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car review

2015 Subaru Impreza

With some data suggesting more than half of drivers are distracted—and another third perhaps lying—safety is a top consideration among drivers and parents of drivers alike. For 2015, Subaru adds EyeSight to some Impreza models, giving these all-wheel drive compacts an enviable combination of features. Use it as your daily driver now and hand it down to your kid in confidence. (Overall score: 7.4)

Vehicle reviewed is a U.S. model. Performance is identical to the Canadian version, though  some trim items may differ.

Walkaround

The long snout, low cowl Impreza has a sportier attitude than many hatches not bedecked in hot-rod badges. The same height as a Focus, the Impreza to my eyes looks leaner and meaner perhaps because of the deeply squared low body corners that provide a stable "base."

This Venetian red—the only colourful colour—stands nicely against the alloy wheels but surprisingly got no love from WRX/STI drivers.  (Score: 7.6)

Interior

Impreza's low cowl and hatchback roofline yield a huge windshield, tall side glass and headroom. With the driver's seat set for me I could park my 1.90 frame behind it and see out, or sit in the middle without scuffing my head. And this car had a moonroof.

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Beyond people space there is 638 litres of trunk space—simply drop the 40/60 seatbacks with the "40" properly behind the driver, and it grows to 1,485 litres on an almost-flat floor. Not bad for all-wheel drive with a temporary-use spare underneath.

Leather upholstery is heavily textured on bolsters, like a Volvo, but smooth on cushions and perforated on door panels. Matte silver trim breaks the black monopoly and finishes are more than acceptable for a car priced from $20,000.

Cabin stowage options, tilt/telescope range and deep amber illumination are very good, but get "settings" done before hitting the highway and know you or the passenger will inadvertently touch the touchscreen using volume or tune knob and change something. (Score: 7.2)

Tech

Every Impreza comes with Bluetooth, 6.2-inch display Starlink phone integration with Aha, Pandora, USB/aux and iP_d inputs, proper cord routing, SiriusXM radio, seven airbags and a rearview camera. Stepping up to navigation brings a larger screen, another USB port and SMS texting. My sole issue with any of it was seeing the screen sometimes.

The EyeSight safety suite (forward-collision warning with mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure and lane sway warning) is offered on Sport and Limited. Once adjusted it worked as expected, though the various detections provide a seemingly endless muted sonar-ping background beep; I can only imagine the noise it'd make if I hit the deer rather than the paint stripe. (Score: 7.2)

Driving

Impreza has gravity on its side with all-wheel propulsion and moderate weight: About 40 and 100 kg less than Countryman ALL4 and Encore respectively, and only 70 heavier than a front-drive Focus. You may think a few kg left in as noise insulation would help, but on the plus side there's no buffeting from an open roof at 120 km/h.

The flat four makes its power at revs, which you'll need for passing or merging but rarely otherwise. The payoff for moderate power is fuel economy rated at 8.5/6.4 l/100km, better than some front-drive alternatives; my extremes were 8.7 and 6.0, averaging 7.3. The other advantage is the power never overwhelms the rest of the car, and rarely does it overwhelm the all-wheel drive.

Much credit for economy goes to the CVT that imitates gear shifts better than most, could fool people to think it's an automatic and offers very good engine braking and speed control on undulating terrain. Use the "instant consumption" gauge to mitigate aggressive initial throttle action, and it gets a bit raucous when pushed, but otherwise no complaints.

None for the chassis either, a compliant setup aimed at a decent ride that doesn't shy away from the alternate route or bore you once there; it doesn't feel heavy, nor does it feel like a small car. Steering and braking action are better than average, and even with relatively generous 205/55/R17 tires it feels like the chassis could easily handle larger. (Score: 7.1)

Value

I can't place a value on unique. Impreza hatchback models run from about $20,000 to $30,300 loaded as this, and few alternatives offer the safety features. The only all-wheel drive I can find around this size—not including pricier sporty hot-hatchs—with similar safety features and leather is a thirstier, less capacious Buick Encore, at roughly $5,000 more. (Score: 7.8)

Conclusion

Impreza ticks the boxes for active and passive safety, respectable consumption and a flexible interior layout. It's not a thrilling drive on pavement—dirt is more fun, and it's a natural in the snow-belt, still very appealing elsewhere.

Autofocus.ca is a Canadian automotive website dedicated to making car shopping easier and driving more fun. Follow Autofocus on Facebook and Twitter.

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