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Impreza

2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i hatchback

Vehicle: 2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i hatchback w/Sport Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$24795

Performance: Subaru has always been nicknamed as “Japanese Saab” mainly for its quirkness. Their transformation from a quirky into a mainstay manufacturer is about to complete with the introduction of the new Impreza. Can both mainstream and quirky be co-exist in one sentence? We will have the answer at the end of test drive.

Engine downsizing has becoming a welcoming trend with the raising gas prices. Instead of following its competition by giving a small displacement a forced induction boost, Subaru decided to drop the engine displacement on its unique flat-4. The engine displacement has been dropped from 2.5 liters to 2.0 liters, while the hp has been decreased by 22 and torque dipped 25 lb/ft. It makes this flat-4 provides 148 ponies and 145 lb/ft of torque, from this DOHC 16-valve unit with variable valve timing and electronic throttle advances. As expect from a Subaru flat-4, its distinctive boiling water exhaust note remains. Whether you like or not, it remains as the integral part of Subaru personality. Our Sport Package tester comes with the standard CVT. While there are many who lamented the lack of torque converter with CVT’s driving chacteristics, we are always liken for its seamless and efficiency. Based on the engine load, CVT usually revs up to the engine speed with ideal rpm before it hangs on there for maximum efficiency. In Impreaza’s case, it has matched with its flat-4 engine’s character relatively well. Given its pricepoint, this CVT doesn’t create the annoying raw engine sound which has made some found annoying. That’s mainly thanks to its manumatic mode, in which driver is able to control the desired rpm on which they like to. This paddle shifters, on the other hand, are able to kick-in at whenever modes. In fact, we have liked this application more than the one we tested in Outback and Legacy few years ago. In terms of refinement, smoothness and NHV; Impreza has rated up there with anything in its segment leaders. The throttle response is decently quick while provide more than willing performance at all rev ranges.

Handling: When you put the flat-4 engine in the centerline of the engine bay while adding the assymertrical AWD, which is a proactive system. This Subaru assymetrical AWD has always been considered as one of the world’s best AWD, mainly thanks to its proactivity while keeping the Impreza going even with one wheel has traction. It provides plenty of grips through Sport Package’s 17″ tires. Subaru has addressed the complaint on which many have found the previous Impreza a bit soggy when pushed through twisties. The new Impreza has returned with crisp turn-in, sharp reflexes and sporty feel which associate with this unique Japanese brand. The steering continues Subaru’s hallmark great feel and feedback. Its extremely precise without feeling twitchies, on the other hand, it tracks the road on the right path with top-notch on and off-center feedback. The suspension is comfortably compliant while absorbing all the roughness with ease. In fact, its ride quality will be one of the major selling points. The major reason is we found its ride quality is not only match but beaten many of the best riding competitions, namely Mazda3 and Ford Focus. When it comes to balancing handling and ride, Subaru has always done a marvelous job. Combining the forte of an excellent AWD and a state-of-the-art stability control really have this brand on the top of the chart.

Brakes: As with all Subaru, Impreza comes with 4-wheel discs, 4-channel and 4-sensor ABS standard. Subaru pedal feel used to be feel spongy to the travel. The new Impreza has provided sure-footness stoppability. It also comes with brake-force distribution and brake assist, which rounded up the active safety nicely. ABS has acted accordingly about wrap up the whole dynamic equation.

Interior: With a low liftover, narrow side sills and fold-down rear seats which completely go flat into the floor, Impreza’s luggage space is as versatile as anyone can imagine. Combined with a privacy cover and a nice storage space at the bottom of the trunk, no wonder Subaru consistently sold more hatchback than its equivalent sedan. What’s more impressive is the new Impreza adds 100 more liters of luggage space to the existing car, both sedan and hatchback.

