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2009 Subaru Impreza Full Review
Date Published: 7/23/08
Also in the 2009 Subaru Impreza Review:
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5.
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Subaru Impreza Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2009 Subaru Impreza
Sneak Peek
The 2009 Subaru Impreza should see no major changes following its 2008 redesign. The lineup includes the base 2.5i, the SUV-flavored Outback Sport, and the performance-oriented WRX and WRX STi. Two body styles are offered: a 4-door sedan and 6-inch-shorter 4-door hatchback. The 2.5i and WRX are offered in both body styles; the Outback Sport and WRX STi come only in hatchback form. All models have all-wheel drive and a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine; it makes 170 hp in the 2.5i and Outback Sport, 224 hp in the turbocharged WRX, and 305 in the turbocharged WRX STi. A manual transmission is standard and available with a hill-holder clutch. An automatic with manual shift capability is optional on all but the STi. Available safety features on all Imprezas include ABS, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Traction control and an antiskid system are standard on Outback Sport and WRX, optional on 2.5i. The Outback Sport has a raised suspension and 17-inch wheels vs. 16s, while the WRX gets a sport suspension, 17-inch wheels, hood scoop, and automatic climate control. A navigation system and remote engine start are optional on all models; heated seats are optional only on the WRX. This report is based on evaluations of the 2008 Subaru Impreza.
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2009 Subaru Impreza Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (WRX, STi) | Engine noise |
| All-wheel drive | Fuel economy |
| Handling | Interior materials |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Only Impreza WRX models with the manual transmission have been made available for testing so far. Some turbo lag is evident, but overall, these Imprezas offer very good power in most any situation. Shifter and clutch action is smooth and precise, a pleasant surprise given these vehicles' sporty intentions.
| WRX sedan, manual | WRX hatchback, manual | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5.1 |
Only Impreza WRX models with the manual transmission have been made available for testing so far. Some turbo lag is evident, but overall, these Imprezas offer very good power in most any situation. Shifter and clutch action is smooth and precise, a pleasant surprise given these vehicles' sporty intentions.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, manual-transmission WRX models averaged 19.5 mpg in city/highway driving and 22.2 with more highway use. Turbocharged Imprezas require premium-grade gas. Other models use regular.
| WRX sedan, manual | WRX hatchback, manual | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6.2 |
In Consumer Guide testing, manual-transmission WRX models averaged 19.5 mpg in city/highway driving and 22.2 with more highway use. Turbocharged Imprezas require premium-grade gas. Other models use regular.
Ride Quality
An improvement over the previous-generation WRX. The 2008 models show a good balance of compliance and control. They're expectedly stiff but are never harsh.
| WRX sedan, manual | WRX hatchback, manual | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
An improvement over the previous-generation WRX. The 2008 models show a good balance of compliance and control. They're expectedly stiff but are never harsh.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Steering feel is responsive, if not as razor sharp as would be expected in a sporty car. Body lean in turns is minimal, and dry-pavement grip is excellent. In wet and snowy conditions, though, the AWD system in one test WRX seemed slow to react when accelerating from a stop. This caused the wheels to spin a bit before the system transferred power for the needed grip.
| WRX sedan, manual | WRX hatchback, manual | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5.9 |
Steering feel is responsive, if not as razor sharp as would be expected in a sporty car. Body lean in turns is minimal, and dry-pavement grip is excellent. In wet and snowy conditions, though, the AWD system in one test WRX seemed slow to react when accelerating from a stop. This caused the wheels to spin a bit before the system transferred power for the needed grip.
Quietness
Wind and tire noise are moderate at highway speeds. The turbocharged engine whines under full throttle but it's more relaxed at cruising speeds.
| WRX sedan, manual | WRX hatchback, manual | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Wind and tire noise are moderate at highway speeds. The turbocharged engine whines under full throttle but it's more relaxed at cruising speeds.
Controls
The climate controls are within easy reach and are clearly marked. WRX models have a standard navigation system, which absorbs most audio functions. This slightly complicates their use, but redundant steering-wheel controls help. The navigation system itself is easy to negotiate.
| WRX sedan, manual | WRX hatchback, manual | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5.8 |
The climate controls are within easy reach and are clearly marked. WRX models have a standard navigation system, which absorbs most audio functions. This slightly complicates their use, but redundant steering-wheel controls help. The navigation system itself is easy to negotiate.
