Ace of Base: 2017 Subaru Impreza 2.0i

Sometimes a manufacturer churns out a base trim that — all things considered — might just be the primo choice for that particular model. Here’s an example.

A few weeks ago, Ace of Base looked at a base model truck from The General. The thing is, at an instant ramen price point, the compact truck is a rear-drive-only affair. Let’s now imagine a base-model shopper who doesn’t care about payload or bringing home grandfather clocks from estate sales but does want their power shuttled to all four wheels. What to do?

The folks selling Exploding Galaxy cars have been peddling offbeat all-wheel-drive cars for decades, carving out a good niche for themselves. Long-time fans will surely point out that current offerings bearing the Pleiades badge are, absent of bizarre controls and odd windows, getting too mainstream. Other shoppers will simply see an interesting alternative to the other compact cars taking up space at competing dealers.

All Impreza trims are motivated by Subaru’s 2.0-liter DOHC four-pot, flinging 152 horsepower to all four wheels. A five-speed manual is standard equipment and is the transmission of choice, natch. Sixteen-inch steelies keep a lid on the cost of replacement tires; pop off the wheel covers for a more butch appearance when running spiky winter rubber. Poverty-spec black plastic covers the side mirrors (the only Impreza trim equipped as such), meaning eagle-eyed shoppers will be able to pick out base models on dealer lots with ease.

Once again proving economies of scale are a benefit to bargain-hunters, the base 2.0i sedan is graced with power windows and mirrors. The three-spoke steering wheel is peppered with cruise control and adjusts for reach and rake. Air conditioning is manually adjustable and makes a welcome appearance at the base price of $18,395. Standard mounting points for roof crossbars punctuate Subaru’s appeal to outdoorsy types.

An extra $500 nets buyers the five-door hatch and its 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to a 55.3 cubic foot yawning chasm when the rear seats are folded. Mind-bendingly, the hatch is a full half-foot shorter than its sedan brother but boasts more passenger volume in addition to its extra cargo capacity. It is also twelve pounds heavier, much like this author during his first year of university.

Speaking of college, any parent sending their offspring to higher education in a base Impreza will be appreciate the presence of a standard backup camera and a raft of airbags. Students themselves will appreciate Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Bluetooth audio streaming.

Subaru eschews a disappointing trend by other mainstream automakers of charging extra for certain hues of paint. Island Blue and Venetian Red will please the extroverts, while Carbide Gray and Ice Silver will ensure hotshoes blend into traffic like a ninja. Sadly, choosing the pretty red color forces buyers into a beige Ivory Cloth interior.

All-wheel drive, decent digital technology, power options, and air conditioning for under twenty grand? That’s a pretty good Ace of Base.

Not every base model has aced it. The ones that have? They help make the automotive landscape a lot better. Any others you can think of, B&B? Let us know in the comments. Naturally, feel free to eviscerate our selections.

The model above is shown with American options and is priced in Freedom Dollars. As always, your dealer may sell for less.