By Tom Crosby
AAA Carolinas

Subaru has redone it’s Impreza model line-up for 2008 with new body styles, a redesigned suspension system and a longer wheelbase that aids in handling, improves crash safety and creates additional interior space. Imprezas come in a either four or five-door 2.5 i sedans and an Outback Sport that functions somewhat like a sport utility vehicle. Our test drive was the five-door 2.5 i sedan with an installed navigation system and options that included a 4-speed automatic transmission with manual shift ($1,000), auto dimming mirror/compass ($192) and an equipment group ($249) that provided a cargo net in the trunk, cargo nets behind the seats and a center armrest that could be raised or lowered to suit a driver’s elbow height. Subaru stresses its symmetrical all-wheel drive all the time. Our tester exhibited excellent grip in tight turns on slippery surfaces because the power split between wheels is automatically calculated to provide power during acceleration or deceleration to the wheels with the most grip. Subaru first introduced this technology in 2001.

Handling was sports-car like, due to the extra 3.7 inches in the wheelbase; a lower position in the chassis of the torque-improved, horizontally placed Boxer engine, and a revamped suspension system. Instead of a strut-designed suspension, a double-wishbone rear suspension aided driving dynamics. Like other Subarus, Impreza scores high on crash tests, earning the highest government crash test scores in three of five categories and second highest in the other two (rollover and rear side crashes). Inside, the Impreza has pluses like the space for 24-oz. bottles in the large door map pockets, a 12-volt power outlet, a pair of easy-to-reach center-spine cupholders, 44-cubic feet of storage space with the 60-40 split rear seats folded down and larger front door openings and greater swing in the rear doors for easier access and egress. Standard features include tire pressure monitoring, leather wrapped steering wheel and pre-wiring for either of the two satellite radio companies. Navigation controls, located on both sides of the screen, are smallish; although easy enough to reach and use once functions were learned. Seats were comfortable and at higher speeds, wind noise was noticeable. High-tension steel was used to improve rigidity and comfort. The Impreza’s arching roofline produces a pleasing profile, along with a rear spoiler and new frontal design. The grille work includes a spread wing logo design to recall that Fuji Industries, which owns Subaru, used to build airplanes.