure 21 and 16 mm respectively.
* Spring stiffness rates have been altered and now measure 38 N/mm in front and 34 N/mm at the rear.
* The strut top mounting is now the same, highly-rigid component as fitted to the STI.
* A steering damper has been fitted to the rack and pinion, reducing kickback on bumpy roads and giving a smoother, more linear steering feel.
* The tyre choice has been chosen to optimize the balance of dry and wet weather grip, steering response, NVH levels and ride comfort.

Subaru Impreza WRX Sedan

This Top Gear video of James May riding in the passenger seat of Ken Block’s manic track-eating Subaru Impreza WRX STi is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

In November last year we blogged about the incredible Ken Block gymkhana video. Read that post to see more unbelievable Ken Block video footage, and to find out more about who Ken Block is.

Complete specs of Ken Block’s Subaru Impreza WRX STi:

Brakes:
- Brembo Gran Turismo six piston monobloc front
- Brembo Gran Turismo four piston rear
- STI brake bias controller
- Prodrive / STI hydraulic hand brake
- STI brake booster delete
- Stainless steel brake lines and fittings
- Motul RBF 600 brake fluid

A while ago he mailed us to let us know that he’d UPGRADED his already-rocking sound system even further! Now he’s installed a new head unit, iPod interface and a rear view camera.

Here’s a few words from Malan about his Subaru sound system upgrade:

“The system sounds better than ever, due to the sound processing capabilities of the Sony WAV-W1 head unit. It features a complete Dolby Digital ProLogic processor which delivers crystal clear, dynamic 5.1 channel surround sound! The processor also decodes DVD movies’ audio, providing me with a 2.5L turbocharged home theatre system…

It also features a 7 band equalizer, this enables me to tune the system to perform optimally at any level, with 6 customizable presets to suit any genre, all types of music.

As if all of these bells and whistles aren’t enough, I’ve fitted in iPod interface/charger. With an 80GB iPod classic, which I can now control straight from the head unit, with the iPod stashed away in the glove compartment, there is no need to have CD’s in my car, except for DVD discs!

But wait, there’s more… I saw that the head unit could accommodate a rear view camera, I thought, what the heck? I’ve done it all the right way thus far, why not use that feature too? The head unit automatically displays the rear view picture when reverse is engaged, with three distance gauges to show how far objects are behind you. Viewing your surroundings at night is made a pleasure by the camera’s infrared night vision, again engaged automatically when needed. A 120 degree wide angle lens gives a panoramic picture to view even the most concealed obstacles.

There are many other characteristics that I failed to mention (SACD, Karaoke, Zone x Zone ect.), however, the above are the most attractive to me.

If I were to recommend an audio component to be changed before anything else, it would certainly be a decent sound processor (Rockford 3.Sixty) or aftermarket head unit that has an integrated processor. I had to fork out R7000 for the hardware and installation, a rather costly addition to an almost already exorbitant car stereo system. But then again, if I were a man of reason, I would have never considered buying an STi.

Malan - RESPECT! It’ll be a while before we come across anyone with a Subaru sound system (well - home theatre system!) that blows us away quite like this one does!

Subaru Legacy Concept front view

Marking the 20th anniversary of the Subaru Legacy, the Subaru Legacy Concept has been developed to showcase the Legacy’s sporting capabilities and features Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system mated to a Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine. The design concept is based on a larger 108.3 in. wheelbase designed to maximize interior space and provide comfortable accommodations for four adults.

2009 Subaru Legacy Concept side view

The theme of concept design is “Presence”, represented by the aggressive front facia and solid yet expressive body. Four powerful and defined wheel arches emphasize the dynamism of Symmetrical AWD. Sharp design lines carve out a substantial mass as they flow from the hood, across the roof to the trunk, while the sharp body lines project a sense of strength. Wedge-shaped Side Rear Vision Cameras are featured and provide a sense of flow from the momentum of the A-pillar lines. A character line runs from just before the A-pillar and sweeps up to the tail just above the taillamps.

2009 Subaru Legacy Concept rear angled view

This grille design incorporates a central wing motif that defines the Legacy’s Subaru brand identity. The Subaru logo separates a deep central grille shape that is accented by sharp headlamps with a dual vertical-row layout of multiple LED lamps. In addition, the slim, vertical fog lamps set in a large front valance with angular air intakes add a jewel-like touch to the front design. The Subaru Legacy Concept is finished in a special High-luster “Ultimate Silver” paint to accentuate the design’s angular shapes.

