November 2007
2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport hatchback: First Drive
Impreza redesign updates a good small car
Overview. Subaru has redesigned the Impreza line after a long 15-year run marked by mild updates and in recent years, frequent headlamp
and grille changes. The Impreza began as a modest competitor to the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, but it went on to establish
a niche as one of the most reliable and affordable all-wheel-drive cars available. The Impreza reputation was furthered by
the world rally racing success and later the rally-inspired turbocharged WRX models that made it to our streets.
The Impreza continues to come in a variety of sedan and hatchback iterations, each with standard all-wheel drive. We are testing a 2008 Outback Sport that stickered for $21,640. Standard equipment includes ABS, electronic stability control, and side-curtain airbags. The 2.5-liter power plant is a flat, horizontally-opposed "boxer" engine good for 170 horsepower. That engine and a four-speed automatic transmission carry over from the previous generation. A five-speed manual is standard.
First impressions: The real dynamics story here is a ride that's unusually supple and controlled for a small car, combined with agile cornering capabilities. The steering is well weighted and communicative. The powertrain provides adequate motivation and the transmission gets the job done, though neither is outstanding. The boxer engine continues to sound a bit coarse. So far we've been averaging 24 mpg-not great for a small car, but palatable for one with AWD.
The redesigned Impreza has become a little roomier and quieter inside. Fit and finish is improved, but it is not a big step
forward. The former frameless side windows, a 40-year Subaru tradition, are replaced with conventional ones that contribute
to a more solid door closing sound. Road noise is still noticeable but isn't too objectionable. The cabin is well put together,
yet a lot of the trim is plain, hard plastic. Controls are straightforward. Rear seat access and room is improved, but it
couldn't be called spacious. The light rear hatch is easy to open and close.
CR's take: Overall, the new Impreza is now a more mature and less quirky car and it stands out for its ride quality, all-wheel drive, and overall livability. But we'd like to see further interior and powertrain refinements before another 15 years elapse. We'll see how the Outback scores against rivals in a coming issue of Consumer Reports.
Discuss Subaru in the Cars forum.
The Impreza continues to come in a variety of sedan and hatchback iterations, each with standard all-wheel drive. We are testing a 2008 Outback Sport that stickered for $21,640. Standard equipment includes ABS, electronic stability control, and side-curtain airbags. The 2.5-liter power plant is a flat, horizontally-opposed "boxer" engine good for 170 horsepower. That engine and a four-speed automatic transmission carry over from the previous generation. A five-speed manual is standard.
First impressions: The real dynamics story here is a ride that's unusually supple and controlled for a small car, combined with agile cornering capabilities. The steering is well weighted and communicative. The powertrain provides adequate motivation and the transmission gets the job done, though neither is outstanding. The boxer engine continues to sound a bit coarse. So far we've been averaging 24 mpg-not great for a small car, but palatable for one with AWD.
CR's take: Overall, the new Impreza is now a more mature and less quirky car and it stands out for its ride quality, all-wheel drive, and overall livability. But we'd like to see further interior and powertrain refinements before another 15 years elapse. We'll see how the Outback scores against rivals in a coming issue of Consumer Reports.
Discuss Subaru in the Cars forum.
