Leave it to a black Subaru Impreza interior with Vinyleather upholstery and all-weather floor mats to redefine the word cheap. Add a raucous engine note amplified by the dreaded continuously variable transmission, and you have a recipe for Japanese Econobox Flashback, 1988-style. Justy, anyone?
OK, so comparing our 2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport Limited to the three-pot Scooby scooter is probably a bit harsh. In Subaru's defense, I probably wouldn't be so hard on the Impreza if it weren't for the fact that I was in two Kias earlier in the week, each of which had interior appointments far surpassing that of our Subaru. These weren't $30,000 Optimas, either: They were both Kia Rios, and both came in at less than $21,000.
On the road, once the CVT had stopped adjusting its belts and pulleys, things definitely improved. Noisy though the cabin was, the 2.0-liter flat-four proved adequate for pushing the Impreza along. The driving position was good, with much better seat-bottom bolstering than I'm used to in small Asian products, and the Impreza had that hunkered-down Subaru on-road stability that seems to be a hallmark of every example of the brand. Whether it's because of the AWD or the low center of gravity, or perhaps just suspension tuning, the Impreza drives like a larger, heavier car than it is--in a good way. Of the multitude of small cars that I've driven lately, only the Ford Focus approximates the same planted feel.
I'm confident that Subaru aficionados will be fine with the Impreza. After all, it carries the brand's DNA while improving things perhaps a half-step over the previous model--about the cadence Subaru seems to follow. Conquests will come harder, however: The average Joe with $26,000 to spend on a compact will find much more compelling packages from a variety of manufacturers.
2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport LimitedBase Price: $23,645
As-Tested Price: $25,714
Drivetrain: 2.0-liter H4; AWD, continuously variable transmission
Output: 148 hp @ 6,200 rpm, 145 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm
Curb Weight: 3,086 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 30/26.9 mpg
Options: Option package 63 including power moonroof, navigation system, GPS navigation with LCD touch screen ($2,000); all-weather floor mats ($69)
By: Andrew Stoy
I honestly love Subaru cars.
ReplyDeleteI often see this on commercial break, I kinda love it now :D but lols. There's no chance in hell I could buy this thing, I don't even know how to drive a car. haha
ReplyDeleteLooks nice!
ReplyDeleteI don't like it.
ReplyDeleteVery looking cramped engine bay, but great for frequent travelers.
ReplyDeleteSOme friends have subarus, and as far as I can tell they are pretty good.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, the new scooby isn't what I'm used to.
ReplyDeleteNothing inspires a boner in me like a 2007 WRX STi, blue with the gold wheels. God yes.