Best Car Models & All About Cars: Subaru 2013 Impreza

Subaru 2013 Impreza

Subaru hasn't forgotten about its core audience of active outdoorsy people, but over the past many years it's been taking its all-wheel-drive message closer to the mainstream. And maybe at the middle of that effort is the Subaru Impreza; last year the automaker considerably modified its small hatchback and sedan to align a lot of closely with what small-automobile consumers very wish.

As part of those changes, Subaru introduced less polarizing styling, significantly better fuel economy, and additional competitive pricing with a sturdy feature set. And after all, all-wheel drive remains standard on each Impreza.

The 2013 Impreza is closer to the most standard compacts than it was once (the likes of the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze), however it's a lot of typically cross-shopped with the Mazda3, Volkswagen Jetta or Golf, or other cheap all-wheel-drive cars like the Suzuki SX4.

In all normal Impreza models (the higher-performance WRX and STI models are coated by a separate review), a a pair of.zero-liter horizontally opposed ('flat') four-cylinder engine makes 148 hp and a hundred forty five lb-ft of torque, transmitting it to all or any four wheels through either a 5-speed manual gearbox or, for higher gas mileage, the second generation of Subaru’s Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. The 5-speed comes normal in lower-end models, however it's largely our preference between the two; the CVT is offered in all trims and commonplace in the high-finish Impreza Limited. Handling is responsive and drama-free, however it does not quite win in the fun-to-drive category (that would attend the Mazda3 or Ford Focus).

Last year's redesign yielded an exterior that is nearly precisely the identical size because the model it replaced, yet Subaru has made better use of the house, with a new seat style that has more passenger space and now folds flat. There's also a useful selection of bins, trays, cubbies, and cup holders, along with a pair of 12-Volt power outlets. Our only grievance regarding the inside is that you simply hear a bit too much road noise on some surfaces.

The federal still hasn't tested the present Impreza, but in IIHS testing it's earned the cluster's Top Safety Pick accolade and lived up to Subaru's generally prime-tier safety performance. You'll realize all the opposite safety equipment that is expected during this category, and with last year's redesign Subaru slimmed the pillars for better visibility.

The 2013 Impreza remains offered in base, Premium, Limited and Sport Limited models. Premium models add common equipment like cruise management and fog lamps. The Limited trim level adds seventeen-inch alloy wheels and therefore the CVT with half-dozen-speed manual mode and paddle shifters as normal, and leather seat upholstery, automatic climate management, auto on/off headlights, an AM/FM/CD stereo with HD radio, and some trim choices. A navigation system with a half dozen.one-in. screen is one of a few options.

Subaru 2013 Impreza