Thatpracticality includes the functionality of a wagon configuration,opening up the cargo area to much more available loading space, 790litres (27.9 cubic feet) total when the rear
seatbacks are upright and1,744 litres (61.6 cubic feet) if the second row seatbacks are foldedflat. Its Outback designation means that it offers slightly moreoff-road capability, but only slightly more than the regular Imprezawagon, and a little more rough and ready style - that would be itsflash element.
Inside, an upscale ambience comes standard onall Imprezas, again a step above the majority in this class. It's alsowell equipped off the rack with features like the aforementionedstandard side-impact airbags that are normally left for the optionslist. Other items, such as standard all-wheel drive and four-wheel discbrakes with standard four-channel, four-sensor anti-lock (ABS) andElectronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), are examples of how thisJapanese brand puts its customers first, never allowing a substandardproduct to pull down the brand's image and ruin its stellar reputation.
This attitude, however, makes its cars a little more expensivethan most rivals, a penalty its loyal customers have proven willing topay. And now that
Subaru has improved the Impreza's cabin, it now feelsworth the extra coin, reliability and safety issues aside. Truly, itsinterior is the most impressive improvement over the 2005 OutbackSport. Now its surface plastics are a little softer to the touch andfeature a higher quality matte finish than before. Its panel gaps areabout as tight as any in this category and switchgear is also verygood.
That switchgear connects to a standard AM/FM/CD audiosystem, plus air conditioning, power windows, powered and heatedmirrors, automatic door locks with remote keyless entry, tilt steering,an exterior temperature gauge and intermittent wipers. Additionally,the seats are excellent, steering wheel the best around and overallergonomics extremely good.
This is important, as
gettingcomfortable will help its driver feel in control when velocities beginto rise. Yes, once again the Outback Sport comes equipped with apowerful engine to complement its sporty appearance, but now it evenhas more punch. With a 173-horsepower 2.4-litre horizontally opposedfour-cylinder engine on tap compared to 165 in last year's car, it nowgets up and goes with less hesitation than the already quick 2005 car.The engine now features oil pressure actuated i-Active Valve Lift, avariable valve timing system that not only boosts power at the upperedges of the rev range, but also fattens up the mid-range torque curve.Torque remains constant at 166 lb-ft.
While the Outback Sportcomes standard with a five-speed manual, the car I tested was fittedwith Subaru's four-speed automatic with manual-mode, not assophisticated a transmission as Honda's new five-speed unit butnevertheless a robust gearbox. The Impreza makes a great deal moretorque than the Civic, mind you, so acceleration still feels brisk andthe transmission's shifts are quite instantaneous.
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| The Outback Sport's practicality includes the functionality of a wagon configuration, opening up the cargo area to much more available loading space. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Inside, an upscale ambience comes standard onall Imprezas, again a step above the majority in this class. It's alsowell equipped off the rack with features like the aforementionedstandard side-impact airbags that are normally left for the optionslist. Other items, such as standard all-wheel drive and four-wheel discbrakes with standard four-channel, four-sensor anti-lock (ABS) andElectronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), are examples of how thisJapanese brand puts its customers first, never allowing a substandardproduct to pull down the brand's image and ruin its stellar reputation.
This attitude, however, makes its cars a little more expensivethan most rivals, a penalty its loyal customers have proven willing topay. And now that
 |
| Truly, its interior is the most impressive improvement over the 2005 Outback Sport. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
That switchgear connects to a standard AM/FM/CD audiosystem, plus air conditioning, power windows, powered and heatedmirrors, automatic door locks with remote keyless entry, tilt steering,an exterior temperature gauge and intermittent wipers. Additionally,the seats are excellent, steering wheel the best around and overallergonomics extremely good.
This is important, as
 |
| While the Outback Sport comes standard with a five-speed manual, the car I tested was fitted with Subaru's four-speed automatic with manual-mode. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
While the Outback Sportcomes standard with a five-speed manual, the car I tested was fittedwith Subaru's four-speed automatic with manual-mode, not assophisticated a transmission as Honda's new five-speed unit butnevertheless a robust gearbox. The Impreza makes a great deal moretorque than the Civic, mind you, so acceleration still feels brisk andthe transmission's shifts are quite instantaneous.