(continued from above)
New amenities, infotainment technology and higher-grade interior materials
contribute to a more rewarding driving and ownership experience in the 2012
Impreza, which will arrive in Subaru dealerships this fall.
Powered by an
all-new 148-hp 2.0-liter Boxer engine, the 2012 Impreza comes with a choice of a
five-speed manual transmission or the second-generation Lineartronic CVT
(continuously variable transmission). The 2012 Impreza will offer the highest
fuel economy of any all-wheel drive car in America, with projected EPA ratings
of 27 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. Every 2012 Impreza is equipped as standard
with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
Offered in base, Premium, Sport
Premium, Limited and Sport Limited models, the 2012 Impreza conveys a bolder,
more confident design that emphasizes its sporty roots and standard Symmetrical
All-Wheel Drive performance. In profile, the 2012 Impreza draws focus to its
wheels with powerful arches, a theme that debuted on the 2010 Subaru Legacy.
The combination of a longer wheelbase and redesigned door and roof trim and
front seats yields gains in passenger and cargo room for the 2011 Impreza. The
wheelbase grows to 104.1 inches compared to 103.2 in the outgoing model. Vehicle
length and width remain the same as before for both sedan and five-door models,
yet, thanks to redesigned door panels, the 2012 Subaru Impreza offers increased
hip and shoulder room. Rear seat passengers gain nearly two inches of legroom.
Sedan trunk room and five-door cargo room are both increased, and the five-door
now provides a completely flat load floor with the standard 60/40 split rear
seatbacks folded.
The windshield is more raked than in the previous
Impreza, with the bottom of the A-pillar moved 7.9 inches forward, allowing for
a front door opening nearly five inches longer for easier entry/exit. Higher hip
points and a lower, flatter instrument panel, along with larger side mirrors,
contribute to better visibility from within the cabin.
Richer looking
appointments and details abound, including soft-touch materials for the
dashboard, door trim and center console armrest. Larger door pockets can hold
plastic drink bottles and large maps. Numerous compartments located in and
around the center console hold all manner of today's personal items, such as
phones, USB drives and MP3 players.
Subaru Impreza 4-Door: Review (2/2)