Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2013 Subaru Impreza 2.0 Sport Limited. It is a general feeling of all the reviews of owners I have researched that all wheel drive is a major reason for their love of the brand and model. Comments ranged all the way from “great car for the Midwest” and “Impresses as perfect City Car” and simply “Yahoo”.
It is true that when someone buys a particular car they are in love during the honeymoon phase. But there were some negative comments like “Confusing and quirky Bluetooth and more road noise than others compared”.
Well I find some truth in all the comments but overall Subaru has never failed to please. I do appreciate the AWD as a feature common to all Subaru’s. Further I could take no exception with all the glowing emotions they showed. It is simply a very nice automobile carefully crafted from its long history and my many reviews over the past 20 years.
General Information:
It is assembled in Ota Gunma, Japan. Classification is Small Wagon. Cars from Subaru: BRZ, Forester,Impreza, Impreza WRX, Legacy, Outback, Tribeca and XV Crosstrek.
Handling & Performance:
148 horsepower is only adequate but acceptable for such good fuel economy as prices float around $4 a gallon and up.
Performance responsiveness is wanting when you need to pass. But once you know what power is available you simply adjust to all situations. In fact it has been the “Jack Rabbit” performance cars that always get me into trouble with the law. So if you want to be positive about the 148 horsepower chalk it up to saving money on speeding tickets.
But more importantly, it shines when it comes to enhanced control features such as dynamic control, traction control, brake assist with brake force distribution technology and of course All Wheel Drive. What Subaru has long included others are beginning to follow. And of course all-wheel drive is super in any weather condition.
Styling:
Clean simple lines.
Fit and Finish:
Always very good workmanship in Japanese cars generally.
Cost:
Outstanding value.
Conveniences and comfort:
Generally the press cars I drive include most all the bells and whistles but I sort thru those features and ignore the fluff. For example I find I never use the sun roof or moon roof so I wouldn’t ever spend the money to have one. I also find my iPhone Navigation application is a far better value than having one built into the car. But even more cost effective portable systems include Garmin, Magellan, Tom Tom, and others.
There are some features I wouldn’t do without like Bluetooth hands free phone and cruise control which will someday be standard on all cars or even mandated by law. More likely they will be included in a more comprehensive system of cars that drive themselves. If for example you have not driven a car equipped with a “Self-Parking Feature” for parallel parking you will be amazed and what computers can do. So it won’t be long until you will sit and watch the scenery while the car does the driving on GPS.
Consumer Recommendation:
You’re on your own because the prices are all very close and I know you have your favorites. I tend to lean to the Korean Hyundai and Kia cars as the best value these days but Subaru is a seasoned competitor long known for quality.
Recognized Competition:
Subaru Impreza $23,000, Chevrolet Cruse $22,000, Dodge Dart $20,000, Ford Focus $24,000, Honda Civic $24,000, Honda Fit $18,000, Hyundai Elantra $21,000, Kia Forte $19,000, Mazda 3 $23,000, Nissan Sentra $19,000, Scion tC $19,000, Toyota Matrix $19,000, VW Golf $20,000, Volvo C30 $26,000.
Good News:
Priced right, standard safety features and very good fuel economy.
Bad News:
148 horsepower is a little weak, but I wouldn’t trade up for less MPG.
Standard Equipment:
2.0 liter 148 horsepower horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine, continuously variable transmission, symmetrical all-wheel drive, dynamic control, front, side and side curtain and driver knee airbags, 4-wheel ABS power disc brakes with brake force distribution, tire pressure monitor, anti-theft alarm and immobilizer, roof rails, fog lights, 17” aluminum alloy wheels, climate control, audio with HD/CD/ aux input, Bluetooth hands free, leather trim and wrapped steering wheel with controls and shifter, USB with iPod connectivity, cruise control, tilt and telescopic steering column, power windows, locks and mirrors, remote keyless entry, all weather package with heated seats.
Note: for $2,200 you can opt for power moon roof, GPS Nav with LCD touch screen with rear vision camera, HD Radio and XM Satellite and Nav traffic.
Gas Stats:
$3.95/ Gal avg. June 24, 2013
For more information.
27 City and 36 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $22,995
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
