Vehicle Reviews

This is the 18th year of Impreza's run and it is nearing a two decade mark as an ace car. All along, it has lived up to its name, which means "feat" in Italian and "gala" in Polish. It justifies its name from both languages. In other words, this is a model which fills you with a sense of achievement, while enabling you to have fun on road. The Impreza for 2010, is mainly a carryover model from 2009 with a few changes. The Impreza has offered an all-wheel drive since inception and is the only one to do so compared to competitors in its segment. The 2010 Subaru Impreza retains the engine from 1993, its introductory year, a Boxer engine. The novelty of this engine, says Subaru, is that it reduces body roll with its lower center of gravity, keeps torque steer at low levels, and is harmonically balanced, meaning its vibration is considerably lesser compared to other models in its genre. The outstanding proof of the efficacy of this engine is that an incredible 95 percent of Subaru vehicles that run on this engine have been on the road for more than 10 years. The 2010 Subaru Impreza comes in four-door sedan and four-door hatchback body styles in 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5GT, WRX and WRX Premium trims. The hatchback also comes in Outback Sport and WRX STI trims.

The Impreza 2.5i Premium model has been reconfigured, while the 2.5i, 2.5GT and Outback Sport models get a stylish new grille. A new Special Edition Package that includes power moonroof and fog lights as well as the All-Weather Package has been introduced. Bluetooth hands-free cell phone capability is now standard on 2.5i Premium and WRX Premium models with the navigation system. Some new colors have also been introduced on select trims. 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels; double wishbone rear suspension; XM and Sirius compatibility; three-spoke steering wheel with cruise control and audio system buttons; 60/40-split flat-folding rear seatback; power tilt/sliding-glass moonroof; fog lights; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter handle; steering wheel-mounted audio controls; 10-speaker audio system with six-disc in-dash CD changer; dual mode heated front seats; 10-speaker audio system with six-disc in-dash CD changer, MP3/WMA capability and SRS Circle; Surround Automotive audio enhancement; removable cargo-area tray; auxiliary audio jack; heated side mirrors; and windshield wiper de-icer are some of the interior and exterior features found on the 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, and Outback Sport. The GT, which runs on a four-speed automatic transmission with SPORTSHIFT manual control, features 17-inch six-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with high-luster finish; heated front seats; sport-tuned four-wheel independent suspension; sport-design electroluminescent gauges with center-mounted tachometer; tilt/telescoping steering column; automatic climate control; and power tilt/sliding-glass moonroof.

The 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, and Outback Sport engines are given a power of 170 hp and matching torque. The GT Sport rides on a 224-horsepower engine and gives 226 lb-ft. of torque. While transmission can be automatic or manual, all these engines are given symmetrical all-wheel drive configuration, a Subaru specialty. Vehicle Dynamics Control, which applies individual brakes in the case of loss of control, is another feature of these engines. The WRX derives power from a revised version of the 2.5GT's engine rated at 265 hp and 244 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard (18/25/21 mpg). The WRX STI is rated at 305 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque with its standard six-speed manual delivering 17/23/19 mpg.

Four-channel, four-sensor anti-lock disc brake system with electronic brake-force distribution; four-wheel independent suspension; electronic stability system with traction control; side impact and side-curtain airbags; and daytime running lamps are some of the standard safety features across the 2010 Subaru Impreza trims.