2010 Subaru Impreza Review

The 2010 Subaru Impreza is available either as a sedan or hatchback with seating for 5. All Impreza models feature Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for added traction and handling capabilities. Safety features such as six airbags, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, traction-control and stability-control are standard. The Impreza has an EPA fuel economy of 18 - 20 mpg in the city and 24 - 27 mpg in the highway. There are no significant changes for 2010. All models now get four disc brakes instead of last year's rear drum setup, providing better performance. In short, the Impreza is a lot of car for the money, and its standard all-wheel drive makes it an excellent choice for buyers who want an extra measure of security and stability in inclement conditions. The Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STi are fun, fast and well built, with standard all-wheel drive and overall performance that's rare in their class.

Impreza Power

The Impreza 2.5i trim features a 170-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic. The GT trim features a turbocharged version producing 224-hp. WRX models have 265-hp under the hood. Impreza and Outback Sport use a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine teamed with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces 170-horspower, enough power for everyday needs and enough oomph for good passing punch.

2010 Subaru Impreza Design

The Impreza hatchback models get clear-lens taillights with red LEDs. All Impreza models get a new grille for 2010. The Impreza Outback Sport is a more rugged Impreza, similar to how Volvo distinguishes the V70 from the XC70. The Sport is only available as a four-door hatchback featuring a two-tone appearance, with the lower section of the body a contrasting silver hue. An important improvement for this generation of Impreza is its fully framed door windows, which reduces interior noise and the possibility of leaks. The sides of the car are largely uncluttered, except for bold BMW-like shoulder lines that run from the front wheelwells to the taillights. The fenders are slightly flared at the wheels, offering a flowing shape. The Impreza hatchback, on the other hand, has a raked rear window that leads to an integrated roof spoiler, giving it a sporty demeanor. The hatchback does not have separate opening glass, and its taillights are clear. The new Impreza applies the latest evolution of what Subaru calls its Ring Frame Reinforced body design. It helps create the impression of a wedge, and emphasizes the aggressive flare of the rockers between the wheels.

Driving the Impreza

The Impreza handles excellent thanks to its standard full time all-wheel drive. This Subaru trademark adds handling stability and traction on slippery roads. The Impreza also has a handling advantage versus several competitors. Advanced suspension geometry, a platform built to host the high-performance WRX models, and a low center of gravity thanks to the boxer engine all add up to crisp handling with little body lean in corners. The Impreza also offers a comfortable ride.

Inside the Impreza

Inside the 2010 Impreza features metallic inlays flank the center controls, and the center console houses an optional navigation system. All models come with a 60/40-split fold-down backseat. The hatch gets a cargo area cover and tie-down hooks. Inside, the Impreza is nicely appointed. The gauges are easy to read, and there is plenty of storage space for small items. The front seat has enough head room and leg room for tall drivers, and visibility is good to all corners. The back seat is impressive for a compact car, with enough leg room for tall passengers provided the front seats aren't set too far back. Inside, the Impreza has plenty of room for a compact car. On the whole, there is more room than the last model. Even tall drivers should find enough head and leg room. Visibility to all corners is also largely unobstructed. The back seat is quite impressive.

2010 Lineup

Standard equipment on the 2.5i sedan and hatchback includes cloth upholstery, air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, height-adjustable driver's seat, 60/40 split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, 80-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with four speakers, outside-temperature indicator, theft-deterrent system, and P205/55R16 tires on steel wheels with wheel covers. Hatchbacks also get a rear cargo cover and a rear spoiler.

The Outback Sport adds four-wheel disc brakes, raised suspension, Incline Start Assist (with manual transmission), leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, leather-wrapped shift knob, heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, six-disc CD changer, 10 speakers, auxiliary audio input jack, fog lights, roof rack cross bars, and P205/50R17 tires on alloy wheels.

Options include the Premium package with heated front seats and an 11-speaker audio system with a 100-watt amplifier, among other things. The Navigation package includes the Premium package contents plus a GPS navigation system with seven-inch screen, satellite radio, digital sound processing, Bluetooth connectivity and an auxiliary video jack. Standalone options include body molding colors, various deck-lid spoilers, a battery warmer, a subwoofer and power amp for the base audio system, and XM or Sirius satellite radio hardware.

Conclusions

Safety features for the 2010 Impreza are impressive; it includes dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, front disc and rear drum brakes, antilock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, front-seat active head restraints, and a tire-pressure monitor. Traction control, electronic stability control, Brake Assist, and Incline Start Assist (with manual transmission) are standard on all but the 2.5i, where they are optional. The WRX has achieved some of the best ratings in its class in National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests, with five stars for front impacts, five stars for front passengers in side impacts, and four stars in rollover tests. In the small car segment, the Subaru Impreza is often overshadowed by more popular nameplates. There are two primary reasons for this: the Impreza's higher-than-average pricing and a lack of brand awareness regarding Subaru vehicles. But for the right kind of buyer, the Subaru Impreza can be an excellent choice among compact cars. For the latest update on this model, visit the official Subaru Impreza site .