Gas mileage seems to plumment as roads becomes more hilly or head winds are encountered. Just about everyone who drove our long-term Impreza commented on the horizontally challenged nature of the smaller horizontally opposed four-cylinder. Leftlane's bottom line Subaru shot for the mainstream with its Impreza and, by and large, the automaker hit the bullseye. The base model uses 15 x 6-inch. The only option available on base 2.
During the trip we got to know the strengths and weaknesses of the car pretty well. The electric power steering is decently weighted, and offers some feedback, if not enough to appease the enthusiast. It's simple, effective and if you keep the needle to the right, you're saving gas. Well-trimmed and wagon-only, the 2. I also took issue with the new — and simplified — interior.
A robust structure and a firm but not punishing suspension helped our tester take bumps in stride, but its disconnected steering ultimately dragged down the fun factor. Some drivers never got used to the way the engine rocked and shook on startup or during shifts, either. Like many rivals, the temperature gauge is gone, replaced instead by a vague mpg needle designed to give drivers a feel for how efficiently they're driving. Yes, there are a few clunky sharp edges — such as the one where the rear fascia and side panel meet — that could be softened, but in general, I find the 2012 Impreza more attractive than its predecessor. The Impreza, being a car, requires service occasionally. The 2012 Subaru Impreza undeniably has broader appeal than ever before, but there are still downsides associated with its standard all-wheel drive, not just in terms of price. The hatch opens easily with a fingertip to the rubber touch pad under the door lip, revealing a reasonably big cargo area with a low lift-over height.
Last year's removable Tom Tom nav unit is no longer offered. Probably not, but, without a doubt, the new Impreza is a more attractive, fuel efficient, fun-to-drive, and versatile car that should finally stand out for more than just having all-wheel drive. Glad I did that as multiple major issue were found. As for the rest of the package, Subaru stiffened the chassis on the new Impreza for a sportier feel, and it paid off in spades. Subaru made it a point to keep the pricing at exactly the same levels as the old model.
However, in the quest for sales, Subaru has resigned to do away with any distinctiveness the old car had. The manual hatchback gets 1 mpg less on the highway. The updated boxer four produces 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque compared to the outgoing engine's 170 hp and 170 lb-ft. The sole individual option for the Premium is the automatic. SinceLastVisitFilter false, 1557586853123 ; listingsSearchManager. While reducing heft certainly helped boost mpg, the Impreza's new 2. I've come to like the look of the hatch.
With the all-new 2012 Impreza, believes it's finally eliminated the buts. Though the car takes a few seconds to really get going from a standing start, it feels natural enough. Another button on either the steering wheel or the center console would be an ergonomic improvement. The manual hatchback gets 1 mpg less on the highway. Also new is a 2. In silhouette, each has a light and airy greenhouse with large windows and slimmer-looking roof pillars for improved visibility, highlighted by a more rakish windshield. Compared to the dopey-looking last-gen Impreza, the new car is downright handsome.
Oblige, and you'll be repaid with Subaru's signature boxer growl as you snip crisply and easily through the gears. The ride is tight and blind spots are almost non existant. It crossed the quarter mile earlier as well; our manual 2012 tester took 16. While exterior dimensions remain unchanged from the outgoing version, the effect creates a larger, roomier cabin with the added benefit of improved outward visibility. The 2012 Subaru Impreza sticks with its unique, compact boxer engine that's known for reliability and a low center of gravity that helps handling and safety. That said, it's got a sort-of X-factor not directly expressed by those figures -- it's a blast to drive.
There are more soft surfaces than before, including the entire dashboard as well as the armrests and other so-called touch points. After a couple thousand miles, the miss went away and never returned. Leave a Comment Name Mail Website. The Impreza wagons add 2. Voice command-operated, it features a phone book, but it can't automatically download all of a paired phone's contacts. This normally aspirated test car cornered very well and gave the driver plenty of feedback. The All-Weather Package has heated front seats and side mirrors and a wiper de-icer.