Driving the 2012 Subaru Impreza reminds us why Fuji Heavy Industries didn't put us in charge of this important redesign. We would have shrunk this car back it to its 2002-2006 proportions, discontinued the sedan, ordered up a turbocharger even for the sub-WRX models, and blown the rest of the budget trying to make the Impreza handle like a streetable rally car. Exactly 10 of you would purchase our "new" Subaru Impreza and all of Subaru's sales gains in the United States, its biggest market, would be reversed in short order.
Instead, the 2012 Impreza is the most spacious and refined compact car Subaru has ever sold in the U.S. It's also the most fuel-efficient Subie — with EPA ratings as high as 27 city and 36 highway mpg — to arrive on our shores since the three-cylinder Justy. And even though it's less powerful than the car it replaces, the 2012 Subaru Impreza is a bit quicker, thanks to a significant weight loss and a new continuously variable transmission.
Maybe it's not the Impreza we would have built, but that wouldn't stop us from drafting it as a daily driver. Shouldn't stop you, either.
Moving to the Center
Back in the 1990s, Subaru decided it would only sell all-wheel-drive cars in the U.S., a move that helped establish its identity as a left-of-center automaker that builds cars that take you on adventures (or to work after a snowstorm). As the 21st century arrived, company executives realized they might have dug too narrow of a niche: Ordinary people who cared about legroom and feature content weren't buying Subaru Imprezas. That realization led to a larger, better-equipped Impreza in 2007, but critics panned the styling. Nevertheless, this car outsold its predecessors.
Enter the more defensively styled 2012 Subaru Impreza Sedan and Hatchback. You might not remember how they look tomorrow, but neither can you pick out any truly ugly details. Note the absence of hood scoops: Only the base-engine Imprezas are new for 2012; the WRX and STI carry over unchanged.
Underneath the new bodywork, there's an extra inch of wheelbase (although the cars aren't any longer overall) which, along with thinner front seat-back cushions, will put to rest any lingering legroom gripes. Your 5-foot-10 author doesn't max out the seat travel in front and, if exiled to the backseat, said scribe's knees don't come close to bumping the driver seat-back.
Downsized Engine, Upsized MPG
Mediocre mpg was the other knock against the previous Impreza, which competes with lighter, front-wheel-drive cars. Engineers removed weight from the 2012 model by using more high-strength steel in the unit-body and lighter interior components here and there, but the bulk of the efficiency improvement comes via a new, smaller-displacement engine, a horizontally opposed 2.0-liter that's part of Subaru's recently introduced FB-series four-cylinder engine family.
This Impreza will sell, even if it's not your first pick for bombing down a back road.
As we noted after driving a European-spec 2011 Forester with this 2.0-liter, the FB engines are a pretty radical departure from the decades-old EJ series. They're undersquare (the stroke is longer than the cylinder-bore diameter) instead of oversquare, double-overhead-cam instead of single and equipped with a variable valve timing system on both intake and exhaust cams.
In the 2012 Subaru Impreza, the 2.0-liter is rated at 148 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 145 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. You can have it with either the new CVT and a clutch-type AWD system (that prioritizes torque to the front wheels until more traction is needed), or a carryover five-speed manual and a viscous-coupling AWD system that has a default 50/50 torque split. Fuel economy is lower with the manual gearbox — 25 city/34 highway for the sedan, 25/33 for the hatch.
Making Do With Less
We're given the key to a CVT-equipped Impreza hatchback in Manhattan's Flatiron district with orders to be in Connecticut, by lunchtime. The early morning slog is over, but we're still scrapping for position with the cabbies. Immediately, we notice that the 2.0-liter has less low-end grunt than last year's 2.5-liter (170 hp, 170 lb-ft).
Once we're up to speed on the West Side Highway, the benefits of the new drivetrain are clearer. Compared to the old four-speed automatic transmission, which was often reaching for 2nd gear during passing maneuvers, the CVT is a far better tool for maximizing forward thrust — all the more important since the FB20 engine doesn't have a huge midrange. The result is adequate acceleration. We expect the CVT-equipped car to hit Subaru's 9.8-second 0-to-60-mph target easily. Manual transmission cars will be slightly quicker.
