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June 18, 2010
In addition, the Impreza’s low centre of gravity and fully independent suspension (front MacPherson strut/rear double-wishbone), provide surprisingly balanced, neutral handling and absorb bumps and pavement cracks very well.
The Impreza’s engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack and pinion steering provides the right amount of boost when parking or cruising, and its turning circle of 10.6 metres is commendably tight for an all-wheel drive car. The Sport model has a lower front spoiler than other models, and the driver should be careful not to hit a curb with it when parking.
        2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Sport hatchback. Click image to enlarge |
I also liked the Impreza hatchback’s outward visibility, helped by large windows, variable intermittent front wipers, a front wiper de-icer, rear fixed intermittent wiper, heated side mirrors, and rear defogger and washer.
All in all, the Impreza hatchback is a well balanced, easy to drive vehicle with good handling, ride, acceleration and visibility, and excellent braking. Criticisms might include the engine’s moderate growly sound and slightly higher fuel consumption created by the added weight and operation of its all-wheel drive system. However, for many people, that’s not an unreasonable price to pay for the added safety and security of all-wheel drive.
With its extra cargo space and greater utility, the hatchback model would be my Impreza bodystyle of choice. The cabin is surprisingly roomy with generous headroom front and rear, even with the sunroof, and adequate legroom for front and rear passengers. Rear passengers have generous footroom under the front seats and extra headroom courtesy of a sculpted headliner. But there’s no centre folding armrest.
All the seats are covered in a soft velour felt that’s warm to the touch, and the Sport model also includes heated front seats with two temperature choices. The driver’s seat has a manual height adjuster, and the steering wheel tilts but doesn’t telescope.
The stylish dash and console include a generous amount of “titanium” trim which helps to offset the bleakness of the black dash plastic. Three large gauges behind the steering wheel are clearly visible and are backlit in a red glow at night. Another display on the top of the dash, with small numerals that aren’t as easy to read, shows the outside temperature, average and real-time fuel economy, and the time.
The centre stack features a large radio and six-disc CD player, and includes Sirius satellite radio with a three-month free subscription. Satellite radio is a great feature, but the display in the Impreza shows only the number of the station, not the name, leading me to guess what kind of music I’m listening to. An auxiliary input jack for music devices can be found inside the centre storage bin between the front seats. There are also two 12 volt power outlets in the lower console and the storage bin. The leather-wrapped steering wheel includes illuminated audio controls.
Air conditioning is standard in the Impreza Sport model, but not automatic climate control. For that you have to move up to the Limited Package.
There’s not a lot of extra interior storage space in the Impreza’s cabin. The glovebox is consumed by the owner’s manual, and the centre armrest and storage bin is rather small. But the cargo area is very roomy, measuring 787 mm (31 inches) to the rear seats, and 1600 mm (63 inches) with the rear seatbacks folded. The split rear seatbacks fold down on top of rear seat cushions for a flat surface that’s lined, but the trunk walls are raw plastic which can be scratched. A removeable, sliding privacy cover keeps the cargo area contents hidden. The hatch is easy to lift up and the cargo opening is tall and wide. Inside the cargo area are four tie-down hooks and two utility hooks. Under the trunk floor is a shallow storage tray.
The Impreza comes standard with front, front-side and side curtain airbags, collapsible pedals, whiplash-reducing front-seat head restraints, rear child door locks, and rear child seat anchor and tether system. In overall crash safety, the 2010 Impreza 2.5i was rated a Top Safety Pick by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Of the few sub $25,000 compact cars available with all-wheel drive, the Subaru Impreza 2.5i hatchback is probably the best overall value because of its proven all-wheel drive system, comfortable cabin, and excellent driveability.
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Pricing: 2010 Subaru Impreza Sport hatchback
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