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Subaru made the Impreza a comfortable, roomy, attractive place for customers downsizing from mid-size cars. The Impreza's safety credentials are bolstered by a standard driver's knee airbag for 2012. Last year's Outback Sport is discontinued, replaced by two range-topping 5-door wagon models: the 2.0i Sport Premium and 2.0i Sport Limited.
The Impreza Outback Sport SE gains a new navigation system featuring a removable TomTom GPS unit. All models except the base car get a new radio that includes Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, iPod integration, a USB port and satellite radio capability. The turbocharged 2.5 GT model has been discontinued.
Both the Sedan and Wagon receive minor styling tweaks as well as a new grille. Premium trims can be equipped with the Special Edition Package that adds a power moonroof, fog lights and heated seats, mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer. Subaru's optional navigation system now includes Bluetooth phone connectivity.
A new trim, the 2.5GT, is added to the Impreza lineup. Although it is powered by a 224 horsepower turbocharged engine, the only transmission available is Subaru's four-speed SPORTSHIFT automatic. The 2.5i premium gains a power sunroof, while all Imprezas now come equipped with four wheel anti-lock disc brakes, traction and stability control.
If you live in an area that sees more snow than sun, you probably already know about the Subaru Impreza. It's the only compact car to offer Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, making it ideal for traversing deep snow or mud-covered roads, because all four wheels are constantly engaged. Available in both sedan and wagon forms, the Impreza offers about the same interior space as a Honda Civic or Mazda 3, although it does not offer as many high-tech options, such as heated leather seats or DVD navigation. Last year's major makeover improved the Impreza's sporty appearance, helping strengthen its appeal to younger drivers who crave, but cannot afford, the Impreza's speedy WRX sibling.
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why ads?By cherryfan (CO) on Thursday, June 14, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,100
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "MPG improvement, AWD, comfortable interior"
Cons: "CVT is not yet perfect"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"After more than four months of ownership (Premium hatchback), I still get a kick out of this car. It's plenty quick (we have the CVT) and smooth, handles precisely, provides great 360-degree visibility, and has a peaceful interior. It's comfortable, uncluttered, and spacious for a compact. Plenty of storage spaces, too. Wind and engine noise are minimal, road noise can become noticeable on some surfaces. The sound system is about average for the class, which means it's a big step forward for a Subaru. Storage space in the back is ample, and with the rear seats folded flat, you can stow a lot of stuff. The seats are comfortable and have tons of adjustment. Buff books and enthusiasts moan about the CVT, but it's better than most automatic transmissions. When you need power, it's there. It's not perfect yet, but Subaru has already issued two updates to the programming to improve performance. We're quite happy with it as it is, and it will only get better. We've been averaging about 32 mpg around town, and up to 34.5 in mostly-highway driving, even in the mountains. The Impreza has no trouble crossing the Continental Divide, at 11,000 feet, at 70 mph. My wife and I opted for the moonroof/alloy wheels/winter package. We enjoy them at least as much as we expected. Fit and finish seem excellent; the doors open and close with little effort. All that makes it comparable to, if not superior to, most other compacts. But the Impreza adds AWD, and in snow country, that puts it way above the competition."
47 people out of 47 found this review helpful
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By Professor (FL) on Sunday, August 19, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,356
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "Price, reliability, safety, handling, brakes"
Cons: "Noisy at highway speed"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"Bought the 2.0 Sport Limited a month ago and really like it. Fuel economy is in low 30's in mixed driving. Handling is superb in dry and wet conditions, and brakes are strong with great pedal feel. Can be noisy at HW speed, but it is comparable to other cars in this class I had tested. Great cargo space and comfortable interior. Power is adequate, but it feels peppy in real driving. Don't read magazine articles that criticize the power, these people are more concerned about power and 0-60 times than the things that make a car what it is. This car is an excellent buy for a family, it was the best choice for mine after testing Corollas, Civics, Cruze, Elantra, Focus, etc. Test drive this car if you are in the market for a compact, you won't be disappointed!"
28 people out of 28 found this review helpful
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By dodman1 (PA) on Sunday, May 20, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 700
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "Styling, Comfort, Gas Mileage and AWD"
Cons: "No Satellite Radio without Navigation"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I took delivery of my new Impreza a few weeks ago and I am very happy with the car, everything I expected and more. I like the way it looks and find it very comfortable and fun to drive. The Limited leather interior is really nice looking and there is plenty of room for the Driver and up to 3 passengers. I know some folks criticize the CVT Transmission but I find it to be very pleasant to drive. It seems to keep the relatively small motor in it's comfort zone and delivers fabulous gas mileage. I have been averaging about 35 MPG in mixed driving which is beyond my expectations. I believe it will better the advertised 36 MPG on the highway using cruise control. The Bluetooth Cell Phone connection is a little hokey to figure out, but once the phone is paired the voice quality is excellent; much better than my wife's Mercedes. I was disappointed that my contacts would not transfer, but I have an old cell phone which is probably the reason. My car has a sunroof and it's a very nice option. I am 6'2" and I have plenty of head room even with the sunroof. This is my 3rd Subaru over a 20 year period and this one is by far the best. I looked around quite a bit before deciding on the Impreza and no other car I considered came close to the value offered by Subaru. It's a great vehicle and I highly recommend taking one for a test drive before deciding on which new car you are going to purchase."
28 people out of 28 found this review helpful
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