The interior design features a striking four-seat layout that showcases the “High Definition” design theme. Comfort and style are achieved with a mix of touch-screens, cameras and modern surface coverings. The high-tech look blends with comfort through four separate seating areas, a high roofline and generous legroom for all passengers. The center console features a large touch-panel display that concentrates various functions for simplified use, while the flowing shape extends vertically to emphasize the feeling of strength and solidity in union with the exterior. A steering wheel and shift lever have been adapted to accentuate the sporty nature elemental in the Legacy’s DNA.

2009 Subaru Legacy Concept interior

In-car entertainment is featured through monitors with multiple functions that are located in the center console, as well as in the rear of the front seat headrests to provide comfortable functionality as well a calm design that creates a relaxed ambiance for passengers. The monitor for the Side Rear Vision Camera has been situated toward the front of the roof to maximize rear visibility. The design is capped off with seats covered in pearl white leather that give off a blue sheen, while black metallic leather has been used for the door trim to create contrast with the instrument panel.

The Legacy was introduced globally in 1989, produced in Japan and Lafayette, Indiana. Since that date until November 2008, the total global production has exceeded 3.6 million vehicles making it Subaru’s core model. During that period, Subaru’s core technologies of a Horizontally-Opposed engine and Symmetrical AWD have served to further the basic elements of automotive performance while continuously evolving for unparalleled handling, stability, and safety. This Subaru Legacy Concept incorporates the Legacy heritage while also serving as a concept model that provides an image of the new driving comfort and reliability that will continue to serve as a touchstone for Subaru.

2009 Subaru Legacy Concept Specifications:
•    Body size (Overall: Length x Width x Height): 188.8 x 71.7 x 59.0 inches
•    Wheelbase: 108.3 inches
•    Engine: 3.6-liter six-cylinder Horizontally-Opposed engine
•    Tire size: 225/45R19
•    Occupancy: Four persons

The concept version of the new-generation sedan was shown recently at the Detroit Motor Show, although the production version’s styling has been toned down significantly.

Apart from its thoroughly reworked exterior and interior styling, the new 2010 Subaru Legacy also rides on a new, longer platform.

The larger platform translates to more interior space for occupants since this new Legacy is taller, longer and wider than the model it replaces.

For the US, Legacy is equipped with a range of petrol four- and six-cylinder engines. As expected, Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system is standard on all models.

The European version of the 2010 Subaru Legacy (which is the model that will be sold in South Africa) is expected to make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this year. Subaru will likely show its 2.0-litre petrol engine and turbodiesel derivatives on Legacy’s European debut, too.

source: Wheels24

The gravel road turns to a grey blur as you race the Forester towards the next bend. Ahead, a sign warns you that it’s a sharp left-hooker. You downshift, ramming the stubby gearlever into third and the 2.5-litre motor growls in anticipation.

You’re almost at the corner, your stomach knots as you realise that you’re testing the very limits of this fulltime 4WD wagon. But it’s too late to back off now - you either make the turn or sail off the mountain. You pick your line, choosing to go wide before cutting past the apex of the corner. The Subaru follows your line to the centimetre and brings to mind that cliché, “it corners on rails”. You feel invincible, praising your own driving skills and wondering if you can go even faster around the next one.

If Foresters could talk, this is what they’d say: “Are you an old lady? I’ve seen faster driving in a car wash! Come on bru, we’re not looking for a picnic spot here, I’m just getting started!”

What a match – loose gravel, sharp bends, lots of uphill and a 4×4 that handles like it’s on a Scalextric track. On the mountain roads the Forester felt like an extraterrestrial machine, capable of manipulating the very laws of physics. And when I did overcook a corner, the vehicle’s traction control would quickly step in and save my backside.

But road-holding skills ain’t the only thing this Forester’s got to offer; the vehicle’s horizontally opposed 4-cylinder motor boasts 126 kW @ 6 000 rpm and 229 N.m. @ 4 400 rpm, and despite all this muscle, it still produces respectable economy figures (9.8 l / 100 km off-road). The vehicle also sports a tight 10.6 m turning circle (great for turning around on narrow mountain passes) and a very practical hill-start feature.

On the storage side, the Forester’s boot space is a throaty 450-litres, and with the second row of seats folded flat (1 660 litres) this SUV swallowed all we threw at it – camping chairs, tent, 40-litre Engel fridge, sleeping bags, luggage and a few packets of wood! This vehicle’s got it all: good looks, sporty performance, loads of storage space, the ability to cling to your heart the moment you fire it up, and best of all, a price tag below the R300K mark.

The trip: Klein Karoo

I’d like to propose a name change. The Klein Karoo should be called… okay, I haven’t quite figured out a new title yet, but I do know this place is far too interesting to be cast aside as a “mini-me” of the Great Karoo.

