I’ve been researching the 2008 Subaru Legacy GT. I like the idea of AWD and a turbocharged engine (with ~245 hp) but I also like that the car is not too sporty (like the Impreza). The Legacy still retains a small or mid-sized sedan look. For what you get for the cost of around 30K for a 2008 Subaru Legacy GT, it seems very affordable. What other makes/models are there that are priced ~30K and have AWD and at least 245 hp but don’t look like coups or street racing cars?
MazdaSpeed 6(hopped up Mazda 6) is a competitor.
I own a 2005 Legacy GT wagon and absolutely love it.