Large taillamps flank a trunk opening that extends down to the rear bumper. The trunklid has been carefully sculpted, a small lip added to the trailing edge. The rear bumper cap wraps all the way to the rear wheel openings and is contoured for a sporting effect. The rear of the car is highlighted by "SUBARU" spelled out across the rear. The WRX gets a large "WRX" badge on the lower left side and a dual-outlet exhaust under the rear bumper.

The overall effect of the body styling is very dramatic, particularly in dark blue, similar to Subaru's rally team colors, with the fender flares dramatically catching the light. We also saw the car in silver, and the car will be offered in standard plus two special colors, but the blue is our favorite.

The WRX presents the striking appearance of too much machine for the wrapper, bulging out at each fender, its engine reaching for more cooling air through a prominent hood scoop. These features are expressions of the rally heritage of the WRX. The WRX sedan is distinguished by its blister fender flares that permit a 20 mm wider front track. (The 2.5 RS is distinguished by the same fenders as the WRX.) The WRX Sport Wagon has wheel openings with raised lips, as do the 2.5 TS and the Outback Sport. Bridgestone Potenza RE92 all-season performance tires size 205/55R16 are fitted on 16x6.5-inch alloy wheels.

Rallying inspired the huge oval headlamps and the large round fog lamps set in the cavernous lower radiator opening. Small scoops around the fog lamps are indeed functional, channeling cooling air toward the front brake disks. The scoop in the light-weight aluminum hood directs air over the turbo's intercooler. Turn signals are integrated into the big headlamps. It's all finished with a distinctively contoured rear deck; the rear fenders almost form fins.