REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

The other Impreza

Since last spring, everyone has eyes for the WRX, the most gifted Impreza. But as exceptional a car as it may be, it remains unaffordable to many drivers, with its $40,000 all-included price. Now, wait and see how much insuring this beauty will cost! Fortunately, a more affordable Impreza model ($21,995) is offered: the TS. Though slower, it still remains a talented entry. The more affordable Impreza has a wagon body, which makes it a direct competitor of the trendy Proteg 5, even if shorter, narrower and less attractive. The cabin is roomy enough for four. Access to the rear seats is not a problem and the rear seat reveals surprisingly comfortable. For additional comfort, the rear seat belts are equipped with rare adjustable anchors and three headrests can be installed on the back of the seat. The seat is partly or completely foldable to increase cargo space, which is a good thing since the wheel pits infringe on the trunk. The trunk is easily accessible with its low, bumper-high threshold.

Rear seat passengers may regret the lack of storage compartments (no storage in doors or at the back of the front buckets). The dashboard presentation is as dull as a rainy day, but features a comprehensive and legible instrument panel (even a gear indicator for the automatic transmission) and fake aluminium trims. All controls are located within the driver ’ s immediate environment and the huge tap-like air conditioning and heating controls are more pleasant to use and more accurate than previous cursors.

Against all odds, the TS option list is not very long. Power lock and windows, tinted glass, air, CD player, reclining steering column and ABS brakes are standard. As opposed to the WRX (also offered in wagon), the TS has no side air bags, no storage sunder the trunk floor or no courtesy mirrors under the sun visors. That ’ s something one can live with. In my modest opinion, only two options are necessary: the cargo lid to hide the contents of the trunk and the remote control power lock. Under the Impreza ’ s hood, the 2.2-litre flat (boxer) four-cylinder engine has been replaced by a 2.5-litre.

This engine, once reserved to sportier models, has become standard. With 165 hp, it is by far the most powerful in its category. In comparison, the Protegй5 engine yields 25 hp less. But the Protegй5 is 200 kg lighter. This being said, Subaru ’ s 2.5-litre engine revealed more silent and more energetic. Even if the manual transmission offered on the basic model allows for prying out all that the engine has to give, the optional automatic (for an additional $1,000) is well suited too. Except for slight hesitations in extreme acceleration, this transmission is flawless.

On the road, the Impreza is less than passionate. Its accurate, well-assisted steering and short turning radius make it a nimble urban car, especially in parking lots. It would gain to be more communicative, though. Perhaps more performing tires could do the trick.

The suspension is well calibrated and fully limits body movement. It has less success with road imperfections, on the other hand. The ride can be rough. Considering the performance level of the TS, it ’ s nice to count on ABS brakes, but disks, surprisingly, have not replaced rear drum brakes.

To fully appreciate a Subaru, you need to drive it in a snowstorm. You ’ ll love it! While front and rear wheel drives toil and strive in the snow, the Impreza ’ s all-wheel drive remains undisturbed. Even with the extra confidence it brings to its driver, the Impreza should be equipped with four decent snow tires in order to respect the laws of physics and to benefit from its full potential.

фNot the prettiest, not the most versatile and somewhat expensive, the Impreza TS is a decent alternative the current Hyundai Elantra GT and Mazda Protegй5, the industry ’ s hottest 5-doors. Even with its powerful engine and all-weather four-wheel drive, its replacement parts are more expensive and its fuel consumption is higher than those of competitors. The choice is yours!

PROS
Affordable all-wheel drive
Low price
Quality workmanship

CONS
Low fuel mileage
Small cargo
High cost for parts