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2012 Subaru Impreza Philadelphia

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2012 Subaru Impreza Design

The new 2012 Impreza has crisp character lines and pronounced wheel arches that contribute to a beefy stance. Compared to earlier generations, the car has shed its cute quirkiness in favor of a more conventional three-box sedan and 5-door hatch silhouette. For 2012, Subaru has restyled its Impreza compact, increasing interior space while keeping overall length and width the same, lightened it, and fitted it with an all-new engine and the Impreza's first continuously variable transmission. The base side mirrors are black-colored and fold, and the door handles are body-colored. Fifteen-inch steel wheels with wheel covers are standard.

Handling of the 2012 Subaru Impreza

The new 2.0-liter is smoother than growly old 2.5-liter,      but you're regularly aware that the torque peak is north of      4,000 rpm, especially with the CVT. Normally CVTs cause me      to make a face, but this one features shift paddles on the      steering wheel that allow you to hold one of six preset      ratios if, say, you're terrorizing an on-ramp in rural      Connecticut. I'd still go for the five-speed, but if you      bought the automatic, I'd understand.The company hopes the      all-new 2012 Subaru Impreza will make it more of a player in      the world of compact cars that get good gas mileage--with      the added Subaru twist of standard all-wheel drive

2012 Subaru 500 Driving Impressions

There's no doubt that the 2012 Impreza is, in fact, better looking and stingier with a gallon of gas.Beneath the hood of the 2012 Subaru Impreza sits an all-new 2.0-liter boxer four that not only feels more responsive than the 2.5-liter unit it replaces, but also delivers superior fuel economy.In addition to Subaru's standard all-wheel drive system, all 2012 Subaru Impreza models come standard with antilock brakes, electronic stability control and traction control. Standard safety features also include a new driver's knee airbag.

Interior of the 2012 Subaru Impreza

The fresh look outside is carried through the interior with greater use of soft touch material on the dash, doors and center console armrest. There's also plenty of cubbies and storage compartments for everything from water bottles to iPods. Inside, Subaru has kept its simple cockpit design, but improved the materials quality. The dashboard is covered in soft-touch materials and leather is an option for the first time on a non-turbocharged Impreza. On cars with a navigation system, the route planner dispenses an amazing amount of detail.

Conclusion

Kudos to Subaru for not falling victim to the bigger is better syndrome. While some manufacturers' mainstay models swell with each new generation, Subaru designers focused instead on making better use of existing space, developing a more efficient powertrain and increasing bang for the buck. Despite dimensions identical to the last rendition, the 2012 Impreza's wheelbase is lengthened by nearly an inch, which, combined with shorter overhangs, gives a more taut look and feel. Rear-seat passengers get about two inches more legroom.

Some information for this review was obtained from NewCarTestDrive.com