Background: Subaru is at the right place at the right time. All Subaru vehicles sold in America, including the Impreza, Legacy, Outback and Forester, are equipped with all-wheel drive as standard equipment. This bit of marketing savvy creates a powerful identification factor for the Japanese automaker. All-wheel drive vehicles have seen a surge in popularity during the last few years and Subaru is cashing in. Subaru's lineup also includes a variety of "hybrid" type vehicles which many auto analysts predict will be the wave of the future. These include all-wheel drive vehicles resembling station wagons more than the traditional sport utility. Recent sales results point to good times ahead for Subaru. This past November represented the best sales month for Subaru in the last ten years. Subaru expects to sell 120,000 vehicles in the United States this calendar year, the best showing since 1988. With Subaru's all-wheel drive, there are no buttons to push or levers to pull. All-wheel drive is always engaged, a benefit when traveling on snow-covered suburban streets. Subaru's subcompact, four-seat Impreza, our test-drive vehicle this week, is available in three distinct body styles: coupe, sedan and wagon.
Trim levels: Impreza coupes come in two trim levels, including the all-new, 1998 Impreza 2.5 RS two-door coupe which debuted earlier this summer. The 2.5 number represents Subaru's relatively new, four-cylinder, 2.5-liter boxer engine. The coupe is also available in the "L" trim level featuring a 2.2-liter engine. Currently, these are the only two-door coupes Subaru sells in the United States. Impreza sedans and wagons are marketed in "L" trim levels only. The sporty 2.5 RS replaces the Impreza Brighton coupe, a low-priced, entry-level offering Subaru dropped at the end of the 1997 model year. Subaru began selling Impreza sedans and wagons in the United States back in 1993. The coupe made its debut in 1994.
Standard equipment: Five-speed manual transmission, power sunroof, speed-sensitive steering, air conditioning, power door locks, rear window defogger, remote trunk release, power windows, intermittent windshield wipers and adjustable steering column are standard.
Optional equipment: Four-speed automatic transmission, cruise control and a compact disc player are optional faire in the 2.5 RS Impreza. Alloy wheels and splash guards, which are standard in the 2.5 RS are optional in the "L" trim level.
Safety: Dual front air bags, four-channel anti-lock brakes, power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes and five-mile-per-hour front and rear bumpers are standard. Traction control is not offered.
Price: Manufacturer's suggested retail price of the well-equipped 2.5 RS checks in at $19,195. The bottom line, after factoring in the $495 destination charge, added up to $19,690.
Engine: The Impreza 2.5RS features a double overhead cam, four-cylinder, 2.5-liter engine standard. This powertrain was first introduced in selected Subaru automobiles in 1996. It's the largest four-cylinder engine ever sold by Subaru and delivers 165 horsepower, up 10 from last year. The engine utilizes sequential, multi-point fuel injection. This year, regular unleaded gasoline is the recommended fuel of choice. Last year, a higher octane fuel was required. All Subaru models sold in the United States feature four-cylinder, all-wheel drive engines.
Interior: Impreza receives the most interior changes of any Subaru model in 1998. The completely new dashboard now includes a top-mounted tray with lid. Two single cup holders are now found in front. One pulls out from the dashboard while the other is found inside of the newly-designed center console. The dashboard cup holder when in use, tends to block the air vent and access to the heater controls. The console holder, which is usable only when the top is flipped open, is more convenient. Temperature controls consist of two dials and a small, horizontal lever monitoring fan speed. This system is found above the stereo. Radio functions and new analog instrument panel displays are on the small size. Impreza includes two digital clocks; one in the instrument panel and one in the radio frequency display. The flip-top center console, hand-operated parking brake and power outside mirror controls situate between the front bucket seats. Power window and lock functions are on the door.
Seating comfort: Gray, knit fabric bucket seats are standard and comfortable. Impreza would benefit from front bucket seats which automatically scoot forward when the backrest is pulled forward for easier entry and exit into the back area. Once one maneuvers into the rear, head room is very good while leg room is a bit tight. In front, leg and headroom are average.
Dimensions: Wheelbase: 99.2 inches Length: 172.2 inches Width: 67.1 inches Height: 55.5 inches Curb weight: 2,825 pounds
Exterior: The 2.5 RS coupe's exterior is one of its greatest assets. It looks more powerful than a four-cylinder, 166-horsepower offering. All 2.5 RS coupes include 16-inch gold alloy wheels, halogen headlights, hood scoop with vents, rear spoiler and tinted glass. The retractable radio antenna slides out from atop the driver's door. New this year are splash guards and projection beam fog lamps. Exterior color choices include rally blue pearl, black diamond pearl, brilliant red and acadia green metallic.
Mileage: Fuel estimates check in at 22 miles per gallon city and 28 mpg highway, decent for an all-wheel drive vehicle. These estimates are the same for automatic as well as manual transmissioned 2.5 RS offerings. The fuel tank holds 13.2 gallons of unleaded fuel. The fuel tank door does not lock.
Trunk: The flat-floored trunk holds 11.1 cubic feet of cargo, a tad bit less room than most of its rivals. A temporary spare tire situates in a well below a removable trunk floor.
Final thoughts: Outside visibility improved in Impeza, although the rear spoiler shows up prominently when peering into the rear view mirror. Ergonomically, Subaru has made good strides, but needs to continue making improvements, such as better positioning of cup holders, larger temperature and radio controls and front bucket seats that scoot forward for easier back seat entry. Handling and cornering are on par with most competitors. The manual transmission shifting is a bit stiff. It's sharp exterior, many standard features and all-wheel drive top the 2.5 RS's key selling points. This is one of the least expensive, all-wheel drive coupes on the road. Subaru expects to sell 120,000 vehicles in the United States this calendar year, the best showing since 1988.