LexFather

Well the hatch really appeals to me. To have fun but it can be useful. Another reason the Prius appeals to me.

IS-SV

Steering feel is very subjective and not objective. Late model Mercedes and Porsche steering feel is better than Subies, IMO based on actual driving experience and the opinion of many qualified experts. Anytime you apply power to the wheels that turn/steer you mask some steering feel. Therefore RWD Porsche cars have better steering feel than AWD Porsche cars, etc.

IS-SV

No doubt the hatch adds utility and certainly the European market sees the value and appeal of a hatch.

I think the Prius is ugly and all performance aspects are way too low (other than fuel economy of course), so no appeal to me.

dunnojack

this car is so ugly.

LexFather

I am not going to deny its physically challanged in the looks department but its "grown" on me.....

mmarshall

First, I disagree that AWD necessarily robs steering feel. Not only with Subies, but also with AWD BMW's (probably the world's master car maker when it comes to steering feel), I notice little difference between RWD and AWD models (there are no RWD Subies, of course, in the American market). So it is more a matter of how the pump, hydraulics, electronics, rack, and, in some cases, tires, are designed than which set of wheels is driven. For instance, I had a FWD Mazda GLC, many years ago, with non-power steering that had better steering feel than many RWD cars I've driven....and one of the best I've experienced.

Second, I have not driven an AWD Porsche for some time (the last Porsche I reviewed was a mid-engine, RWD, Boxster) so I can't comment directly on them, but in sampling RWD and AWD Mercedes products, I notice little if any difference in steering feel.

BTW, just for the record, the numbest steering I have seen on modern vehicles was on the RWD Ford Crown Victoria sedan and AWD Hyundai Veracruz SUV. I genuinely feel sorry for the the cops and taxi drivers that have to run around all day in Crown Vics. Perhaps (?) the reason the steering on the Ford Crown Vic and Mercury Grand Marquis is so numb and feathery is that a large proportion of senior citizens buy them have arthritis, weak arms, hands, shoulders, etc..... and the steering system is deliberately designed to need almost no effort turning it.

mmarshall

With all due respect, Mike, I'm with IS-SV on this one. The Prius, no doubt, is a great way to stretch your gas dollars, but, other than that, I also find the new 2010 model unimpressive in a number of areas (and, to be fair, the Honda Insight is also disappointing in several areas)

FKL

I feel 1sick as well, it is a good looking, agressive car at the very least. Interior is still cheap though. But it did grow on me.

Nigel-JDMParts

iTrader: (74)

yeah, this sti is growing on me too.

It looks better the more you look at it.

IS-SV

Steering feel is so subjective, not objective. In fact many of the track oriented enthusiasts here discuss it frequently in conjunction with real track results/handling which they feel is more valuable. Some people including me (but obviously not all can) feel the steering feel difference in AWD. And that's one reason the best AWD road-going systems have a rear wheel drive bias under normal dry conditions, for better feel and handling.

But whatever not all agree on this touchey feel hair splitting differences in steering feel.

I agree, there is no excuse for the tuna boat steering of Crown Vics and Mercury Marquis. I have to admit to have driven these crappy cars too. I enjoyed your discussion as to why the senile/blue-haired/cocktails for pain-killer types like numb overassisted steering, LOL.

IS-SV

Back on the subject of STI Subie (not the gutless ugly Prius), I see your point about the agressive styling of the new car, certainly has a much improved stance and high-performance look to it, regardless of whether or not one likes the hatchback rear. Obviously the styling has grown on me some too.