By Brendan McAleer
January 31, 2007 -
I don’t get veggie-burgers. If something didn’t actually die for my dinner, I reckon it should at least have been pretty severely inconvenienced. What’s more, a good burger is always bad for you (arterial distress on a sesame-seed bun). So it is with the Subaru Impreza 2.5i Sport Wagon. Why would anyone buy such an entirely sensible vehicle when they could drive away in a full-fat, hormone-injected WRX Sport Wagon? Why indeed. It’s time for a serious sampling of Fuji Heavy Industries Lite.
At first glance, the 2.5i Sport Wagon isn’t what you’d call an appetizing proposition. The Wagon’s snout-mounted upside-down Alfa-Romeo radiator-hole looks decidedly indelicate. At least the 2.5i’s got a more graceful front end than the WRX Sports Wagon, whose hood scoop gives it a nostrilly appearance that only Prince Charles could truly love. The rest of the 2.5i’s body is blissfully free from flared wheel-arches, rear spoilers and other vulgarities. It’s as restrained as muesli.
There aren’t many other external clues differentiating the 2.5i Impreza from its beefcake cousin. In fact, park the 2.5i next to older versions of the same car, and you’d be hard pressed to date the evolution. Yes, every couple of years Subaru fits new alloys and affixes prettier tail-lights to its Imprezas. But that’s the same sleight of hand used by every 17-year-old when pimping out a mid-nineties Civic hatchback. Suddenly, that wacky schnoz starts to make sense; it’s the only easily identifiable (and how) feature in an otherwise humdrum design.
Open the SW’s sashless doors and you’ll discover more blast-from-the-past-ery. Judging from the dubious quality of it’s-a-hard-knock-life plastics deployed throughout the cabin, Subie’s parent must shelter a shopping-bag recycling company under its corporate wing. If you can bear touching the 2.5i’s shiny, not-so-happy control surfaces, all the basic amenities are pleasant and accounted for: A/C, cruise control, in-dash CD, keyless entry, etc. The controls and dials are laid out with all the simplicity befitting their, um, simplicity.
The 2.5i’s front seats are well bolstered beneath their cheap upholstery. The Wagon’s back seats are comfy enough– provided you’ve got rubber femurs. Folding down the rear chairs creates a cargo space large enough to stow both bicycles and battered guitar cases. But let’s be honest: the SW is no wood-panelled ocean-liner of a Vista Cruiser. In fact, it’s nothing more or less than a capacious hatchback, offering the same 62 cubic foot cargo capacity found in my old Mazda 626 liftback. Hey Doc, maybe if I drive the little Subie 88 miles per hour I can get back to 1991.
Great Scott! Cranking over the Sport Wagon’s 2.5-litre boxer engine generates the sort of agricultural noise normally heard whilst perched atop the red horseshoe seat of an antique Massey-Ferguson. Luckily, everything soon settles down to a dull wobble. This is your first clue to the Impreza’s dynamic personality. “Hello!” the offbeat vibrations say, “This is not a normal car.”
Although the 2.5i’s engine is only good for 173hp @ a relatively lofty 6000rpm, the SW musters-up enough twist (166 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm) to take some hoon-oriented liberties with its electronically controlled variable transfer clutch (a.k.a. all wheel-drive). The little Impreza practically leaps off the line– and then strolls to sixty in a shade over eight seconds. Never mind; at full chat, the Subie’s boxer engine roars like a bathtub speedster. It simply begs to be flung into the nearest corner.
Ah yes, corners. The Impreza 2.5i Sport Wagon may slingshot out of turns with less alacrity than a WRX, but at least it does so with equal bravado. With its compact engine mounted longitudinally on the down low, and a sports-tuned four-wheel independent suspension, the SW is a superbly sure-footed, balanced performer. Body roll is minimal, tire adhesion predictable, throttle response enjoyable and braking thank-God-able.
In the rain, driving the Sports Wagon is like playing football on a muddy field wearing cleats— when everyone else is slipping around in sneakers. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Rudyard Kipling’s ride: “If you can keep your head while all about you are losing theirs, you’re probably driving a Subaru.”
There are a few quirky quibbles. The Sport Wagon’s clutch pedal action is funny. The shifter has a slightly plasticky feeling (shopping bags again). And… that’s about it. In fact, the Sports Wagon is everything an enthusiast could want in a family hatchback– save good looks, touchy-feely materials and neck snapping acceleration. It’s so multi-purpose, it ought to come with a corkscrew attachment. At a hair under $18k, what’s stopping you?
The WRX Sport Wagon. For another $7k you get better tunes, improved plastics, sportier dials, a roof spoiler and 51 more horses. While the veggie-burger edition is thoroughly justifiable and a lot less unsatisfying than you’d imagine, the red meat iteration is, dare I say it, irresistible.
