2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport Limited: Redesign adds comfort, better MPG

Written by Steven Macoy
Thursday, 11 October 2012 10:25

The 2012 Subaru Impreza.The redesigned Subaru Impreza sedan is more impressive than ever for 2012. While falling short of the overall comfort and refinement of Subaru’s bigger, pricier Legacy, it’s much improved over 2011 — with a roomier, better-appointed interior, better fuel economy and the same all-weather capability.

The entry-level Subaru didn’t measure up to the 2013 Legacy model we recently tested, however. Of that car, we said: “This is a smooth, highly competent sedan with an uncommonly roomy back seat, spacious trunk and crisp handling … .” The Impreza’s soundproofing isn’t as good, its ride is harsher and it’s slower off the line. But it’s also $5,000 cheaper and a good deal less thirsty.

Our white Impreza Sport Limited, equipped with a new-for-2012 2-liter, 148-horsepower engine and automatic transmission, had a sticker price of $25,714. The base Impreza, with the same engine and a 5-speed stick shift, starts at $17,495. All Imprezas have all-wheel drive.

The new Impreza represents a departure from automotive tradition dating back … well, to the energy-crisis years of the late 1970s. That is, it has less under the hood. The boxer engine is half a liter smaller and 22 horsepower weaker than its predecessor. Sales have dipped, right? Not exactly. The 2012 Impreza beat the daylights out of its predecessor, outselling it by more than double as of the end of August.

Speaking of fuel economy, the Impreza is rated at 27 mpg in the city, 36 highway, on regular gasoline. Those are big numbers for an all-wheel-drive sedan. In mostly highway driving, we weren’t able to match the top figure but came close.

The 2012 redesign’s chief purpose appears to have been to modernize the exterior and improve the interior, both in terms of room and quality. The exterior styling is pleasing but unexciting. The interior is marked both by high quality and ergonomic efficiency; the controls feel robust and they’re easy to operate.

The 148-horsepower engine is likewise satisfactory, though unlikely to accelerate anyone’s heart rate. One of our drivers did feel the car was underpowered. The other found it to be a good fit for his mellow driving style.

Subaru continues to offer high-performance versions of the Impreza, the WRX and STI, which for the most part are unchanged from the 2011 models. Ranging in price from $25,595 to $37,445, they have 265 and 305 horsepower, respectively. With their high-power, all-wheel drive and low center of gravity, these cars are particularly gratifying to drive in challenging road conditions.

Standard equipment on our Impreza included automatic climate control, cruise control, power locks and mirrors, leather-trimmed upholstery and heated front seats. The optional moonroof and navigation system with LCD Touchscreen added $2,000 to the price.

With a long list of safety features, including side-curtain air bags, anti-lock brakes, Vehicle Dynamics Control and reinforced frame, the Impreza has been rated a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Steven Macoy ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) is a longtime car enthusiast and full-time editor who lives in Bethel, Conn.

Price: $25,714

Engine: 2.0-liter horizontally opposed Four, 148 horsepower, 145 lb.-ft. torque

Transmission: Continuously variable automatic

Drive: All-wheel

Weight: 3,053 lb.

Suspension: MacPherson strut front, double-wishbone rear

Wheels: 17x7 inch alloy

Tires: 205/50R17 88V all-season

Seating capacity: 5

Luggage capacity: 12 cu. ft.

Fuel capacity: 14.5 gallons

Fuel economy: 27mpg city, 36 mpg highway

Fuel type: regular unleaded

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