2015 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Limited Review
A sturdy all-season sedan you can have faith in.
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September 21, 2015
Visibility out the Impreza is optimal, but additional safety systems with Subaru EyeSight give you a second set of eyes on the road - and an extra foot on the brake when needed.
Introduction
There are several characteristics Subaru has become known for: reliability, dependability, and all-wheel drive. The Japanese automaker loves four-wheel drive so much it equips its entire lineup with this capability - even its Impreza, leaving it to carry the torch for compact cars offering all-wheel drive - and coming standard no less. While this might make the Impreza a little pricier than some of its rivals like the sensible Corolla, it still remains a great family-friendly sedan for buyers on a budget.
Interior The interior of the Impreza is pretty modest, but it's comfortable, and with the 2.0i Limited trim comes some added touches that make it more homey. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather-trimmed upholstery add a more sophisticated touch, with soft materials accenting the dash and door sills. It has some of the most generous leg room in its class for all passengers, making it a great family car that backseat passengers can actually ride around comfortably in. And, there's ample cargo space, with 12 cubic feet of storage in the trunk. And you'd get nearly double this amount if you decided to opt for the hatchback. Other conveniences with this trim level include dual USB ports, keyless entry, push-to-start ignition and a power moonroof. A seven-inch touchscreen interface graces the dash of the 2.0i Limited with swipe/scroll capability, and it comes loaded with satellite radio, navigation, voice controls, and text-to-voice messaging. The sound quality of the audio system is particularly disappointing, though.
Exterior The design of the 2015 Impreza is nearly the same as its predecessor, minus a nose job and rear lift. Nothing drastic, but the styling of the front end includes a new bumper, grille, and headlights - all closer in resemblance to the 2015 Legacy rather than the 2014 Impreza. Impreza sedans also get a standard spoiler and LED center brake light in back. 
On The Road A back-up camera is now standard on all Imprezas (not just ones with navigation), which is always a nifty safety feature when you have pets or kids running around. Visibility out the Impreza is optimal, but additional safety systems with Subaru EyeSight give you a second set of eyes on the road - and an extra foot on the brake when needed. Subaru EyeSight is now optional on the Impreza, which includes: Adaptive Cruise Control to keep a safe distance from the car in front of you, Lane Departure warnings for when you stray outside of your lane, Pre-Collision Braking to avoid frontal impacts with alarms and forced braking when needed, and Pre-Collision Throttle Management to reduce power from the engine in an attempt to minimize impact force. Two cameras mounted by the rearview mirror help monitor traffic and driving conditions, enabling the car to react before the driver does. Equipped with Subaru's popular boxer engine - a 2.0-liter four-cylinder - the Impreza can pull its weight on road with 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque, but it will let you know just how hard it's working. While the CVT is incredibly responsive in city driving, acceleration on the highway is pretty uninspiring and rather noisy. The 2.0i and 2.0i Sport Premium come standard with a five-speed manual, but optional on those trims is the CVT, which comes standard on all other models.
The ride itself is very smooth thanks to a well-tuned suspension, nicely absorbing any bumps and shakes. It handles nicely on the road, with a quickened steering ratio for especially precise steering that corners confidently, requiring less turning of the wheel.
Conclusion The 2015 Impreza is neither flashy nor turbocharged, but it does offer an expansive cabin, smooth ride, and reliable handling for all types of weather. Subaru is also one of the most trusted brands out there, not just for their higher-than-average resale values and durability (95-percent of Subaru vehicles sold in the last 10 years are still on the road today), but safety. A five-star government safety rating, including rollover, frontal crash, and side crash can help put your mind at ease when you're carrying around precious cargo. The new model year also comes with slightly improved fuel economy, getting 28 in the city and 37 on the highway for a combined 31 miles per gallon. The 2.0i Limited trim starting price hovers just above $22,000, but as-tested with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist programs was $25,885. If you decided to go with the base model you're looking right around $18,000, and for an all-wheel drive vehicle backed by Subaru's outstanding security and consistency that's a bargain! 
Specs & Price Engine: 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed fourTransmission: Continuously variable
Drivetrain Layout: Front engine, all-wheel drive
Power Output: 148 horsepower / 145 lb-ft
Fuel Economy (mpg): 28 city / 37 highway
Base Price: $22,295
As Tested: $25,885 (incl. $795 destination)
Available Features: power moonroof, keyless access with push-to-start, navigation infotainment system, EyeSight Driver Assist System: Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Pre-Collision Throttle Management
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