Having lived most of my life in the Western Cape, I was lucky enough to have enjoyed numerous family holidays along the Garden Route. On a few occasions we’d venture over the Outeniqua mountains into the plains of the Klein Karoo; here we’d pop into Oudtshoorn, the Cango Caves and, well, that was it really. But as much as I love this part of our country, for me, the Klein Karoo has always been the pizza crust of the Garden Route – it’s dry, it’s on the periphery, and few people are willing to waste stomach space eating it – not when there’s cheese and toppings to tuck into!

That was before I opened a road map and noticed a couple of things the Klein Karoo has that its coastal neighbour doesn’t – I’m talking about lots of passes and plenty of dirt roads. And so it was that I set off in a Subaru Forester to travel this region’s back roads and forgotten passes; if you wish to do the same, be warned, your relaxing holiday could morph into an unhealthy obsession!

Maybe I’ve got an addictive nature, but two days into this trip I found myself staring ceaselessly at our Garmin Colorado, urgently calculating travelling times between passes and running through questions in my mind… how far is this one from that one, could I do both in a single day, maybe I should drive this one at night, perhaps sleep on the side of the road and then drive that one the following morning.

I probably shouldn’t admit this, but the thought of quitting my job, stealing the Subaru and continuing my quest to conquer all of SA’s passes had crossed my mind. Luckily, my wife was with me, and in a calm and reassuring voice she convinced me not to take any rash decisions.

So if none of this scares you, and you’re still eager to risk addiction, the following off-road passes and their surrounding dirt tracks, are sure to get you hooked faster than you can say, “hi boss, I’m afraid I’m going to have to extend my leave”.

SWARTBERG PASS

Widely considered one of SA’s most beautiful mountain passes – and the masterpiece of a great road builder – the Swartberg Pass was the first track on my to-do list. For those of you arriving from the north, this is a perfect way to enter the Klein Karoo.

Starting at its northern slope, you’ll travel through a narrow valley with an abundance of green foliage and towering cliffs. Climb higher on the pass and your view rapidly changes from driving through the gorge to floating above it. Here, each stretch of road whips into a sharp bend and continues to reveal scenery so beautiful it could silence a teenager whose PSP has broken down.

Before embarking on this Klein Karoo voyage, I spoke with Katot Meyer, a man who knows this region better than you know your local Pick ‘n Pay. Katot informed me that two local farmers in Kruisrivier were opening a trail around the Red Stone Hills; the track promised spectacular views and absolute seclusion from civilisation. How could I resist?

Roughly 20 km in length, this trail won’t be found on many printed maps, and despite being a wee bit hectic for a softroader, it completely lived up to its promises. At its summit, you’ll enjoy one-of-a-kind views of the Red Stone Hills which bulge out into a plain between the Outeniqua and Swartberg Mountains. From this point the trail descends swiftly to the foot of these iron-stained rocks, and makes its way along firm sandy tracks through flower-filled bush. This drive is definitely worth considering and shouldn’t be missed.

MONTAGU PASS

If one were to consider the Swartberg Pass as the northern entrance to the Klein Karoo, then the Montagu Pass would be its southern gate.

The pass itself is a pleasure to drive, but if blind corners and narrow tracks don’t agree with you, best give it a miss. However, this would be a crying shame as this pass offers more than just stunning scenery; of the passes listed here, for me, Montagu felt the oldest. Not a decrepit kind of old, but more a leap-back-in-time old – it’s easy to imagine an ox-drawn cart skirting its mountain slopes.

As far as scenery goes, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the many (((italics koppies))) of the Outeniqua Mountains, timelessly backdropped by the distant Indian Ocean. The only thing that ruins this view is the traffic-burdened Outeniqua Pass that climbs its way up a distant peak.

At the northern entrance of Montagu Pass the N9 highway races by; if by this stage you’re drooling for more pass-driving action, then take this road east where many would say the best awaits you!

PRINCE ALFRED’S PASS

To reach the southern entrance of this pass – via the N9 – one needs to keep a sharp eye open for an unassuming dirt road to the right. This track will take you through beautiful farmlands and straight to a very special place. Imagine stumbling into a lush, tapered valley, with blossoming trees, pale white river rocks, a lazy mountain stream and a mood of tranquillity not unlike a fairytale. Yes, I’m talking about a place called Die Vlugt.

Located at the foot of Prince Alfred’s Pass, this small hamlet is home to just 47 residents, and is without a doubt a worthy find. Residents from neighbouring towns often take a Sunday cruise to this peaceful place, where they enjoy homemade bakes and something refreshing to drink at the tea garden.