If you are able to remember the Subaru of the early days, its interior layout and materials tend to be very quirky. The 80s XT and Loyale are prime examples. With the new Impreza, both have gone from being left field into right field. There are nice soft-touch materials on the dashboard, while everything else is nicely attired and very initutitve. The velour seats are very well-made and comfortable, while auto climate control has adjusted to temperature efficiently and effectively.

The flameless windows of Subaru of ole has created plenty of wind noises. With the flamed windows in the new Impreza, it makes for a much quieter ride.
There are more than enough head and legrooms for rear passengers while having three at a bit of a squeeze.

Conclusion: I love the way Subaru transforms a little quirky duckling into a caterpillar. :) Subaru should be considered as a classroom example of transforming a great brand from being quirky to mainstream. The new Impreza is a prime example. It has become mainstream without losing the perishable character of this unique brand. The infusion of the new flat-4 engine with superior fuel economy, safety and performance-enhanced AWD and looks which are more pleasing to the eyes. It really shown mainstream and quirky can be happily live together in a tidy package.

Competitions:
Hyundai Elantra Touring
Kia Forte5 hatchback
Mazda3 Sport
Toyota Matrix
VW Golf

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i hatchback
=====================================
Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4.5/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5

2011 Subaru WRX STi

Vehicle: 2011 Subaru WRX STi Sport Tech Package
Price as tested: CDN$41595

Performance: Don’t fix a mouse trap when the mouse trap isn’t broken. That’s exactly the dliemma Subaru had to face when its come to redesign their iconic WRX STi. Is the latest generation really the best WRX ever produced? We will have the answer after this review.

While the base WRX has 265 hp and 244 lb/ft of torque, which are more than capable to challenge many of those hot hatches in its price range. Its the STi’s uptuned DOHC 2.5 liter 16-valve flat-4, with 305 ponies and, more importantly, 290 lb/ft of torque, is the real deal. Both of these engines not only share the same distinctive engine note, which has been famous for Subaru’s flat-4 turbo powertrain. They are both lack of turbo lag when pushed. In the past, WRX with automatic has nasty turbo lag at around 3000rpm. On the STi, the turbo spools up quickly and efficiently without any hestiation. The “Sport Sharp” mode in Subaru’s SI-Drive has enhanced its throttle response dramatically. The “Sport” is more than enough for most daily driving. On the “Intelligent” mode, its best leave for enhancing the most fuel efficient driving manner during day-to-day traffic jam. On the other hand, the Active Valve Control enhances the middle and upper end performance. That makes the STi one seriously quick beast on all speeds, as long as you are willing to risk your driver’s licence. Mated with this world-class powertrain is the standard 6-speed manual gearbox. Not only does the clutch is progressive while offering good feedback. The gates are short and precise, while the gear ratios are perfectly match for STi’s performance character. On a side note, Subaru is developing a new series of flat-4 engines with direct injection technology. With STi’s engineering prowess put through anyone of those turbocharged flat-4, you can surely bet the next WRX STi will have even more serious fun than all those preceding it. That will be included the one we are testing here.

Handling: While the platform of the current STi remains the same one introduced back in 2008, the redesigned front strut front and rear double wishbone suspension have given the car an even more planted feel. Combined with the nifty DCCD, which is able to shift the power distribution of the center differential. Which has the ability to shift between 41/59 to 50/50. The best mode, however, is to leave it at “Auto”. Because its good enough even for aggressive track driving. The “manual” mode, however, is for those who is really hardcore on the racetrack. With the manual mode at the most aggressive setting, any enthuisast can have a beautiful rear-wheel drift when exiting a corner. The revised suspension combines sharp handling prowess with supple ride quality. The steering is sharp and precise, without all those twitches one expects from a performance car fo this caliber. While anyone would expect STi to ride like many of those rough riding sports cars. It does not. The suspension is comfortably compliant while absorbing those patholes and roughness of what we called Canadian roads. Its firm, European firm but its certainly far from being harsh. There are minimal body rolls, while understeer is well-tempted. Then add the uninstrusive electronic stability control, which is an added security shield on top of Subaru’s famed assymertrical AWD. Its really hard to get the STi out of control except for some reckless driving manners.