This doesn't sound quick, but remember that the four-speed automatic-equipped Imprezas never made it out of the 10s. Of course, the Mazda 3 and Volkswagen Jetta, which Subaru regards as the Impreza's key rivals, are comfortably in the 8s (we've yet to test a 2012 Mazda 3 with the new, fuel-miser Skyactiv-G engine). Other likely competitors such as the Ford Focus, Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra run in the low 9s.
No Whiners
A bigger annoyance is that the CVT's belt-and-pulley action produces a shrill whine around 4,000 rpm under full throttle, at least in these pre-production test cars. Additional NVH measures would be wise, as we're frazzled by day's end.
A quick drive in a manual-shift 2012 Impreza restores our sanity, as we hear only normal, endearing boxer-engine sounds. We'd choose a manual Impreza, no question. However, upon reacquainting ourselves with the five-speed's tricky clutch takeup in New Haven's evening rush-hour, we're guessing some 80 percent of you will disagree.
The CVT has a simulated manual mode, by the way, along with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. But you get an automatic "upshift" around 6,300 rpm even though redline is marked at 6,600.
Solid Chassis
Our circuitous route from New York to New Haven takes us over some pretty terrible pavement, but the 2012 Subaru Impreza takes it in stride. The chassis is stiffer this year, and although it's still suspended by struts in front and double wishbones in back, engineers made various small changes to improve the ride. There are new bushings in the rear, while the struts now incorporate additional springs — known as rebound springs — to help control body roll without resorting to aggressive damping or a massive stabilizer bar.
The 2012 Impreza feels more buttoned down than last year's car, yet it's still plenty compliant with all of the wheel-tire combinations Subaru is offering (205/50R17, 205/55R16 and 195/65R15). In this regard, it stacks up well with cars like the Jetta and Focus. Road noise is on the high side, though.
There aren't many gnarly curves on Connecticut's back roads, but the Impreza feels balanced through the sweeping turns. It's not as sporty as the Mazda 3, which was reportedly Subaru's handling benchmark, but if this is the baseline, there's hope for the next WRX.
Electric-assist power steering is new to the Impreza line for 2012, and this is not a bad first effort. There's enough of a dead spot on center to minimize corrections when cruising down I-95, but when you make small inputs, the wheel is a touch overeager to return to center. Effort levels are just about right, but there's not much feel compared to the Mazda 3, which has the best steering in the segment. Of course, the Mazda is front-drive, so it's an imperfect comparison.
Brakes consist of ventilated discs and two-piston calipers up front. In back, the solid discs are smaller in diameter this year (10.8 inches versus 11.3) and continue to use single-piston calipers. Pedal feel is trustworthy and requires medium effort.
Same Money
Subaru didn't raise pricing, so you can get into a 2012 Impreza sedan for as little as $18,245, while a volume 2.0i Premium model with the CVT will cost you $20,545 ($21,045 if you get the hatchback). A loaded 2.0i Impreza Sport Limited hatch with an optional navigation system and sunroof tops out at $25,345. Standard equipment hasn't changed much, but there's a knee airbag for the driver this year and the steering wheel now telescopes (previously, this feature was limited to the WRX).
Materials quality is near the top of the class. The dash and doortops are soft-touch, and both the cloth (standard on base and Premium models) and leather (standard on the Limited) upholstery are genuinely nice. The audio and climate controls still feel chintzy, but overall, these furnishings are second only to the Jetta wagon.
No matter where you're sitting, there's a well-designed cupholder within reach, and we found slots to stow a blueberry scone, camera, iPhone and notebook simultaneously. You'll need to step up to at least the Premium model if you want Bluetooth and auxiliary and USB inputs.
Cargo space is also up for 2012, as the sedan's trunk now holds 12 cubic feet (versus 11.3 previously) and while the hatchback swallows 22.5 (versus 19.0) with its rear seats in use. Subaru carved out this space by downsizing the gas tank from 16.9 gallons to 14.5.
