Subaru Impreza Road Test

Subaru Impreza

Which brings me to the AWD system and the question; why would a car with very little ground clearance need a low ratio box when the deep skirts and side sills do not make for good off-roading?

The transfer box is fitted to the manual models giving them the equivalent of ten gears via a simple lever between the seats right next to the handbrake. A handy position but it is easy to pull on the wrong one. In effect, it wouldn’t matter as the clutch has to be depressed in order to switch from low to high range, but it is still annoying.

The idea is not to take your Impreza where Land Rovers fear to tread but more for use in difficult road conditions and slippery surfaces or for towing, as it offers greater engine braking and therefore more control.

For the manual versions, the full-time AWD has a 50:50 torque split to the front and rear axles, hence the ‘Symmetrical’ tag and 60:40 in favour of the front, in the automatic models but the distribution changes according to the conditions.

ABS with EBD is a standard feature, as are front, side and curtain airbags. Most models have anti-whiplash head restraints and front seatbelt pre-tensioners are also standard throughout the range.

The extra platform width makes for more shoulder room inside and the legroom is more than adequate. The 60:40 split, rear seats fold easily to increase the luggage capacity from 301- to 1,216-litres and because the rear suspension is now more compact, the space is more usable.

At the business end, the driver and front passenger of the RX have smart, durable, cloth-covered, Recaro-style seats, providing extra support during energetic driving and comfort for the placid days.

The fascia is similar to that of the Tribeca with swooping design panels, but much more subdued, with black as the main colour, lightened by metallic trims.

The test car may not have been the WRX STI but I liked the 2.0RX, nonetheless. It has good interior ambience and space, it is well equipped and capable but then, in my ‘umble opinion, there is no such thing as a bad Subaru.

Subaru Impreza