Subaru Impreza

The comfortable seats are styled in a way to look both luxurious and sporty and are available in leather or fabric. The driver gets a power-adjustable while the back seats are split-folding (60/40). The driver is also assisted with features like smart entry and push start button alongside a steering wheel that helps control multiple functions like audio, cruise control, and Bluetooth. The dashboard comprises of fuel gauges, an analog speedometer, eco fuel economy, and a tachometer. The high tech infotainment package consists of an LCD touch screen display of 6.2 inches that can act as a radio, MP3 or CD player, four speakers with an amplifier, an auxiliary jack (3.5 mm) allowing iPod connectivity besides support for Bluetooth and a USB port. Optional features include a tilt-adjustable, made of glass, power-sliding sunroof and cup holders placed in the rear seats’ centre armrest.

The main highlights of the exterior are its front fog lamps, headlamp washers, power-folding door mirrors having LED turn signal, side mirrors with dual-tone, chrome door handles, LED daytime running lights, LED headlamps with auto levelizer, rear fog lamps and shark-fin antenna. In terms of dimensions, the Impreza is 4,625 mm long, 1,775 mm wide and 1,455 mm tall and strides on 17-inch alloys.

There are not many complaints regarding Impreza’s handling. In fact, the handling is pretty composed and responsive, thanks to the Symmetrical all-wheel-drive (AWD) drivetrain which ensures proper power distribution to each wheel, henceforth optimising traction in adverse road conditions. The front and rear suspension types namely MacPherson Strut and Double Wishbone respectively, guarantee a comfortable ride for both driver and passengers.

The Subaru Impreza runs on a horizontally opposed, DOHC (double overhead camshaft) 16-Valve, 4-Cylinder, petrol engine with direct fuel injection. The engine capacity and compression ratio is 1995 cc and 12.5 respectively while the bore/stroke dimension is 84 / 90 mm. The 2.0-litre engine is mated to a Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and has a Symmetrical AWD drive type. The maximum power and torque outputs are 154 hp and 196 Nm at 6000 rpm and 4000 rpm respectively. The measured top speed is 208 km per hour at a fuel consumption rate of 15.15 kmpl. 

Impreza’s pack of seven SRS (supplemental restraint system) airbags consists of the driver's airbag, front passenger's airbag, side airbag, curtain airbag as well as a knee airbag. The main safety feature inclusions comprise of electronic brake distribution, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) along with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution, security alarm, electronic door locks as well as speed sensing door locks, engine immobilizer, stability control and Isofix or LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children). A few attributes that are absent in the Impreza include lane departure warning system and blind-spot detection system. Other protective set-ups include rear vision camera, tire pressure monitoring system, electronic parking brakes, vehicle dynamics control, brake override and traction control system. 

In terms of braking, the Impreza employs ventilated disc brakes in both the front and rear wheels.

The Impreza impresses with its fuel economy, cargo and cabin space, low seating comfort for the driver, decent ride and lastly, build quality. The weaker points in its performance include a noisy CVT transmission, unsatisfactory acceleration and the difference between real-world and EPA economy ratings. After considering all the aforementioned factors, we have come to the conclusion that this Subaru should be on your list of favourite sedans to buy.