2012 Subaru Impreza Test Drive

On Sale Date: November 2011

Price: $17,495

Competitors: Mazda 3, Volkswagen Jetta, Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra

Powertrains: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, 148 hp, 145 lb-ft; five-speed transmission, CVT, AWD

EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 25/34 manual; 27/36 automatic with CVT

What?s New: Subaru tinkered with just about everything on the Impreza: The body is redesigned, the wheelbase is an inch longer, the interior and trunk are more spacious, and there are new Sport and Limited models, to name just a few changes. But the most obvious change is the new 2.0-liter engine, which has been tapped to replace the old 2.5-liter in the name of fuel economy. Along with the new body?s more aerodynamic design and lighter weight (it?s 165 lbs leaner than the 2011 model) the 2.0-liter engine helps to up the Impreza?s fuel consumption numbers from an unimpressive 20/27 in last year?s model to 25/34, and even higher with the CVT. Subaru made all these improvements to the Impreza without increasing the base price of the 2011 model. However, the automaker also says that the exterior design is one of the biggest qualms buyers have with the Impreza, and we?re guessing the new design won?t do much to change that.

Tech Tidbit: All models have a new multifunction display in the dash above the center stack that gives fuel-economy and other information. It?s not revolutionary, but it?s the most interesting interior feature in the base model?which isn?t saying much. Premium-model buyers get Bluetooth connectivity, an iPod jack (finally) and a 3.5-mm auxiliary input as standard. A new optional navigation system comes with a 6.1-inch touchscreen, voice control and text-messaging capability.

Driving Character: The new Impreza is an obvious improvement on the inside. The extra room, extra window space and new soft-touch materials make for a driver-friendly cabin. The new CVT claims a 0.3-second increase in 0-to-60-mph time over the old automatic, but the lag in upshifts is distracting and gives the impression of a car that just can?t get its dander up. Unfortunately, the five-speed manual doesn?t feel much different. Some journalists on our test drive from New York City to New Haven, Conn. even preferred the CVT, saying it felt a bit peppier than the manual. That said, the Impreza is a noted improvement over the old model in almost every other way (though we?ll leave beauty to the eyes of the beholder).

Favorite Detail: As always, Subaru?s all-wheel-drive system sets it apart. Where the Impreza lacks in inspiration it excels in being a balanced everyday driver. The car handles nicely and corners with confidence.

Driver?s Grievance: The CVT is almost disturbing in its lack of response. Also, a voice for the nav system that doesn?t sound like it?s straight from Soundblaster 8 would be much appreciated.

Bottom Line: The Impreza is better for 2012, and the interior definitely stakes a claim as the most comfortable in its class. However, among its competitors, it may come across as being a bit anonymous. The Impreza?s opponents include more responsive and fun cars to drive, but the boosted mpg numbers, safety features and interior could lure many to the new Subaru. The biggest draw with the 2012 Impreza is the all-wheel drive. There are no competitors in this range offering the balance and reassurance that the Subaru AWD can give, and if you live in a weather zone that experiences the full brunt of winter, you know how much that can matter. The engine is smaller?and it can be a bit uninspiring. Still, the 2012 Impreza is a more-than-competent midsize with a solid powertrain and good mpg numbers for the economically minded.

Source: http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/reviews/drives/2012-subaru-impreza-test-drive-6503928?src=rss

phish sylvia plath def leppard tim wakefield tim wakefield jacqueline kennedy jacqueline kennedy