 2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Sport hatchback. Click image to enlarge |
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2010 Subaru Impreza
When it comes to small cars with all-wheel drive, the Subaru Impreza 2.5i ($20,995 sedan/$21,895 hatchback) is arguably the best choice in the under $25,000 category. Though it isn’t particularly exciting to look at, and it’s not the most fuel efficient car in its class, it is a well-priced, comfortable and practical vehicle (especially the hatchback) that’s easy to drive, and it offers a unique and proven powertrain and standard all-wheel drive system that provides excellent stability and traction in poor weather conditions.
While there are plenty of front-wheel drive compact cars on the market, there are only a few AWD models. As of this writing, the Impreza’s only AWD competitors are the Toyota Matrix AWD ($23,360), Jeep Compass AWD ($20,995), and Suzuki SX-4 AWD ($21,595).
Most of these AWD cars come with an “on-demand” AWD system that operates in front-wheel drive until sensors detect front wheel slippage – it then automatically diverts some of the power to the rear wheels. Subaru’s all-wheel drive system, however, maintains a constant front to rear torque split that differs slightly depending on whether it’s equipped with the manual or automatic transmission. Imprezas with the five-speed manual transmission have a viscous-coupling limited-slip centre differential that maintains a constant 50/50 front/rear torque split. But when equipped with the optional four-speed automatic transmission, the AWD system includes a multi-plate transfer clutch that maintains a 60/40 front/rear torque split but will automatically adjust to a 50/50 split under hard acceleration or when conditions warrant. Subaru’s type of AWD system provides instant and continuous traction at all four wheels all the time, reducing reaction time when road surfaces suddenly become slippery.
 2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Sport hatchback. Click image to enlarge |
Unlike vehicles with ‘on-demand’ AWD systems, the Impreza doesn’t need a driver-selectable 50/50 front/rear differential lock for low-speed, slippery road conditions.
The Impreza’s engine is also unique in its class: its four cylinders are horizontally opposed: they lie flat opposite each other instead of upright in a line, creating an engine that’s very low in height. This lowers the Impreza’s centre of gravity, improving handling and stability. In addition, the Impreza’s transmission and drivetrain are aligned behind the engine in a straight line, creating a symmetrical driveline design that distributes weight equally, also improving the car’s dynamic handling characteristics.
The Impreza’s 2.5-litre single overhead cam four-cylinder 16-valve boxer engine develops 170 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 170 lb.-ft. at 4,400 rpm. That compares with the Matrix’ 2.4-litre engine with 158 hp at 6,400 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. at 4,000 rpm; and the Compass’ 2.4-litre engine with 172 hp at 6,000 rpm and 165 lb.-ft. at 4,400 rpm.
If you prefer a manual transmission, it’s worth noting that the Impreza, Compass and SX4 are available with both manual and automatic transmissions while the Matrix AWD is available only with an automatic transmission.
 2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Sport hatchback. Click image to enlarge |
Though you would expect the Impreza’s continuous all-wheel drive system to use more fuel than its competitor’s on-demand systems, a comparison of Energuide’s city and highway L/100 km fuel economy ratings reveals that its 10.4/7.7 city/hwy rating (automatic transmission) is about the same as the Matrix AWD (automatic), and about 10 per cent more than the Compass AWD (CVT) and about 12 per cent more than the smaller Suzuki SX4 AWD (CVT). Of course, road and weather conditions, driving style, and other factors will affect real-world fuel economy. During my week in the car, my onboard fuel consumption readout and my own gas usage calculations worked out to about the same: 11.5 L/100 km on average with 75 per cent city driving.
Completely redesigned in 2008, the Impreza carries on unchanged for 2010 except for a more powerful standard engine in the sporty turbocharged WRX model and the addition of a new Limited Package on the 2.5i.
Offered in four-door sedan and four-door hatchback bodystyles, the 2010 Impreza 2.5i comes in three trim levels: 2.5i, 2.5i with Sport Package, and 2.5i with Limited Package.
  2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Sport hatchback. Click image to enlarge |
Standard equipment on base 2.5i models ($20,995 sedan/$21,895 hatchback) includes the five-speed manual transmission, hill-holder system, 16-inch all-season tires and steel wheels, electronic stability control, air conditioning, cloth seats, height-adjustable driver’s seat, 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks, CD/MP3/WMA stereo, auxiliary jack, power windows with driver’s auto-down, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, heated mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, and anti-theft alarm. The hatchback adds roof spoiler, intermittent rear wiper, and cargo hooks.
The Sport Package ($24,695 sedan/$25,595 hatchback) adds multi-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, rear diffuser, side mouldings, low profile roof spoiler, stainless steel exhaust tip, power moonroof, premium six-CD/MP3/WMA stereo with upgraded speakers and steering wheel controls, Sirius satellite radio with a three-month free subscription, windshield wiper de-icer, heated front seats, and leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The 2.5i Limited Package ($25,595 sedan/$27,595 hatchback) adds 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, iPod and USB integration, and leather rally-style seats.
This week’s “Lightning Red” test car is a 2.5i hatchback with the Sport Package. To its base price of $25,595 was added $1,000 for the optional four-speed automatic transmission, $1,525 for Freight & PDI and $100 for A/C tax for a price as tested of $28,220.
 2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Sport hatchback. Click image to enlarge |
Boxer engines are slightly coarser than inline engines, emitting a deep growling sound at idle and during acceleration, but I didn’t find it noisy or intrusive and it disappears while driving at steady speeds around town and when cruising on the highway.
