2008 Subaru Impreza

Retail Price as tested: $23,156.00

The interior is plain and the seats are not very comfortable. The drivers seat is very adjustable but the passenger seat is not. When you sit in the passenger seat you might as well be sitting on  the floor. You feel like you are a foot lower than the driver (those are my wife’s words). If you like to “sit low and drive slow” this is your car! It did have steering wheel controls for the inadequate stereo system which sort of made up for the terrible sound it produced. The radio system needs a complete overhaul.

The Impreza is all Subaru. What I mean by that is it felt just like all other Subaru’s I have ever driven. It handled well, was slightly underpowered and had the same fit and finish as all other Subaru’s. I wish Subaru would pick up some tips from the other Asian car makers and put some decent upgrades into the interior. This is a great “basic” car with not a lot of frills. The car I drove had the optional Navigation system which I would not get. It was way to difficult to use as was the radio that is built into the NAV system. It had to be one of the worst designed radio systems I have ever encountered. Road noise was typical for a small car and I realy wish someone would tell the car makers that a little more insulation in the body would go a long ways in dampening the road noise. Of course it was worse in this car as the radio was insufficient in drowning it out.

2.5-litre 170-hp 4-Cylinder Engine

Using a design derived from aircraft manufacturing, the Subaru Boxer Engine is mounted longitudinally in the chassis, resulting

in a lower center of gravity for better balance

and reduced friction.

Engine and Transmission

The 170 hp engine is smooth and works well although I felt it was underpowered when  you really need it like pulling onto a freeway. At our altitude I wish it had another 40-50 hp. The transmission shifts smooth and I liked the optional “sportshift” manual shifting. It works especially well when going downhill and you want the engine to slow you down and not the brakes. This would be a great feature when the roads are wet or snow packed - something Subaru is well known for. “Models equipped with 4-speed automatic transmission utilise an electronically controlled variable transfer clutch to distribute power to where traction is needed. Sensors monitor parameters such as wheel slippage, throttle position and braking, to help determine torque distribution and direct it to the wheels with optimum traction.”

Interior

John Rush - Host

Gearhead Radio & Drive Radio

For a audio version of my review - please visit www.gearheadradio.com.

For more details on other features and options on the Subaru Impreza click here.

4-speed Automatic Transmission & Symmetrical AWD

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive sends power from the Subaru Boxer Engine to each wheel, providing superior driving performance and enhanced traction to keep you safe on any road condition.

The interior is spacious and there is plenty of room in the back seat as well as the trunk. Interior noise is loud but it does drive and handle well. The dash and interior controls are - plain. Like I said earlier - this is a typical Subaru.

The Impreza is a small car that gets 20/27 mpg. I averaged 25 around town. I had a hard time liking this car. I felt for the same money you could buy a different car and get more value. The biggest thing that pushes this car up in price is the AWD and the awful NAV system that you can do with out. Just pack a map and you will be fine. I honestly feel the Nissan Versa i test drove earlier is a much better value. The Impreza does have an option for your iPod and also a Bluetooth function for your phone.