Vehicle(s): 2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Sport Package 5-door with automatic
2008 Subaru WRX 4-door sedan
Price as tested: CDN$25995 (2.5i) CDN$32995 (WRX)

Performance: Medium and spicy are best descriptions for Impreza’s engine choices. The entry-level 2.5L SOHC flat-4 16-valve best describes as medium, as it pumps out 170 horses and pounds feet of torque. Even if its maximum torque arrives at 4 grand, as well as matched with 4-speed manumatic, it still has plenty of go despite of AWD’s hefty weight penalty. As with all Subaru’s normally-aspirated 4-cylinder engines, this powerplant has that distinctive “boil water” engine note. Even at 300 meters away, one can still notice there is a Subaru flat-4 driven by. Its performance at high rpm is an equally delightful surprise, as it is willing to rev to 6000 rpm. What we are little disappointed is Subaru refused to put out 5 or 6-speed manumatic consider all of its rivals already got one. The 4-speed automatic has a tendency to hunt for gears despite the up/downshifts are smooth. Given Subaru is an engineering-driven company runs by driving enthuisats, they better give consumers 5-speed automatic sooner better than latter.

However, its the spicy 224 hp 2.5L DOHC turbo flat-4 which really makes a difference. With the torque of 226 pounds feet arrives at 2800rpm, power has never been an issue with WRX. While the outgoing WRX always seems to have some turbo lag, all the lag has gone for smooth turbo spools up. The rawness of turbo kicks in after lag has become one smooth transition in its latest iteration. Matched with this spicy engine is the 5-speed stick shift. The clutch is light and progressive, as well as having a very user-friendly grabbing point. This stick shifter has nicely defined gates if the throws are bit too long for my liking. However, WRX’s turbo-4 is crying out loud for a 6th gear even though its revving at 2400rpm @ 100 km/h. The extra gear would make it a more comfortable highway cruiser. It just doesn’t feel refined enough consider Subaru wants new WRX to be a refined highway cruiser as much as a capable handler as it used to be.

Handling: Subaru products have always been known for exceptional driving dynamics, the new Impreza is no exception.

Even with the standard suspension and 16″ wheels on the 2.5i, it remains as a capable handler. The steering has the Subaru hallmark feedback and precision, while the stability control remains as uninstrusive until it reaches the end of the envalope. Ride quality is comfortable yet absorbing all the roughness on the pavement. The biggest criticism, however, its the base 2.5i doesn’t even come with stability control as an option. One has to pay $2500 to upgrade to sport package to get stability control. Even though Subaru has an excellent symmertical AWD system, a stability control is a very important active safety feature these days.

To make things even better, WRX scores with an extremely capable sports suspension and 17″ wheels. As capable as standard car does, this one is just make a good car a great car. The cornering is flat and body rolls are minimal. Stability control is even less instrusive than in the 2.5i. Steering ratio is faster, which makes WRX’s steering sharper and more precise.

The outgoing WRX, especially STi, had been very easy to reach limits but equally easy to lost control for unskilled drivers above limits. The new version, however, is much more controllable at and beyond limitations. The contributing factor is Subaru engineers have dialed in more understeer before oversteer starts to occur. Some might called it too forgiving but others might said its better for insurance purpose.

Brakes: Before we start praising Impreza’s braking prowess, we should started questioning how Subaru Canada packages the safety feature. On the base 2.5i, you got front discs/rear drums with ABS. Only you have to upgrade to sport package in order to get 4-wheel discs with stability control. Yes, you got lots of extra features for that extra 2k. But can we just make all the necessary safety features as standard even on base car??

Packaging aside, both 2.5i and WRX have proven to be as capable on its braking performance as its dynamic abilities. The stopping distance is short while pedal feels firm and solid. 4-wheel discs with 4-channel really have a desired effect on this aspect.

Interior: The new Impreza’s interior is very well layout if a bit blend for my liking. All the Subaru’s quirkness has gone for mainstream. The use of materials and fit-and-finish have taken a huge step forward at the same time. Although its still not yet reached the best-in-class standard, its possibly the most delightful Impreza interior ever built.

The instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. When starting the ignition, the speedometer would give it a nice dance for a complete check-up of all the components. WRX’s tachometer remains on the center of the dashboard.

Both the manual and auto climate controls are very effective. The ergonomics on the center console has been very well done, with stereo placed on top of of climate control.

With the 40/60 split fold-down rear seats, Impreza’s cargo area is very versatile despite of the high liftover. We found sedan’s trunk a bit swallow but a surprise for hatchback.

Conclusion: Subaru has managed to make each succeeding Impreza a better car than its predecessor, the same goes for the new version. This has to be the best Impreza ever produced.

On the other hand, there have been lots of controversies when Subaru decided to ditch its proven sportswagon for the sake of hatchback. As well as tempting of WRX’s raw driving feel for the sake of a more refined driving experience. Will all of these changes a successful move for Subaru? Time will tell. But the debates will certainly going on for years to come!!

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA/WRX
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Performance: 4/5 (2.5i) 5/5 (WRX)
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5 (2.5i) 5/5 (WRX)
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5 (2.5i) 4/5 (WRX)
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5 (2.5i) 4/5 (WRX)
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5 (2.5i) 3/5 (WRX)
Value-for-money: 4/5 (2.5i) 5/5 (WRX)

Overall ratings: 4/5 (2.5i) 4.5 (WRX)