2008 Subaru Impreza Reviews

If looks could kill then some recent models in the Subaru range would be dead - but the Japanese car maker has created a new look and dragged itself back from the cliff edge.A new design direction seems to have found more favour recently - first versus second-generation Tribeca being a prime example - but the company's Impreza range was an area where the company could ill-afford a sales drop.But I'm not driving the Impreza volume seller, I'm in a WRX and not even the normal STI version.The STI I've been given the keys to is the Spec.R model, which gets lightweight alloy wheels and grippy Recaro racing bucket seats.The standard WRX STI is priced from $59,990. Stepping up to the spec.R sheds 15kg, adds Recaro buckets and BBS alloy wheels and $5000 to the bottom line.Lacquered in the same blue that adorns the company's World Rally Championship cars, the STI has an abundance of menace.Scoops, vents, bulges, bumps and flares turn the Impreza hatchback into something that looks purposeful and says take me on at your peril.Power from the 2.5-litre turbo flat-four is up from 206kW to 221kW and torque has been upped to 407Nm from 392Nm, shoving an extra 10kg over the old model - 1505kg or 1520kg for the standard STI. The state limit is obliterated in a rapid 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h is claimed, as is a combined-cycle thirst of 10.3 litres/100km, although my stint returned 13.2 litres/100km.Slipping into the Recaro buckets, the bolsters hold occupants firmly in place and give a hint of what's to come. Thankfully, the personal number start process has been abandoned and getting under way only requires a key turn.With electronic trickery in all three diffs of the drivetrain, it's easy to leave it in Auto mode, followed by a flick of the Subaru Intelligent Drive to S# for the sharpest throttle response. With 18in wheels wrapped with sticky Dunlop SP600 semi-slick tyres, tricky diffs and all that urge, the STI was always going to be exhilarating.The six-speed manual gearchange is a good shift but requires some guidance - it's no brainless quick-flick shift - but once accustomed to the drivetrain the STI covers ground in an unfussed and rapid manner.There is a little more body roll, relative to its forebears, and while there's a bit of crunch on some bumps, the ride comfort is more liveable - mind you, earlier STI models couldn't even find the phrase in an automotive dictionary, let alone provide it.Only the hatch has a shallow load space but the five-door set-up does have a level of versatility not often seen with this level of performance.The sudden planned or unplanned halt is also considered, with big, effective Brembo brakes, with dual front, side and curtain airbags on the safety features list.As expected, there are the staple anti-lock brakes and stability control, although breaching its adhesion would suggest track-only speeds.There's no question the STI is no longer hard-edged, raw and uncompromising, but it's still quick and capable, with exceptional ability on sealed or unsealed surfaces and more able to deal with day-to-day activities as well.  Class competitionAudi S3, $65,500.VW Golf R32, $56,490.HSV VXR, $42,990.Mazda3 MPS, $39,990. 

Basically the same car inside and out, except for the mesh grille, rear diffuser and roof spoiler, and the telltale bonnet scoop to allow air into the intercooler.However, the turbocharger provided performance that set the WRX worlds apart from the RS. While the RS was a little doughy and unresponsive, the WRX was a blast, with huge urge down low and then graduated performance leaps through the rev range.It just seemed to find new levels of power as the tacho needle spun freely.The slick five-speed gearbox really didn't need to be worked too hard to gain maximum return.However, while the RS gave reasonable fuel economy, the WRX was abysmal. Subaru claims an average combined cycle of 10.7litres/100km on 95 RON premium fuel.I filled it up with 98 octane and mostly drove it on the Bruce Highway in flowing traffic — after all, no one was going to the coast in the recent wet weather.Yet, the onboard average fuel readout never fell below 11.2l/100km.At the same time, the CO2 emissions are claimed to be 252g/km, which is way too high for this size of vehicle.Perhaps turbo buyers don't really care about fuel economy and emissions.My recent review of the RS painted a glowing picture of a car that felt just right and the WRX, of course, is no different.The styling is impeccable, if a little more feminine than the previous model, the interior is smart and classy, the build quality is high, handling is exemplary, the level of equipment is excellent and the safety features are top-notch.WRX's standard safety features are comprehensive; ABS with electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, child seat anchor points including ISO FIX, constant all-wheel-drive, six airbags including full-length curtains, front seatbelts pretensioners and load limiters with double pretensioners on the driver's seatbelt, hill start assist, and stability control.So are its standard interior features; six-stack CD player with MP3/WMA compatibility, 10 speakers, climate air, immobiliser, leather steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, leather gearshift.I would consider the excellent sat-nav option, which costs $2990 but includes a single DVD player replacing the in-dash six-CD changer, and is better and easier to use than most German luxury car units.Outside, the WRX gets 17-inch alloys, front fog lights and auto self-levelling Xenon headlights with pop-up washers.And all Subarus come with DataDot security technology.It's a value performance package if you don't mind the economy and emissions drawbacks.  SnapshotSubaru Impreza 2.5 WRXPrice: $39,990Engine: turbo 2.5 litre 4-cylinder, 16-valve, horizontally opposed boxerTransmission: 5-speed manual, all-wheel-drivePower: 169kW @ 5200rpmTorque: 320Nm @ 2800rpmBore X stroke: 99.5 x 79mmCompression: 8.4:1Weight: 1395kgDimensions: (MM): 4415 (L), 1740 (W), 1475 (H), 2620 (wheelbase)Tyres: 205/50 R17 89V YokohamaFuel: PULP 95 RONEconomy: 10.7L/100kmCO2 emissions: 252g/kmWarranty: 3-year unlimited km with roadside assistOptions: satellite navigation $2990 