The Impreza’s 2.5-litre boxer engine demonstrates excellent low-speed throttle response. Even between one and two-thousand r.p.m.s, I found acceleration responsive and gratifying, and the four-speed automatic transmission changes gears quickly and efficiently. While many newer cars have five and six-speed automatic transmissions, I didn’t find the Impreza’s four-speed lacking, although freeway cruising revs of 2,500 rpm in top gear could be lower with an extra gear.
According to track tests conducted by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada, the Impreza hatchback Sport with automatic transmission takes 10.3 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h, and brakes from 100 km/h in 38.9 metres. While its acceleration is nothing to write home about, its braking distance is excellent – the Impreza comes standard with four disc brakes with ABS and Brake Assist.
The four-speed automatic transmission includes a “SportShift” manual shifting mode: once the shift lever is in the manual shift gate, the driver pushes forwards to change down, and back to change up. It’s nice to have that manual option, and it’s handy when you want to hold the car in gear going up or down steep hills, but I found that I rarely used it.
 2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Sport hatchback. Click image to enlarge |
When I’m testing an all-wheel drive car, I pray for rain or snow. Fortunately, it rained most of the week I had the Impreza (not unusual in Vancouver) and I can report that the Impreza offers excellent grip and control in slippery conditions which results in an added feeling of safety and security when driving the car in bad weather. The combination of Subaru’s all-wheel drive system, standard traction control and electronic stability control, and Bridgestone Potenza RE92A 205/55R16-inch all-season tires kept this car securely glued to the road. Like other electronic stability control systems, the Impreza’s Vehicle Dynamics Control includes lateral-g and yaw-rate sensors that automatically adjust front to rear torque distribution, engine output, and braking at each wheel, to keep the vehicle stable when cornering.
The driver doesn’t really notice when the AWD is working, or when it’s not working. On dry pavement, the driveline doesn’t bind when making tight turns, and on wet pavement, the extra traction is almost taken for granted because there’s no drama. It’s completely automatic and requires no input from the driver.
In addition, the Impreza’s low centre of gravity and fully independent suspension (front MacPherson strut/rear double-wishbone), provide surprisingly balanced, neutral handling and absorb bumps and pavement cracks very well.
The Impreza’s engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack and pinion steering provides the right amount of boost when parking or cruising, and its turning circle of 10.6 metres is commendably tight for an all-wheel drive car. The Sport model has a lower front spoiler than other models, and the driver should be careful not to hit a curb with it when parking.
        2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Sport hatchback. Click image to enlarge |
I also liked the Impreza hatchback’s outward visibility, helped by large windows, variable intermittent front wipers, a front wiper de-icer, rear fixed intermittent wiper, heated side mirrors, and rear defogger and washer.
All in all, the Impreza hatchback is a well balanced, easy to drive vehicle with good handling, ride, acceleration and visibility, and excellent braking. Criticisms might include the engine’s moderate growly sound and slightly higher fuel consumption created by the added weight and operation of its all-wheel drive system. However, for many people, that’s not an unreasonable price to pay for the added safety and security of all-wheel drive.
With its extra cargo space and greater utility, the hatchback model would be my Impreza bodystyle of choice. The cabin is surprisingly roomy with generous headroom front and rear, even with the sunroof, and adequate legroom for front and rear passengers. Rear passengers have generous footroom under the front seats and extra headroom courtesy of a sculpted headliner. But there’s no centre folding armrest.
All the seats are covered in a soft velour felt that’s warm to the touch, and the Sport model also includes heated front seats with two temperature choices. The driver’s seat has a manual height adjuster, and the steering wheel tilts but doesn’t telescope.
The stylish dash and console include a generous amount of “titanium” trim which helps to offset the bleakness of the black dash plastic. Three large gauges behind the steering wheel are clearly visible and are backlit in a red glow at night. Another display on the top of the dash, with small numerals that aren’t as easy to read, shows the outside temperature, average and real-time fuel economy, and the time.
The centre stack features a large radio and six-disc CD player, and includes Sirius satellite radio with a three-month free subscription. Satellite radio is a great feature, but the display in the Impreza shows only the number of the station, not the name, leading me to guess what kind of music I’m listening to. An auxiliary input jack for music devices can be found inside the centre storage bin between the front seats. There are also two 12 volt power outlets in the lower console and the storage bin. The leather-wrapped steering wheel includes illuminated audio controls.
Air conditioning is standard in the Impreza Sport model, but not automatic climate control. For that you have to move up to the Limited Package.
There’s not a lot of extra interior storage space in the Impreza’s cabin. The glovebox is consumed by the owner’s manual, and the centre armrest and storage bin is rather small. But the cargo area is very roomy, measuring 787 mm (31 inches) to the rear seats, and 1600 mm (63 inches) with the rear seatbacks folded. The split rear seatbacks fold down on top of rear seat cushions for a flat surface that’s lined, but the trunk walls are raw plastic which can be scratched. A removeable, sliding privacy cover keeps the cargo area contents hidden. The hatch is easy to lift up and the cargo opening is tall and wide. Inside the cargo area are four tie-down hooks and two utility hooks. Under the trunk floor is a shallow storage tray.
The Impreza comes standard with front, front-side and side curtain airbags, collapsible pedals, whiplash-reducing front-seat head restraints, rear child door locks, and rear child seat anchor and tether system. In overall crash safety, the 2010 Impreza 2.5i was rated a Top Safety Pick by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Of the few sub $25,000 compact cars available with all-wheel drive, the Subaru Impreza 2.5i hatchback is probably the best overall value because of its proven all-wheel drive system, comfortable cabin, and excellent driveability.
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Pricing: 2010 Subaru Impreza Sport hatchback
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