Brakes: With 4-wheel Brembo discs and standard ABS, the STi has to be considered as one of the best brakes I have ever tested. The stopping distance is short, while pedal feels firm and reassurring. Even after a couple of harsh stops, it remains fade-free. At this end of the price ladder, you can hardly find any brake pedal better than this combination.

Interior: WRX interior used to mean austere and basic. With the introduction of the STi Sport Technology Package, you can load it up like any luxury car does. With the airy sunroof and efficient auto climate control, its extremely well-equipped for such a performance car. What really impressed me are those superb bucket seats. They hug driver in all the right places without feeling confining. Same as the sports steering which provide excellent grip for driver’s hand. The leather-stitches on the steering are top-notch in its execution.

After a 3 year demise, the STi sedan is back! Even though customers are always right when they are wrong, Subaru has no choice but to bring back a “sedan with a trunk”. Hatchback is the most practical when you have the same dimensions. But unlike those in Europe, American (unlike Canadian) dictate sedan is a more “appropriate” choice in the mainstream.

While we already lamented the awkward proportion of the current Impreza sedan, adds STi’s typical “hanger” type rear spoiler, make the back looks even more terrible. While this large rear spoiler adds huge benefit to the downforce at high speed, its blocking half of the visibility from the rear-view mirror.

On top of that, the trunk is mostly well-layout with fold-down rear seats. That’s despite of the instrusive trunk hinges and narrow side sills.

Conclusion: On the top, I have asked the question on whether this is the best WRX ever produced. The answer is a definite yes. You won’t be able to find any car costing the same as STi, is able to provide the same bang-for-the-buck. In a nutshell, the WRX STi will continue to be on my “I have to own” list of favourite cars.

Competitions:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
VW Golf R

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2011 Subaru WRX STi
=====================================
Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Follow-up test: 2011 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Sport

Vehicle: 2011 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Sport 5-doors automatic
Price as tested: CDN$26695

When you asked anyone to name an affordable AWD with proven reliability, decent build quality and versatility to boot. Subaru would be the name to mention. Impreza is the car that should take the title. As you can get a base sedan over above 20 grand to a loaded hatchback with Limited Package for less than 30 grand.

Subaru decided to ditch its hallmark wagon in flavor of hatchback in the current iteration of Impreza. Although it might have lost some of Subaru’s quirky character during transformation, it haven’t lost anything in terms of overall execution.

Our tester comes with the optional sports package which consist of larger wheels, front foglights, bluetooth, moonroof and halogen headlights. This package is the most attractive of the Impreza range, as it slots above convenience package and below the leather-lined Limited.

Subaru’s proven 2.5 liter SOHC flat-4 with 170hp and 170 lb/ft of torque provide more than capable performance even with the additional weight of symmertrical AWD. However, it needs a gearbox with more gears. As 4-speed automatic has limited the wider use of gear ratios to better use of this powertrain. It would also make the engines less buzzy on the highway. With either a 5 or 6-speed automatic, better yet, with a paddle shifters. It would make Impreza a more attractive buy.

Handling wise, its competent and reassuring. Thanks to the platform with share with the rocket WRX and STi, its solid and rigid while providing a great foundation as a family car. As with Subaru, its confidence enough to provide driving pleasure through nicely weighted steering and well-calibrated suspension geometry.

Given the physical dimension, there are plenty of cargo space with or without the rear seats completely fold flat. The interior feels spacious and well layout.

The latest Impreza is the right step to bring Subaru into a more mainstream market. Its not as quirky as Subaru of the past without losing any of its unique character. The addition of an excellent AWD plus a well suited chassis should be it into anyone’s shopping list.

Likes:
World-class AWD
Handling and ride compromise
Overall chassis balance and composure

Dislikes:
Price on a loaded Limited
Subpar interior materials
Sedan’s generic looks

2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i/WRX

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
=======================================
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)