Sound Subie
Rolling into Tehachapi, this Impreza appeared to be the sleeper of the group, poised to surprise us and unexpectedly take top honors. After all, it boasts the largest (2.5 liters) and mightiest (170 horsepower) engine as well as standard all-wheel drive-the only one to offer that traction-rich technology. At the dragstrip, though, this sleeper Subie unintentionally had us singing Zs, posting the slowest 0-to-60 (9.5 seconds) and most leisurely quarter-mile (17.2 at 81.1 mph) times. Rarely is the most powerful car the most sluggish, but there are two culprits here-hefty curb weight and an overmatched four-speed. With 115 pounds on the next-heaviest Mazda and only four gears spaced wider than the Rift Valley to move that mass, the Subaru struggles to feel lively, delivering lethargic haste and disappointing fuel economy. To be fair, the tranny at least provides sport and manual modes, which help maximize those overburdened horses.
That said, zeroing in on the Subie's lack of zip would be missing its merits. Thanks in part to an all-new multilink rear suspension, which replaces the previous struts, the Impreza not only delivers the plushest ride, but also commendable handling and braking, supported by a Corolla-tying 0.80 g on the skidpad and the second-shortest 60-to-0 stopping distance (120 feet). "The Subie sticks impressively," opines St. Antoine, "and there's a deceptive amount of grip on tap." Loh agrees, adding, "The Impreza was the hardest in which to activate the stability control."
Interior is rated luxurious but too Buicklike, while 2.5-liter boxer flat-4 is most powerful but least impressive.
Praise goes to the all-wheel drive, a feature that renders the Impreza a sure-footed canyon carver as well as the obvious choice for those living in inclement climes. As the only entry driving all four wheels, it "deserves a ton of credit for offering such an all-season option," says St. Antoine.
Subaru also warrants some props for its inviting and well-laid-out interior. Our tester, adorned with tri-color accommodations dominated by seller's beige, impressed the judges with its quality and functionality, but it did strike some of us as too Buicklike. "The interior seems designed for an older demographic-inoffensive to Grandma but definitely snubbing her grandson," notes Vance.
Sure, the Impreza is not nearly as quick as the Toyota and it imparts sensations akin to those of GM's geriatric brand, but as a whole, it's a sounder package. The structure is Lexus-solid, the chassis Audi-capable, and the base price, at $19,140, best-in-test. Now if only the acceleration and transmission were best-in-test
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