Topic: CD Article: 2008 Subaru Impreza hatchback 2.5i Sport

[Autos_Editor]

Test Drive:


2.5i Sport: Redesigned for 2008, the Subaru Impreza 2.5i has improved styling and a better interior, says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh, who calls it "value for the driving dollar".

 More:
Read the article | View the photos | All The Test Drives

[quadzilla]

The hatchback configuration works well when you need to move stuff around. With the seats up, the cargo space is 80 cm long; the seats easily fold flat, increasing the available space to a length of 153 cm.

Thanks Jill for including these numbers and more reviewers should also.

I think its time Subaru starts including a 5 speed auto on their cars.

Otherwise I like the new look of the Imprezza/WRX. Hopefully they add sunroof before next year and I'll add this to the list.

[carcrazy]

I think its time Subaru starts including a 5 speed auto on their cars.

I hear a rumor that Subaru will put a CVT in the Forester and perhaps Impreza in the future.

[rrocket]

Sunroof yet?

[Eric Green]

Same car Stateside?

US$20,640.00 (incl. shipping/delivery)

[mr_burns]

I notice on the dash that there's no temp gauge.  My 2005 Impreza had a faulty radiator cap that caused the temp to jump almost to the temp redline...

And how many more customers do they think they are getting by saving $2/car?

[The Mighty Duck]

I notice on the dash that there's no temp gauge.  My 2005 Impreza had a faulty radiator cap that caused the temp to jump almost to the temp redline...

And how many more customers do they think they are getting by saving $2/car?

While I agree temperature gauges are handy, I likely would not notice if mine were not there.  Example: I have no idea whether the Fit, Yaris, or Versa I drove last week had temperature gauges.

I'd assume the Impreza has a dash light for temperature, for failing that, the Check Engine Light will come on, so is a separate gauge even really necessary?  Great to have, can live without, imo.

[Mitlov]

Redesigned for 2008, the Subaru Impreza 2.5i has improved styling

I've found her, folks.  The one person on earth who thinks that the 2008 Impreza (not STI, but base Impreza) looks better than the 2006-2007.

[mrburns]

While I agree temperature gauges are handy, I likely would not notice if mine were not there.  Example: I have no idea whether the Fit, Yaris, or Versa I drove last week had temperature gauges.

I'd assume the Impreza has a dash light for temperature, for failing that, the Check Engine Light will come on, so is a separate gauge even really necessary?  Great to have, can live without, imo.

Perhaps - but an on/off light is quite different from variable gauge that shows that your engine is drifting off from normal performance however minimal - and therefore you can take evasive action.  In my case, pull over and turn off the engine for 10 minutes.

[random006]

Redesigned for 2008, the Subaru Impreza 2.5i has improved styling

I've found her, folks.  The one person on earth who thinks that the 2008 Impreza (not STI, but base Impreza) looks better than the 2006-2007.

I quite like it too, at least from the outside.  I've seen one in the flesh and it's much nicer than the photos would indicate.  The rear is especially nice.  Clearly to me, at any rate, this car is one instance where you just have to go see one in person to decide.

[johngenx]

I find them different, and like them both.  In STIi form, I think the 08 kicks serious ass, but in base form I call the 07 vs. 08 competition a tie.  The 07's snout is more aggressive, but the back end is so-so.  The front of the 08 is toned down, but the rear end has been refined and looks better.

The 08's interior is nicer.

They should add the Sport Package's equipment save for the "body kit" to the base model and keep the price the same.  I can't believe the base car has no aux input for the stereo.  Stupid.  Add heated seats and aux inpit to th base Subaru, and you've got the serious value winner, closer to US prices.

[Snowman]

The ’08 STI is to die for….but as far as the base and WRX styling go I am sure happy I have my ’06 wagon.

[Calbrez]

Does anyone know if this thing can tow? what's it rated to, if so?

thanks!

[The Mighty Duck]

The ’08 STI is to die for….but as far as the base and WRX styling go I am sure happy I have my ’06 wagon.

That's the nicest look for the Impreza, imo...  love what Subaru did with the grill.  New STI looks amazing, base Impreza is all right, but could be better.

[random006]

They should add the Sport Package's equipment save for the "body kit" to the base model and keep the price the same.  I can't believe the base car has no aux input for the stereo.  Stupid.  Add heated seats and aux inpit to th base Subaru, and you've got the serious value winner, closer to US prices.

 

That is my quibble with it as well.  While I like the car, I have no desire for some "boy racer" thing in my garage spot.

[JSCC]

For styling alone, I think:

2002-2003 sedan 2002-2003 wagon (bug eyes!)

2004-2005 sedan 2004-2005 wagon ( !)

2006-2007 sedan 2006-2007 wagon (airplane nose!)

2008 sedan 2008 hatchback (Mazda3!)

I once parked my Mazda3 demo beside a 2008 Impreza hatch, and was amazed with the similarities between the 2 cars.
Size, exterior shape, interior design, it was almost like the 2 were same cars with different badges.

Only options missing on the Impreza is leather seats and HIDs.