2018 Subaru Impreza 2.0 i Limited

2018 Subaru Impreza 2.0 i Limited

An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia

Overview:

This is the 2018 Subaru Impreza 2.0 i Limited. In 2016 I reviewed the Impreza Premium and now I’m checking out the Small Wagon.

At the end of the day, I think it is my duty to present the good auto options and ignore others that don’t measure up to what we all demand in something so indispensable in today’s fast-moving population. Subaru is one of those good car manufacturers that seem to spend more on engineering than they do advertising. I don’t think they blow their own horn as much as most, but if you deliver a good product, as they say the world will beat a path to your door.

Advertising is self-serving, of course, so for me I’m more interested in the actual performance ‘at the wheel’ to get the experience, unrehearsed and unchoreographed, which is what advertising does.

For more than a quarter century I have been testing most all cars on and off road because the manufacturers believe in the process of independent reviews to give unbiased and unvarnished opinions of their cars. Never has a car company even hinted at the idea of saying only nice things about their cars. To me that is a testimony they have confidence in their products. Let’s face it, buying a car is a major purchase decision for us all, and one we won’t have to make any time soon.

General Information:

Parts- US/Canadian 40%, Japan 45%; Engine and transmission- Japan; Assembled in- Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Class- Small Wagon; Cars from Subaru- BRZ, Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Outback, WRX.

Handling & Performance:

I’m always impressed with the innovation that is taking place in the auto industry as they apply technology that is so subtle you don’t even know it’s working in the background.

Safety Pedal System, or Brake override protects, via computer, against the occurrence of both the accelerator and the brake being pressed at the same time. The system senses that and then applies the brake and closes the throttle. Yes, it may be a rare occurrence, but it can and does happen with bad results.

Another subtle feature is VDC (vehicle dynamic control), to increase stability on slippery surfaces and to improve cornering performance by preventing skids. It does that by reducing engine power and / or apply the brakes to slow down individual wheel spin to keep the intended path rather than allowing you to go off the road. Neat feature.

Styling:

Clean and conservative body design.

Fit and Finish:

Excellent.

Cost:

Subaru, to me, is always a good investment.

Conveniences and comfort:

A good features list for the money, but if you can afford the options noted for about 4-grand I think it is worth the cost.

Consumer Recommendations:

Subaru is ‘first class’ and should be looked at closely as an option for that next economy small wagon / sedan.

Recognized Competition:

Good News:

Priced well, good quality, economical, comfortable ride for seating of 5.

Bad News:

N/A.

Standard Equipment:

2.0 liter 4-cylinder Horizontally opposed engine, Symmetrical all-wheel drive, Continuously Variable (CVT) automatic transmission, 17” alloy wheels, Vehicle Dynamic Control, front, side and side curtain airbags, driver knee airbag, safety pedal system, 4-wheel ABS power disc brakes, rear vision camera, tire pressure monitor, anti-theft system with engine immobilizer system, power folding exterior mirrors with turn signals, climate control, multimedia audio system, smartphone connectivity, HD radio, Sirius XM, Bluetooth hands free phone, USB port with iPod and iPhone connectivity, cruise control, auto on/off headlights, power windows, Locks and mirrors, keyless access with push-button start, 6-way power driver’s seat, leather, illuminated vanity mirrors, trip computer, leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter, 60/40 split fold down rear seatback, all-weather package with heated front seats.

Options: On this vehicle included Eyesight feature including pre-collision braking, lane departure, adaptive cruise (smart cruise) control, power moonroof, blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, reverse auto braking, high beam assist, upgraded audio system, Sirius XM traffic. Cost: $3,845.

Gas Stats:

$3.45 / Gal avg. August 5, 2018

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

28 City and 37 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $24,595.