But the time has come to send two of our long-term garage residents back home. Kia's surprising Sorento and the polarising Subaru WRX are on their way after giving sterling service. Numerous shopping trips, commutes to work and longer drives down the coast gave the Sorento every chance to prove itself a reliable companion. And on the whole, it did just that.With the high equipment level, high passenger satisfaction in terms of comfort and high seating position, there was little to complain about. In appearance, it's not the most glamorous SUV around, with its no-frills looks, but it's not really trying to be. The Sorento diesel starts at an affordable $34,990, but our model was the range topper at $44,990.The only real problem encountered was the “wake up Jeff” cruise control, that would frequently decide to go to sleep on the job.Cargo room in the rear is good for those successful shopping trips, and packing the whole family on board doesn't turn into a back seat scrum, as there's enough room to ensure everyone rides in reasonable comfort.The noticeably diesel model averaged about 600km around town on one tank — meaning a fortnightly fuel bill of about $80.Equipment levels were good with an MP3-compatible CD player, leather trim, a sunroof, dual-control aircon and lots of good safety equipment, including stability control — which, curiously, only works in 2WD — and plenty of airbags. The 2.5-litre, four-cylinder engine isn't the most exciting drive, but is adequate and is at its best when cruising.The biggest discovery from time spent with the WRX was that you could, indeed, spend time with the WRX. Subaru copped plenty of flak over the decision to “soften” its performance Impreza, but most of that would have to be from those who haven't driven the car and certainly don't use it as a daily drive. Comfortable, compliant, spacious for its class and a stylish interior are things you couldn't have said with a straight face about the previous WRX models.The little WRX served bravely as a family car, spending most of its time pottering around the shopping centres and schools of suburbia protesting not a whit at being utilised so far inside its performance capabilities. When asked to step up for a country run or a sprint to an appointment the WRX showed it is still an athlete at heart. Overall fuel consumption was a touch higher than the claimed 10.7litresper100km but not excessive and the only issue was a remote key fob that occasionally forgot its job description.There are no two ways about it, we are really going to miss the WRX.Staying with us for the while is Chrysler's 300C Touring — cruelly dubbed the Mafia staff car. Living with the 300C is like being in a fishbowl. As you move around you are under constant scrutiny. And, in this fish bowl you're the whale.The gangster-mobile wagon with its monstrous grille, 18-inch alloy wheels and small rear windows is not easily missed.Indeed, it's hardly missed at all given the number of heads turning as we have driven it around Sydney over the past few months on this long-term road test.At first, people usually ask if it is the high-performance SRT-8, a 6.1-litre V8 supercar. However, when they find out it is the V6 diesel with surprisingly good fuel economy their interest grows noticeably stronger.We've been filling the 71-litre tank about once a fortnight and it's proven good for about nine litres per 100km. The low-down pulling power of the diesel engine and its amazing 510Nm of torque is impressive.There's no sprightly spring away from traffic lights; instead there is a feeling of tremendous power, ever-increasing as it gradually pulls away. Living with the car has revealed a few problems, such as the awkward set up of driver controls around the steering wheel and dash, poor rear visibility, and the feeling that you are driving a really big car is fairly pronounced at shopping centre car parks.The leather interior is grey and plain and the rear loading space in the wagon is reduced by side intrusions. However, the second row seats fold down very easily creating much more room.And while the economic benefits of diesel engines are leading to an upsurge in sales across most market segments, many Sydney service stations haven't moved with the times.We have found that many diesel pumps are dirty with spilt diesel underfoot and diesel residue on the hoses and nozzles.All very well if you are in your work overalls refilling a truck, but not so great when you are dressed to the nines heading for a night out in a 300C Touring with its limousine looks. SNAPSHOTS CHRYSLER 300C TOURINGPRICE: $60,990ENGINE: 3.0L/V6 CRD turbo diesel, 160kW/510NmTRANSMISSION: 5-speed autoECONOMY: 8.2L/100km combined claimed  SUBARU IMPREZA WRXPRICE: $39,990ENGINE: 2.5L/4-cyl turbo, 169kW/320NmTRANSMISSION: 5-speed manualECONOMY: 10.7L/100km  KIA SORENTO CRDiPRICE: $44,490ENGINE: 2.5L/4-cyl turbo diesel, 125kW/392NmTRANSMISSION: 5-speed autoECONOMY: 9.4L/100km