Teresa’s View
The Subaru Impreza can be a fun, inexpensive and practical ride. But order this “Clark Kent” of a car in the WRX trim and what was an unassuming, albeit slightly eccentric, daily driver morphs into a top tuner contender.
This year Subaru extends the high performance WRX trim beyond the regular WRX and STi editions with three new models – a lower-priced WRX TR sedan and a premium WRX Limited sedan and sport wagon.
Among the normal Imprezas an Outback Sport trim is available and the 2.5i – renamed from RS – offers such standard equipment as air conditioning, remote keyless entry, single-disc CD player, security system, power windows, mirrors and door locks plus a new outside-temperature gauge.
Under the hood, the standard 2.5-liter engine adds eight horsepower to make 173 hp and the WRX got a power boost from a new turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 230 hp and 235 foot-pounds of torque.
Although the WRX versions are the most fun to drive, our 2.5i tester was an enjoyable companion, handling the twisties with quiet confidence.
Price has always been the Impreza’s strong suit. Clocking in at a smidge over $18K, the 2.5i offers impressive technology along with its lengthy list of comfort features. If price is the draw, all-wheel drive is the closer. All Subarus are equipped with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment, providing much needed traction and handling for our neck of the woods.
New exterior upgrades are meeting with mixed reviews. Subaru says the revised three-part grille and restyled headlights bring the Impreza’s looks into line with the rest of the family. Fashioned to reflect Subaru’s aviation heritage, the nose has been elongated creating a mishmash of proportions from some angles.
Impreza designers make good use of various textures and sophisticated color combos to create an attractive cabin. However, fit-and-finish is uneven. I noticed sharp, unfinished edges on the plastic panels below the windows and a wobbly lid on the center console.
What Is It?: The Subaru Impreza is a sport-compact offered as a four-door sedan or wagon. There are seating positions for five, but room for four.
The Grocery Sack Test: Paper or Plastic? A hatch-like liftgate opens to a generous cargo area with a low liftover for easy loading. The Impreza can fit 27.9 cubic feet worth of groceries or, by folding the rear seats flat, increase the space by an additional 33-plus cubic feet.
Safety: A new dual-stage airbag system and side airbags are standard on all 2006 Imprezas. As are daytime running lights and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution. Bonus: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety chose the Impreza as “Best Pick” in frontal-offset testing.
Cheat Sheet: Subaru of America is a subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. although General Motors is a major stockholder.