The Impreza easily and nimbly goes where the driver wants to go, providing impressive balance thanks to its rigid chassis. The car's reactions to driver inputs are predictable and forgiving. In fact, the Impreza makes drivers look smarter than they actually are. Of course, we should all be thankful for Subaru's permanent AWD system, which keeps offering a stable and reassuring ride without being obstructive.
One complaint, though: by replacing the struts with a double-wishbone setup in hope of increasing cargo room, Subaru made the rear suspension less sharp and responsive. As a result, on bumpy roads, the rear end of the vehicle suffers from small hops and unwanted jolts. Surprisingly, handling remains unaffected and just as tenacious, as if the Potenza tires were glued to the asphalt.
Black.. or black
Inside, the fit and finish, material selection and overall layout have all been improved for 2008. The new Impreza features higher-quality materials, while a smooth arch in the dashboard line (on the passenger side) creates a welcomed airy feel. In addition, noise insulation is better than ever; you almost no longer hear the tires from inside the car.
The front seats have been redesigned (including those in the base model) and offer good side support. While interior dimensions are pretty much the same as last year, the extended wheelbase provides more room for rear passengers. Ingress and egress are also easier thanks to wider-opening rear doors.
Base models are dressed out in Ebony Black cloth while the WRX is appointed with... Anthracite Black cloth. In other words, you can choose between black... and black. Yet, a global ad by Subaru shows an attractive Ivory interior; too bad we won't be able to get it in Canada.
Another thing that's missing (though I'm not gonna cry over it) is the leather-wrapped, power-adjustable seats. There is no sunroof either, but Subaru promises to add one next year.
STi on YouTube
One final note: the average weight of Imprezas was reduced by more than 50 kilos, which is considerable. And because their new platform is free from a heavy front sub-frame, they came back to the original steel hood (instead of aluminum). Strange? Katsuyoshi Tanaka, Subaru's Performance Integration Engineer, claims that a steel hood is much safer for pedestrians in the event of a collision.
I tried my best to get inside scoops on the future STi, but Mr. Tanaka kept his mouth shut. I did learn that he was the one driving a camouflaged 2009 STi on the Nürburging circuit, as seen in a video on YouTube.com. Is it a preview of what we should expect in early 2008? Only time will tell.
Flawless handling
Lower base price
Vigorous accelerations (WRX)
AWD, of course
Rear suspension hops on bumpy roads
No sunroof for 2008
WRX is less distinctive
Style? What style?
No paddle shifters on the steering wheel
photo:Subaru
One complaint, though: by replacing the struts with a double-wishbone setup in hope of increasing cargo room, Subaru made the rear suspension less sharp and responsive. As a result, on bumpy roads, the rear end of the vehicle suffers from small hops and unwanted jolts. Surprisingly, handling remains unaffected and just as tenacious, as if the Potenza tires were glued to the asphalt.
 |
| The revised dashboard is well executed. |
Black.. or black
Inside, the fit and finish, material selection and overall layout have all been improved for 2008. The new Impreza features higher-quality materials, while a smooth arch in the dashboard line (on the passenger side) creates a welcomed airy feel. In addition, noise insulation is better than ever; you almost no longer hear the tires from inside the car.
The front seats have been redesigned (including those in the base model) and offer good side support. While interior dimensions are pretty much the same as last year, the extended wheelbase provides more room for rear passengers. Ingress and egress are also easier thanks to wider-opening rear doors.
Base models are dressed out in Ebony Black cloth while the WRX is appointed with... Anthracite Black cloth. In other words, you can choose between black... and black. Yet, a global ad by Subaru shows an attractive Ivory interior; too bad we won't be able to get it in Canada.
Another thing that's missing (though I'm not gonna cry over it) is the leather-wrapped, power-adjustable seats. There is no sunroof either, but Subaru promises to add one next year.
STi on YouTube
One final note: the average weight of Imprezas was reduced by more than 50 kilos, which is considerable. And because their new platform is free from a heavy front sub-frame, they came back to the original steel hood (instead of aluminum). Strange? Katsuyoshi Tanaka, Subaru's Performance Integration Engineer, claims that a steel hood is much safer for pedestrians in the event of a collision.
I tried my best to get inside scoops on the future STi, but Mr. Tanaka kept his mouth shut. I did learn that he was the one driving a camouflaged 2009 STi on the Nürburging circuit, as seen in a video on YouTube.com. Is it a preview of what we should expect in early 2008? Only time will tell.
 |
Lower base price
Vigorous accelerations (WRX)
AWD, of course
 |
No sunroof for 2008
WRX is less distinctive
 |
Style? What style?
No paddle shifters on the steering wheel
photo:Subaru
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