When it’s time to hit the road again, make you way back to the tea garden, where you’ll find an inconspicuous dirt track peeping through a throng of dense bush – this is Prince Alfred’s Pass. A keen favourite among many in the Klein Karoo, Prince Alfred’s Pass is known for its diversity and unspoilt scenery. Fynbos, soaring forests, waterfalls and rock pools are all on the list for this romantic, mountain route.

SEWEWEEKSPOORT

This is a perfect way to exit the Klein Karoo. Make your way along the R62 through Calitzdorp and Huisrivier Pass, and just before you hit the town of Zoar, swing a right to Seweweekspoort. This pass twists and turns for 17 km, crossing the canyon’s stream some 23 times as it cuts its way through age-old volcanic rock.

The road here is fairly broad, so take your time and relax; plus, there are plenty of places to pull to the side, marvel at rock formations and chow a quick snack. Oh yes, and watch out for dassies on this road – these furry little buggers are more prolific than seagulls along the coast of the Garden Route.

In the six days we were there we drove 15 passes – eight on dirt and seven on tar – each one of these offered a unique experience and a new adventure through quirky towns and on remarkable dirt roads. So now I realise that far from being the Garden Route’s unwanted pizza crust, the Klein Karoo is a feast all on its own.

RED STONE HILLS TRAIL

Before we tackled this trail, Katot told me it would be easily managed by a softroader. But when I think back, I realise that his idea of rough ‘n tough would probably differ from that of a city slicker; sharp rocks, two-inch thorns and burning-hot sand – this dude walked over all of it… barefoot!

It didn’t take long before I found myself felling trees with a Leatherman, excavating the Forester out of soft sand and listening to thorny shrubs redesign the Subaru’s paintwork. But okay, enough sissy talk, at the end of the day the Forester came through – not quite scratch-free, but certainly without worries. And given half the chance, I would do it all over again – the trail’s that good.

Of course, the vegetation might have been trimmed back since our visit (October ‘08), but if you are worried about your vehicle’s paintwork, check with the trail owners. Contact Hennie (044) 213 3361 or Manie Potgieter (044) 213 3786 if you’d like to book a spot.

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This is an edited version of an article by Grant Spolander that originally appeared in SA4×4 magazine, South Africa’s leading off-road adventure publication. If you own a Subaru (Forester, Outback or even Tribeca) and enjoy exploring the great outdoors, SA4×4 is essential reading.

“Our business environment has changed dramatically due to the rapid deterioration of the global economy,” said Ikuo Mori, Fuji Heavy Industries’ Chief Executive, at a news conference in Tokyo.

“In order to optimize the management resources and to strengthen the Subaru brand further, Fuji Heavy decided to withdraw from WRC activities at the earliest time,” a tearful Mori said, briefly losing his composure at one point.

Automakers all over the world are under severe pressure to find ways to reduce spending as a sudden downturn in global car demand knocks profitability.

Honda Motor Co, Japan’s No.2 automaker, this month quit Formula One racing for similar reasons, saying it needed the cash for its core auto-making business.

Rallying does not have anything like the budgets of Formula One, where a team like Honda can burn through $500 million a year, and the sport also has a long-standing tradition of private entrants.

GREAT LOSS

“Subaru’s departure from the World Rally Championship is a great loss as it is one of the sport’s icons,” said David Richards, whose British-based Prodrive company ran the team.

“The Subaru World Rally Team has created true champions such as Colin McRae and Richard Burns and its absence will be felt by many the world over.”

Subaru, who have used rallying to transform their brand image, won the world title for three years in a row between 1995 and 1997.

Their drivers include both of Britain’s late champions, McRae and Burns, as well as Spanish great Carlos Sainz.

But they have fallen on hard times in recent years, with Norwegian Petter Solberg taking their last world title in 2003.

They finished third out of six teams in the championship this year and last won a rally in 2005.

Prodrive, who also run Aston Martin’s Le Mans sportscar program and Ford’s V8 team in Australia, aim to redeploy as many staff as possible in other areas of their business operations as well as attending to other rally clients.

“Together with Subaru, Prodrive’s commitment to its customer rally teams will also continue unabated for 2009 and beyond,” the company, 40 percent owned by Kuwait’s The Investment Dar, said in a statement.

“Looking ahead, 2010 will see the introduction of new World Rally Championship technical regulations, which provide Prodrive with an opportunity to prepare for re-entering the championship with a new team.”

Prodrive, who have sold nearly 500 rally cars to competitors and independent teams in 47 countries in the last 15 years, said the Subaru world rally team accounted for no more than 20 percent of their turnover.

Do you  have other photos of Subaru Impreza WRX STi or other models at the King of the Mountain (KOTM) 2008? Contact us and we’ll see if we can publish them!