Commuting Is Not a Crime
Subaru's hard-core fans will never be fully satisfied with the 2012 Impreza, simply because it's nothing like the scrappy 2002-'06 car. That car didn't sell well, though — at least not well enough.
This 2012 Subaru Impreza will sell, even if it's not your first pick for bombing down a back road. It will sell because it makes a good commuter car. The ride is comfortable. The acceleration is adequate. Getting 30 mpg is easy. And the cabin is spacious and furnished with quality materials.
This Impreza is absolutely good enough to compete in this class. Of course, it's up against equally good cars like the Mazda 3, Focus and Jetta Sportwagen, so as in years past, AWD is the main reason you'd buy it.
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
Add A Comment »
laurencesubaru says:
07:43 PM, 10/17/2011
The 2012 Impreza has four radio setups, fog lights and leather are both available standard on Limited trims or as dealer installed accessories on other trims, moonroofs are available on Premiums and up.
HIDs and maybe dual exhaust add too much cost to the cars, imo.
gusto11071 says:
"09:57 PM, 10/16/2011
But, I feel they could had gave this Impreza a dual exhaust, H.I.D. projector head lights & fog lights, sun roof/moon roof option, and the choice of a better radio setup, again it's going to be your daily driver, you should get it to fit your style. "
gusto11071 says:
09:57 PM, 10/16/2011
I, for one am a true believer of bells and whistles, option, options, options, if you make a car give the BUYER (The Consumer) options on their vehicle, the way they want it. But that being said and at the same time you do not want to over budget the new car either.
I love H.I.D. in projector headlights, I also love fog lights, they make a really big difference when driving on DARK roads, The main reason a lot of people buy Subaru's is for their AWD (including myself) but with a AWD vehicle you want styling too. This new Subaru is selling me on the ability to get 27/36 MPG alone! But, I feel they could had gave this Impreza a dual exhaust, H.I.D. projector head lights & fog lights, sun roof/moon roof option, and the choice of a better radio setup, again it's going to be your daily driver, you should get it to fit your style.
I am going to test drive this car first before I buy it, and then I'll come to my own conclusions, but rest assured I will be buying a new Subaru.
deathtollwrx says:
09:44 AM, 10/08/2011
@nightvzn
I could not have put it in better words myself.
previous
2003 bugeye
2010 WRX Camry
owner.
frank908 says:
09:20 AM, 10/05/2011
Try the Saw Mill Parkway or Bear Mountain Road. Them's got some twists in em.
bluejuke says:
11:41 PM, 10/04/2011
most of the new 5-door hatchbacks are looking like their sedan counterparts with sloping roof-lines, most Americans don't want a car that looks like a wagon, a hatch tho, one like the fiesta they will consider buying...
nightvzn says:
10:14 PM, 10/04/2011
Here's what I don't understand:
As everybody and his brother knows, the Mazda 3 is a driver's car. This article reminds us of that several times, especially since Subaru supposedly benchmarked it for the new Impreza's handling.
But the 2002-2007 Impreza was also a driver's car, even in sub-WRX trims. In fact, as this article alludes, that's part of what Subaru has deliberately gotten away from with the 2008 and now 2012 redesigns. I know firsthand how sloppily the current Impreza handles compared to the previous generation, and I highly doubt the new one will mark a return to the taut, precise handling of old.
Subaru's stated goals for the Impreza -- styling that would appeal more broadly, more interior room and refinement without added weight, more/newer/better tech features, and improved fuel efficiency -- have nothing to do with a numb driving experience.
In fact, they could have achieved substantial MPG gains and retained a more involving driving experience by skipping the CVT and instead developing a decent 6-speed slushbox or dual-clutch, and mitigating development costs by deploying it across the lineup. I have a feeling we'll see a dual-clutch in a forthcoming STI and/or WRX, but if Ford can put a dual-clutch in the lowly Focus, Subaru has no excuse.
And with the 3, Mazda shows that you can make an affordable compact sedan/hatch that drives well and appeals to a decent number of people. But Subaru completely dropped the first half of that formula in pursuit of the second, and despite the lip service they're paying to handling now, I am highly skeptical. They also claimed the 2008 handled better than its predecessor, but that couldn't have been farther from the truth.
