2009 Subaru Impreza
by Jim Prueter & Rebecca Antioco-10/2008

Along with Mitsubishi, Suzuki and Isuzu, Subaru is one of those Japanese brands that always seem to fly under the radar. However, they have one thing that seems to escape the other brands: brand loyalty. Owners, it seems, love their Subies.

It’s a brand known for a lineup of all-wheel drive sedans and wagons punctuated by a quirky oddball design that pops up every few years: the “windows” SVX sports car in the ’90s and more recently the full-sized crossover B9 Tribeca. Both were particular style disasters, though Subaru has never been accused of building a vehicle that could actually be considered attractive or aesthetically pleasing.

In 2008, Subaru had a chance to completely redesign its popular Impreza compact, and with it another opportunity to depart from their lackluster history. Unfortunately, what Subaru rolled out is generic, at best, while some find it downright ugly. I am of the former opinion.

Aside from its appearance, there are good things that may account for the brand’s loyal following. I suspect it has to do primarily with what’s under the performance-oriented Impreza WRX’s bizarre looking hood scoop.

Until now, there were two types of Imprezas to be had: the basic model and the WRX. For 2009, Subaru introduces the top-line 2.5GT to its basic lineup, slotting in one notch below the WRX in terms of performance.

Actually, the GT inherits the 2.5-liter, 224-horsepower horizontally opposed flat four-cylinder “boxer” engine from last year’s WRX model, while the new WRX gets a new 265-horsepower version. Last year, engineers revised the intercooler/turbocharger on the 224-hp engine to give the little street racer more punch at the low end. Under full acceleration, I experienced traditional Subaru “turbo-lag” before the throw-you-back-in-your-seat punch kicked in. Zero to 60 is estimated in the mid-five second range and the standing quarter mile at 14.4 seconds. It’s what gave the original WRX its street muscle reputation when it was first introduced in 2002: maximum performance for minimum price.

Of course, back then Subaru was advertised as “inexpensive” and “built to stay that way.” Which is still true of the base model Imprezas.  Oddly, however, the new GT costs about $2000 more than the entry level WRX with the bigger engine.

The Impreza is available as four- or five-door models in four trims: 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, Outback Sport (five-door only) and 2.5GT. All but the GT come standard with a not-so-pleasant five-speed manual shifter; an electronically controlled four-speed automatic with Sportshift is optional. The GT gets the automatic as standard equipment. Both transmissions are one gear short of acceptability.

Standard equipment on the 2.5i includes power windows/locks/side mirrors, cruise control, tilt steering and rear-window defroster. Upgrade to the 2.5i Premium, and you’ll get an upgraded audio system with six-disc in-dash CD changer and auxiliary audio input jack for MP3 players, leather wrapped shifter and steering wheel with integrated cruise and audio controls, alloy wheels, sunroof and fog lights. Satellite radio and navigation system are options with the premium package. The Outback version includes all-season tires and a raised suspension, plus heated front seats and side mirrors.

In addition to the bigger engine, the GT has some styling cues to distinguish it from its run-of-the-mill siblings. It shares the WRX’s hood scoop, which supplies air to the intercooler, and fog lights are standard.

Subaru made steps to upgrade the economy-look of the interior. I thought it still looked cheap, especially the headliner, hard black plastic dash/door and the 1980s-reminiscent control knobs. Dash lights are an electroluminescent red.

Safety gear includes front and side impact airbags, head-curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes and stability control.  The Impreza earned the highest five-star crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, four stars in rollover protection and side-impact protection for rear passengers. 2008 models earned the “Top Safety Pick” award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Drivers who like the performance bang-for-the-buck equation and are attracted to Subaru’s bland styling — or at least aren’t offended by it — will find the Impreza, particularly the new GT, pretty easy to get used to, but for $2000 less, may as well upgrade to the WRX.