Test Drive: 2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Touring sedan

2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Touring. Click image to enlarge

And what about fuel economy? With the optional CVT, this sedan is rated at 7.5 L/100 km city and 5.5 L/100 km highway which, according to Subaru, is a 30 per cent improvement over the 2010 model with its four-speed auto.

While the CVT has much to do with this, the biggest factor at play is the new DOHC 2.0-litre flat-four with variable valve timing on intake and exhaust cams that replaces the 2.5-litre unit. With 148 hp and 145 lb.-ft., it’s down 22 hp and 25 lb.-ft. from last year, but again, these figures are pretty much in line with the competition. Subaru claims the 2012 Impreza is no slower, thanks to the CVT, a more responsive engine and a slight weight reduction.

Acceleration is adequate, but wow, this car is noisy – thanks again going to the CVT. Any prod on the accelerator has the engine droning and moaning until the car plays catch up, at which time things settle down. The 2.0-litre four isn’t as coarse as the old unit, but there seems to be a distinct lack of sound insulation between the engine bay and passenger compartment. At highway speeds, there is also pronounced road and wind noise. In contrast, the Nissan Sentra, Chevy Cruze and Ford Focus are veritable tombs.

Another odd thing is slight delay when shifting from reverse to drive.

Before we totally dismiss this CVT and a necessary evil to attain better economy numbers, it has another side to its personality. With six programmed virtual “gears” that respond smartly to the tugs on the large shift paddles, it actually becomes quite an entertaining and engaging device. Factor in the natural steering feel (better than the last Legacy I drove), nicely balanced handling and a smooth ride, and this Impreza starts to win you back.

I averaged 8.2 L/100 km over the two weeks, which is about 1.0 L/100km more than what I’ve seen in most of its front-drive competitors. Although to be fair, this tester only had about 700 km on the clock when I picked it up, and the temperatures were starting to drop. That said, it is the most fuel-efficient AWD car in Canada.

Historically, Canadians have picked the Impreza hatch over the 4-door by a 70/30 ratio. With the 2012 sedan sporting a bigger trunk, Subaru expects it might become a 60/40 split. With a starting price of $20,895, the hatch commands a $900 premium over the sedan.

This 2012 Subaru Impreza has me scratching my head. Get past its dull countenance and there’s lots to like, but I would implore the engineers to do something about the racket coming from the engine bay. A whack of sound insulation would do wonders for this competent compact. I truly wish we had had a giant wallop of snow during my time with the Impreza. That’s when this car would have come into its own.