I think it's pretty clear what Subaru is really going for. They're after the utterly average car buyer who expects his/her vehicle to ride like an air mattress on clouds and barely even know what a transmission is, much less how a CVT differs from a torque converter. The type who wouldn't buy the Mazda 3 because it's "too firm." You know ... Corolla buyers! That's where the real money lies, after all, and here we find the motive.
It's a shame, because Subaru could have updated their offerings to increase appeal without selling out. Some blame Toyota, but considering this trend really began with the Tribeca (in retrospect, the framed windows were a bad omen), it must predate Toyota's involvement, since the Tribeca would have been in the works for years by then. Everything about that vehicle (except its original nose) was soft and mainstream, and every other Subaru model has since been redesigned in a similar vein.
I think the Subaru faithful have lost this fight with respect to the brand as a whole. I just hope we don't get another gaffe like the 2008 WRX and STI, especially now that those two cars have finally gotten back towards what they were supposed to be.
narenji says:
10:19 AM, 10/04/2011
@paulvincent1... i dont know how you're getting that kind of mileage... i have a 08 sti, with cobb accessport, stage 2, tuboback exhaust and intake... in normal driving i get 18-20 mpg... hypermiling, 25 mpg... i had an 05 sti and it gave slightly worse mpg, but not by much... 13--14 is low, but that sounds like either you had a crappy example, or you liked boost too much...
back to this car... i'm a fan of the styling, though im not sure i like the door mirror with the little triangle glass ahead of it. i prefer the mirrors to be at the apex of the door and the a-pillar... the sedan looks good. the up-market interior is going to be a definite improvement over the current model, which has hard plastic everywhere...
eldaino2 says:
09:11 PM, 10/03/2011
@bodyblue: i agree, i bet the focus is still a tad nicer than the impreza, but the jetta wagon comparison is def a standout...its basically the golf interior, and while the focus is styled more aggressively, the overall feel of a golf/jetta wagon is nicer and has a slightly more premium feel.
but thats nitpicking. they are both nice interiors. i do agree with you though...edmunds cant get it together. read the focus review and they say its the top of its class. read a jetta sportwagen/golf review and they say nothing short of an audi compares.
consistency people.
at erin: what gives with the 'less involving' in the title? you guys H-A-T-E-D the way the current gen impreza drove....so how is this one less involving than that? if you mean less involving than a mazda 3, that statement should insinuate that...but all it does is make it sound like the last version was better, but your review clearly states that it isnt.
i'll be looking forward to the review of the mazda3 with skyactive...mazda's acceleration numbers are great because of that archaic 2.5 they use...which i heard may not be leaving the lineup? anywho, steering feel aside, as long as this impreza has just as nice of an interior, its the better overall choice for snowbelters, even if its not the better choice for enthusiasts.
eldaino2 says:
08:56 PM, 10/03/2011
@jollyjerry:
i dunno man...subaru's core fanbase seems totally fine with the changes that have afflicted the impreza line....i remember when the latest gen came out, and having lived in asheville, NC for quite some time, i figured that this would be the impreza to finally make every subie fan there (which is almost everyone).
i just visted this weekend. Guess what? focuses, civics,corollas,mazda 3's.....nope. the abundance of newer compact cars were almost all imprezas. a few golf tdi's and honda fits were the other 'common' small car i saw in my 2 day stint. (and in other previous visits.)
its the reliability, low cost to own, and awd that make them attractive. throw in more room, less weight, a nicer interior and above all, good mileage, and this things attractiveness in several marketplaces is going to go through the roof.
@tazereli: you DO realize that the sti has had a just as powerful 2.0 turbo overseas for like...ever right? the 2.5 turbo has only kept the sti a gas sucking whore when it only needs to lightly flirty with petrol.
tazereli says:
07:32 PM, 10/03/2011
They got a lot of balls calling that car a "sport" with a 10 sec 0-60. That number makes prius's laugh. I think I'll hold on to the wife's '02 Forester and mt '07 WRX hatch a little while more.
here's praying they don't downsize and gut the WRX's 2.5.