The 2012 Subaru Impreza is an affordable small car available in either hatchback or sedan body styles, meant to perform in any weather condition.
The Impreza has been redesigned completely, with notable highlights being its fuel efficient powertrain, spacious and higher quality interior and updated styling. The Impreza will outperform rivals since they are not offered in AWD.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Hatchback | Base Price: $17,495.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 gallons (55l) | MPG: 25 city / 34 hwy |
| Length: 180.3 in. (457.9 cm) | Wheel Base: 104.1 in. (264.4 cm) |
| Height: 57.7 in. (146.5 cm) | Width: 68.5 in. (174 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 2910 lbs (1320 kg) | Ground Clearance: 5.7 in. (14.5 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 12.0 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 4 Cylinder DOHC SUBARU Boxer® | Displacement: 2.0 Liter |
| Horsepower: 148 HP | Max RPM: 6200 RPM |
| Torque: 145 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm | Transmission: 5-Speed M/T |
| 0-60 mph: 8.5 seconds | 1/4 Mile: 16.4 seconds |
| Option:2.0i | MSRP: $17,795; MPG: 27 city / 36 hwy |
| Option:2.0i Premium | MSRP: $18,795; MPG: 27 city / 36 hwy |
| Option:2.0i Premium PZEV | MSRP: $19,095; MPG: 27 city / 36 hwy |
| Option:2.0i Limited | MSRP: $21,595; MPG: 27 city / 36 hwy |
| Option:2.0i Limited PZEV | MSRP: $21,895; MPG: 27 city / 36 hwy |
| Option:WRX 2.5L M/T | MSRP: $25,595; MPG: 19 city / 25 hwy |
| Option:WRX Premium | MSRP: $28,095; MPG: 19 city / 25 hwy |
| Option:WRX Limited | MSRP: $29,095; MPG: 19 city / 25 hwy |
| Option:WRX STI | MSRP: $34,095; MPG: 17 city / 23 hwy |
| Option:WRX STI Limited | MSRP: $37,445; MPG: 17 city / 23 hwy |
Engine & Performance
The 2012 Impreza comes standard with an AWD system, powered by a 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine that produces 148 hp and 145 lbs-ft of torque. This engine is connected to a standard 5-speed manual gearbox.
The 2012 model is also available in the optional Continuously Variable Automatic transmission, to deliver better performance combined with better fuel efficiency. The fuel economy of an Impreza with the optional CVT is rated at 27/36 mpg city/highway, while the base manual transmission offers a fuel economy estimate rated at 25/34 city/highway.
An Impreza equipped with a CVT can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 9.6 seconds. The Limited, Sport and Premium levels come with a manual mode and steering-column-mounted shift paddles that choose among 6 arbitrary gear ratios. The 2012 Impreza also offers a weighty, solid and confident handling.
Exterior
The Subaru Impreza is available in 5 trim levels which include: base, Premium, Sport Premium, Limited and Sport Limited. Customers will be impressed by the 2012 Impreza’s exterior styling which is more mature than the outgoing generation. The new Impreza adopts a new style with a hexagonal grille, while its wheelbase has also been increased by an inch more than the 2011’s.
A new front fascia combined with redesigned headlamps is also added to complement the stylish exterior further. Moreover, the outlined chrome accents, fog lamps and roof rails provide more styling utility and flair, while still giving the Impreza a more prominent and stronger look.
Interior
The 2012 Impreza also comes with a redesigned cabin that offers more cargo space and comfortable seats. All seats offer plenty of leg and head room even for tall adults. The driver gets enough and comfortable driving space, thanks to the tilt and telescoping steering wheel.
Premium trims are fitted with features that include: USB port, upgraded stereo, Bluetooth and an auxiliary jack. Other notable interior features include: a touch screen infotainment system and climate controls. The sedans come with a cargo hold of 12 cubic feet, while the hatchback models come with 22.5 cubic ft behind the rear seats, which can be increased to 52.4 cubic ft after folding the rear seats.
Safety & Reliability
The Subaru Impreza is fitted with remarkable safety features that guarantee the safety of the occupants. It is equipped with 7 airbags that include: driver and front passenger airbags, front-seat-mounted side impact airbags, side curtain airbags and driver’s knee airbag.
Other key safety features include: Emergency trunk release, daytime running lights, child safety locks, electronic stability control, 4-wheel Disc brakes, traction control, 4-wheel ABS and Brake assist.
Subaru backs the 2012 Impreza with 3-year or 36,000 miles limited warranty, while rust damages are covered in a 5-year warranty regardless of mileage. To add to that, the engine gets a 5-year or 60,000 miles warranty.
Pros
- Good fuel economy
- Standard AWD
- Spacious seats and good cargo space
- Remarkable handling
Cons
- Cheap interior materials
- Less powerful than the competition
- Substandard sound system
In general, the 2012 Subaru Impreza is a good option for people shopping for affordable small cars offering more safety, comfortable seating and rides, well designed exterior and interior. And with the AWD system in place, you can rely on this car to take you to any place you want.
Competition
This car faces competition from rivals like the Toyota Corolla (MSRP $16,230; 27 city / 34 hwy), the Chevrolet Cruze (MSRP $17,130; 25 city / 36 hwy) and the Honda Civic (MSRP $15,955; 28 city / 36 hwy).
Overall Rating
71 out of 100
What others say:
“Crisply restyled, with higher gas mileage, more space inside, a nicer interior, and all-wheel drive standard, the 2012 Subaru Impreza is a newly compelling compact alternative.”Car Connection
“Impreza handles well with well-checked body lean in corners and nicely weighted steering. Grip is excellent even on wet roads. The overall driving experience is very confidence inspiring, if not overtly sporting. Braking control is fine with an easy-to-modulate pedal.”Consumer Guide
“The Impreza’s more aggressive new design draws focus to the Impreza’s AWD heritage with powerful arches, while a longer wheelbase and redesigned door and roof trim and front seats yields gains in passenger and cargo room. Interior upgrades include roomier cabins, higher-quality, soft-touch interior materials and the latest infotainment and connectivity technology, including Bluetooth, audio streaming, iPod capability and six speakers; a new navigation system is available for Premium trims.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“Like comfortable sneakers, the 2012 Subaru Impreza offers surefooted all-wheel-drive traction under all road and weather conditions. ”KBB
“The redesigned 2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i is a more appealing and competitive small car. The carryover Impreza WRX and STI still offer plenty of performance, but are saddled with many of the faults of the previous-generation car.”Edmunds