Details
Subaru is attempting for an upscale image with the Impreza's interior design. While the materials look nice, they're comprised mainly of cheap feeling, hard plastic. The "mouse fur" headliner is particularly cut-rate given the WRX's near-premium pricing.
| WRX sedan, manual | WRX hatchback, manual | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 5 |
Subaru is attempting for an upscale image with the Impreza's interior design. While the materials look nice, they're comprised mainly of cheap feeling, hard plastic. The "mouse fur" headliner is particularly cut-rate given the WRX's near-premium pricing.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Six-footers have good headroom and legroom, particularly in models not equipped with the sunroof. The WRX's sport bucket seats have good side bolstering but not enough lumbar support to make them comfortable for long trips.
| WRX sedan, manual | WRX hatchback, manual | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Six-footers have good headroom and legroom, particularly in models not equipped with the sunroof. The WRX's sport bucket seats have good side bolstering but not enough lumbar support to make them comfortable for long trips.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Again, an improvement over the previous Impreza. Six-footers will fit in back but they'll have barely adequate headroom, legroom, and knee space. Foot space is also good. Entry and exit are acceptable for a compact car.
| WRX sedan, manual | WRX hatchback, manual | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4.3 |
Again, an improvement over the previous Impreza. Six-footers will fit in back but they'll have barely adequate headroom, legroom, and knee space. Foot space is also good. Entry and exit are acceptable for a compact car.
Cargo Room
Not a strong point, at least in the sedans. In those models, the floor rises over the rear axle, and standard sickle-type lid hinges dig deep into the load area. Hatchbacks are more versatile with good space behind the rear seats. On both body styles, the rear seatbacks don't fold flat with the cargo floor, and the headrests may have to be removed if the front seats are set far back. Interior storage is poor with a small center console and just average glovebox and door map pockets.
| WRX sedan, manual | WRX hatchback, manual | Class Average |
| 3 | 8 | 5.2 |
Not a strong point, at least in the sedans. In those models, the floor rises over the rear axle, and standard sickle-type lid hinges dig deep into the load area. Hatchbacks are more versatile with good space behind the rear seats. On both body styles, the rear seatbacks don't fold flat with the cargo floor, and the headrests may have to be removed if the front seats are set far back. Interior storage is poor with a small center console and just average glovebox and door map pockets.
Value within Class
Only WRX versions of the Impreza have been made available for us to test. For better or worse, these sporty compacts have a softer, more mainstream feel to them than their edgy predecessors. They still don't quite match the refinement of the MazdaSpeed 3 or Volkswagen GTI, but WRX models are fun to drive and boast standard all-wheel drive, a feature unavailable on either of those rivals.
| WRX sedan, manual | WRX hatchback, manual | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 6.2 |
Only WRX versions of the Impreza have been made available for us to test. For better or worse, these sporty compacts have a softer, more mainstream feel to them than their edgy predecessors. They still don't quite match the refinement of the MazdaSpeed 3 or Volkswagen GTI, but WRX models are fun to drive and boast standard all-wheel drive, a feature unavailable on either of those rivals.
Total Score
| WRX sedan, manual | WRX hatchback, manual | Class Average |
| 57 | 63 | 58.9 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 50 | |
| Average Score | 58 | |
| High Score | 74 |
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2009 Subaru Impreza Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/29/2008
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2009 Subaru Impreza Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Subaru Impreza 4-door sedan | Subaru Impreza 4-door hatchback |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.1 | 103.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 180.3 | 180.3 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.5 | 68.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 58.1 | 58.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3053 | 3064 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 11.3 | 44.4 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.9 | 16.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.3 | 40.3 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.5 | 43.5 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.6 | 37.6 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.5 | 33.5 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc H4 | Turbocharged dohc H4 | Turbocharged dohc H4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.5 /150 | 2.5 /150 | 2.5 /150 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 170 @ 6000 | 224 @ 5200 | 305 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 170 @ 4400 | 226 @ 2800 | 290 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|||
| 5-speed manual | 20/27 | 19/24 | --/-- |
| 6-speed manual | --/-- | --/-- | 17/23 |
| 4-speed automatic | 20/27 | 20/24 | --/-- |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Subaru Impreza 4-door sedan | Subaru Impreza 4-door hatchback |
| 4WD Rollover | 4 | 4 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 | 5 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 4 | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive
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Also in the 2009 Subaru Impreza Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Subaru Impreza Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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