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More Reviews77 Responses to “ Subaru Impreza 2.5i Sport Wagon Review ”
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POWERED
January 31st, 2007 at 8:05 am
I think a majority of buyers will go WRX, but the 2.5i does seem to fill a nitch. It’s become very popular to modify a car with hand-me-downs. WRX owners buy used STi parts, sell their used WRX parts to 2.5RS/2.5i owners, and everyone ends up happy. For my money, the old bug-eye front fascia is still Subaru’s best effort since the GC8 Impreza was retired in 2001, but the new front looks very nice from the driver’s seat.
January 31st, 2007 at 8:27 am
It’s not as nice as the WRX–but 7 grand is a LOT of money. This car, though not my cup of tea, sounds like a decent bargain.
January 31st, 2007 at 8:42 am
This car is more than likely to replace our 200,000+ mile GC8 Impreza sedan, which has provided stellar service and lacks only the raised roof cargo area for canine transport.
If our reviewer thinks the current interior seating and plastics are low-rent and dated, I will offer up the mid-90s version as being almost Yugo-esque. As unattractive and poorly tactile as the materials may be, I’ve found them to be surprisingly durable. The seat upholstery, in fact, far outlived the foam padding in the seat bottom. To this GC8 owner, the newer car’s interior is steeped in luxury.
Can’t handle the Edsel-parody nose on the Subie? Then pick up the identical car with more attractive styling over at Saab in the form of the 9-2X.
The Impreza is distinctive in being one of the few Japanese cars that actually has a soul. The personality of these cars has always been cheerfully eager, with just a dash of attitude that makes you scoff at SUV commercials, all the while thinking “Hell, my Subaru can do that.”
January 31st, 2007 at 8:43 am
If it helps any, the WRX has about $2,000 in extra standard features, things like automatic climate control, a CD changer, a limited-slip rear diff, and a body kit. So after adjusting for these the turbo, larger wheels, upgraded suspension and brakes, and superior audio set you back “only” about $4,500.
For other price comparisons:
http://www.truedelta.com/models/Impreza.php
I do think you’re a bit hard on the interior. It’s hard plastic, but it seems sturdy and functional to me, not shiny and cheap.
January 31st, 2007 at 9:21 am
Having purchased a Saabaru (2006 9-2X 2.5i) for my “I don’t care about cars” better half, I agree it is very fun to drive. When you corner the car it actually gives great feedback, enough to build confidence. She fit the bill: Doesn’t need a turbo, wanted bad weather security and likes black cars, but doesn’t like the sexual preference stereotype of a female driving a Subaru.
January 31st, 2007 at 9:35 am
Mind you I wouldn’t buy one but for 18K it’s good enough. The Mazda3 is probably a better choice for style and sport but Suburu knows their customer base ( see earlier post) and caters to repeat business by keeping the imprezza in the same style.
What was the reviewer expecting from this car? Just because the car is called “sport” does not mean it’s fair game to consider it a sports car per se.
At the end of the day it’s get you through bad weather, haul you to work, be famously reliable, and offers decent value. Mileage is another story with Suburus, they are known for being less efficient than comparable cars, but they’re safe cars and people seem to like them.
January 31st, 2007 at 9:36 am
Antone
She doesn’t like cars, but she likes black cars? I assume you make her do all the washing and detailing, then? :D
Seems like a nice value if you want to save on insurance vs. the WRX, but otherwise the rex seems like it’s worth it for the extra cash.
I like the tuner hand-me-down comment above, very true.
January 31st, 2007 at 9:54 am
It’s funny to hear all the stereotypes about Subaru owners: granola-eaters, lesbians, lefties who used to drive old VWs, etc. Here in Colorado, every other car seems to be a Subaru, owned by everyone from teachers, doctors, hippies, snowboarders, kayakers, and even Jesus freaks (as evidenced by their bumper stickers). Great cars, and they do have a lot of character. BUT…there are other Japanese cars that have plenty of character and soul. Let’s not go there, eh?
January 31st, 2007 at 10:06 am
The Saaburu has left the building. 2006 was its last year. GM gave most of them away for crazy money, under $20k for the turbo.
January 31st, 2007 at 10:17 am
ejacobs
Last time I was in Colorado, I was convinced that state was the only reason Subaru even sells cars in the states. I might see one Subie a day in Alabama (usually a modded WRX). , unless I’m out climbing or hiking (usually an Outback wagon). Probably the rarest major marque here, and I can’t even think of where a dealer is. There’s no stigma or stereotype with them except for “speed demon” (see WRX above).
But it makes sense, and I’m glad that Subie offers the affordable, thinking-person’s alternative to the SUV. That’s a great niche to fill.