Flash Drive — 2013 Subaru Impreza

December 17, 2012 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 
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By Bruce Caldwell

 
 
Model Tested: 2013 Subaru Impreza 2.0 Limited 4dr Sedan
 
 
 
Engine: 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder, 148 hp, 145 lb/ft
 
 
 
Transmission: CVT automatic, Symmetrical All Wheel Drive
 
 
 
EPA Ratings: 27-mpg city/36-mpg highway
 
 
 
Base Price: $21,895
 
 
 
As Tested: $24,714
 
 
 
Performance: Excellent fuel economy (the automatic beats the manual). Added wet weather confidence of great AWD system. Handy paddle shifters.Good power for engine size and relatively heavy weight. Responsive handling; not WRX great, but very good.
 
 
 
Comfort: Spacious interior, especially for a compact sedan. Ample seat travel accommodates wide range of drivers. Very good headroom even with sunroof. Room for six-foot tall occupants both front and rear. Nice leather quality for this price point.
 
 
 
Utility: Big trunk with flat floor and oversized pass-thru
 
            Flat folding split rear seats
 
            Lots of small item storage bins
 
 
 
 
WOW Factors: Lots of high quality features at a budget price
 
                          Subaru’s world-class AWD is standard
 
 
 
Whines: Conservative styling compared to wild WRX STI models
 
 
 
Bottom Line: The Subaru Impreza is an outstanding value in its many iterations. The modest increase from base to Limited adds a lot of luxury to a very competent, all-weather, spacious, economical sedan.