ith the fourth-generation Impreza, Subaru aims to remedy a few of the major problems faced with the previous model. The first hiccup to the Impreza's recipe involved styling because—let's be honest here--the old car didn't look all that stellar, particularly in sedan form. In fact, the sales split between the four-door sedan and the five-door hatchback was roughly 40/60. Yeah, the hatchback outsold the sedan, which is not typical in the United States.
To make the new car easier on the eyes, styling falls in line with that seen on the current Legacy with a hexagonal grille and sharper lines. The front of the A-pillar was moved forward by 7.9 inches for a faster windshield rake to also help make the front-door openings bigger for easier entry and exit.
Improvements are also noticeable inside, with the addition of soft-touch surfaces for the majority of the dashboard and door panels. Outward visibility improves with a thinner A-pillar (thanks to the use of more high-strength steel), the exterior mirrors are now mounted on the doors (instead of on the A-pillar), seat hip points are higher and the dashboard is lower and flatter. In back, passengers enjoy almost two additional inches of legroom thanks to a wheelbase that grows by one inch. Another inch comes from the scalloped backs of the front seats.
The second problem the old Impreza faced was less-than-stellar fuel economy from its 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine. With an EPA rating of 20/27 mpg city/highway for manual models and 20/26 mpg city/highway for the four-speed automatic versions, it was a far cry from many of the newer entries that are putting up 40-mpg highway numbers. For that, Subaru set out to develop its first all-new engine in 20 years. The new 2.0-liter boxer four is smoother and now sports dual overhead cam shafts and variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust valves.
Replacing the available four-speed automatic is an updated continuously variable transmission, which is smaller and lighter than the one found in the Legacy and the Outback, and it has wider ratio coverage. Together with the new engine, the CVT helps the Impreza achieve an EPA fuel-economy rating of 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Subaru says that makes it the most fuel-efficient AWD vehicle available in America.
The suspension retains the MacPherson struts in front and a double-wishbone configuration in the rear. Refinements include a new front cradle subframe, a rebound spring in the front struts, thicker anitroll bars and pillow ball bushings in the rear.
What is it like to drive?
There is a level of refinement in the new Impreza that owners of the previous model will appreciate. The 2.0-liter engine is smooth and peppy for the class even while packing 22 hp less than the old 2.5-liter engine. However, one needs to remember that the new car can be more than 160 pounds lighter than its predecessor depending on trim and equipment. We first test-drove a 2.5i Premium model with the optional CVT and it was fine. Premium and Limited trims with the CVT come standard with a six-speed simulated manual mode and steering-wheel paddle shifters. First through third gear shifts were sluggish, but shifts to fourth, fifth and sixth were noticeably crisper. The engine is smooth, didn't mind revving to the redline and is without a lot of that boxer rasp that marked the old engine.
The new suspension gives the Impreza a sportier flavor than most of the entries into this segment (minus the Mazda 3). Through winding portions of our drive route the car was planted and quite entertaining to sling around corners. Of course, understeer happens when you dive in too enthusiastically, but the car is still fun to drive. The ride is still well damped, and small to large road imperfections were absorbed without problem.
For maximum entertainment, we recommend opting for the third pedal (and saving $1,000 for not “upgrading” to the CVT). The shifter is smoother and slots effortlessly into gears—it's the best-shifting manual Subaru has done to date.
The additional soft-touch surfaces are abundant and the outward view from the driver's seat is great while the seats themselves kept us comfortable and supported through lateral maneuvers on our roughly four-hour drive route.
Do I want it?
You should, especially if you live in an area that does get hit by winter. Having all-wheel drive in this class no longer comes at the expense of fuel economy and oddball looks. The new engine and the CVT (which will be the volume gearbox) is a respectable pairing that puts the efficiency close to many of its front-wheel-drive rivals. But again, for the drivers out there, stick with the manual.
And the new Subaru interior is a wonderful sight to see. The Volkswagen Jetta and Honda Civic clearly cut corners in this area, while Subaru ramped up its efforts.
Subaru did say there was a third problem with the brand overall: Customers didn't usually consider Subaru for its portfolio of sedans. Wagons and crossovers such as the Forester and the Outback are what they are best known for at the moment. But with the new Impreza delivering on all the important attributes now in addition to standard all-wheel drive, people should really be looking to them for sedan, too.
