#wrx

Yesterday we took eight fun-to-drive performance vehicles under $30,000 and put them through their paces on the street.

After much deliberation, we chose the 2014 Ford Fiesta ST as the king of the street. Despite a somewhat harsh ride, nothing else matches the raw, hilariously fun driving experience behind the wheel.

Sporty cars are not dead. Rumors of their demise are premature. Thrill-packed machinery litters the automotive landscape, available to suit nearly every budget.

When it comes to motoring fun, one of the most intriguing segments is the under $30,000 price bracket, where several enticing choices can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes.

If you live in a “salt belt” state and drive a Subaru, there’s a good chance your vehicle is going to be recalled.

Vehicle Overview

In 2005 Saab wanted a compact vehicle to sell in North America against products like the Audi A3 and Volvo V50. At the time GM owned Saab completely and had an influential ownership share in Subaru. To fill the gap in Saab’s lineup, the company began to sell a version of the Subaru Impreza wagon with Saab family styling front and back as well as a more premium interior. Other than that, the vehicle was mechanically similar to the Subaru and features the Impreza’s basic body shell.

Like the Impreza, the Saab 9-2x was offered with the regular 2.5-liter horizontally opposed engine as well as the WRX’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four. In 2006, a few 2.5-liter turbocharged vehicles were produced and to this day are the rarest of the model line.

If you’re disappointed that the 2015 Subaru WRX didn’t look like the wild concept unveiled in New York, be patient.

Vehicle Overview

For 2002, Subaru sent its rally-inspired WRX to North America. Based on the Impreza, the WRX brought in a new era of compact performance cars thanks to its all-wheel drive capability and a turbocharged horizontally opposed engine.

The 2015 Subaru WRX STI is the real deal. Ignore the detractors who have yet to drive the new car; it’s not at all a mildly updated carryover.

Subaru WRX hatchback fans might be in for some bad news if they’re fans of the new model.

Subaru heard that enthusiasts think the WRX STI is too mild, so it’s heading to New York with something wilder.

Subaru has just taken the wraps off of the 2015 WRX STI and it is more than just a WRX with a giant wing.

Subaru has just taken the wraps off of the 2015 WRX STI and it doesn’t disappoint.

Subaru has announced that the 2015 WRX STI will make its public debut at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show.

Subaru has released a new video showcasing its new WRX in its natural environment: playing in the dirt.

“You are going to stand in the middle of a forest, in the dead of winter, for hours on end, to catch a glimpse of 30 cars driving by?”

Yup. This is winter rally racing and to those not involved in the automotive culture, spectating at such events sounds downright insane.

This week, AutoGuide revealed its Utility Vehicle of the Year, while a pair of auto shows kept plenty of automotive enthusiasts glued to our YouTube channel. From the LA Auto Show, the unveiling of the Subaru WRX drew excitement while viewers also wanted to catch the first glimpse at the 2015 Nissan GT-R and GT-R Nismo.

Watch the videos below and subscribe to the  AutoGuide YouTube channel here.