2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

We've already told you about the home-market version we drove at Fuji Speedway (see related article below) and in about a month you can check back for driving impressions of the STI bound for our shores. For now, all we can say is that the export version available in North America will differ in seat-of-the-pants feel.

First off, your pants will be situated upon normal STI seats, as opposed to the optional Recaros found in the Japanese model. Second, those seats (and the rest of the vehicle) will be propelled forward by an engine displacing 2.5 liters versus the 2.0-liter sold in Japan. Why two different engines for one car? Subaru has to build the 2.0-liter to satisfy WRC homologation rules.

Horsepower numbers are up from 295 in the Japanese version to 305 in the 2.5-liter, though the 2.5 reaches its peak at 6000 rpm, 400 revs earlier than the 2.0. Torque is lower, with the U.S.-spec STI generating 290 lb-ft of twist at 4000 rpm, versus about 299 lb-ft in Japan. The 2.5-liter's peak also occurs 400 rpm lower than in its smaller-displacement Japanese counterpart - whose peak torque happens at the same engine speed as the previous-generation U.S.-spec WRX.

Like the 2.0-liter, the 2.5 utilizes Subaru's Dual Active Valve Control System. Dual AVCS builds on Subaru's variable valve timing by adding hydraulic control to the exhaust valves versus the intake valves only in the previous engine.

Pricing for the U.S.-spec Impreza WRX STI will start at $35,640. Only three options grace the order sheet for this car, and when fully loaded with eighteen-inch forged BBS alloy wheels, fog lights, and a navigation unit, the price climbs to about $38,000.

2009 Chevrolet Aveo5

Chevy's Aveo5 hatchback was brought to our shores (yep, that's right, shores--it's essentially a rebadged Daewoo Kalos) for the first time last year, but it's already receiving a facelift and mid-cycle update. Why? The Aveo's current platform, known internally as the T250, debuted way back in January of 2006, and it's ripe for a freshening.

What Chevrolet says:

-New, fuel-efficient Ecotec 1.6-liter DOHC four with variable valve timing-Redesigned exterior-Manufacturer-estimated fuel economy ratings of 26 mpg/city and 34 mpg/highway (manual transmission, natch)

-Side-impact air bags and dual-stage front air bags, complete with passenger-sensing system, are now standard-GM's OnStar assistance service is now standard, XM satellite radio is now optional-Standard five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty

What i say: Chevy's Aveo and Aveo5 have never been that much fun to drive-

-even by small-car standards--but they've sold incredibly well nevertheless. Credit decent fuel economy, bargain-filled window stickers, and a host of impressive standard features. Would the Aveo sell as well in the United States if it wasn't badged as a Chevy, and bore a Daewoo front grille? Probably not. But that doesn't change the fact that it's a decent car, and economical, reliable transportation. It's also one of the cheapest new cars you can buy.