The interior of the Impreza is classic Japanese subcompact. It's smooth, rounded and modern, with most controls easy to see and use. The instrument panel includes analog gauges for speed, fuel and engine temperature. The large rotary-dial ventilation controls are placed high on the center console and are easy to use. One longtime Subaru great idea: The headlights automatically turn off with the ignition. Subaru's answer to the battery-saver feature is just now beginning to show up on other vehicles. Compared with all the chimes, bells and buzzers that other automakers employ to remind you the headlights are still on, this simple system is smart and effective.
A few items are not so well-placed. The dash-mounted power side-mirror controls are obscured by the steering wheel; a tall cup in the cupholder, which pops out of the center console, will obscure the fan controls above and the radio controls below when a CD player is installed.
A few shortcuts are visible, too, as one would expect in a car of this class. The map pockets are net bags attached to the doors. Storage in the center console consists of a small bin the size of two cassette tapes and two half-moon coin holders.
But overall the interior works well and looks good. The doors of the LX coupe that we drove had upholstered panels that matched the seats and gave the interior a nicely finished air. Dual airbags are standard, as well as height-adjustable seat belts.
The doors meet the 1997 federal side-impact standards. Interior space is quite roomy, with ample leg- and headroom in the rear. A fold-down split rear seat lets you carry long items in the already large trunk, making this car a handy all-around hauler.
That versatility becomes even more appealing when you consider what a fun car this is to drive. Built on a shortened version of the Legacy platform, the Impreza has an impressive ride.
Our test car was the coupe with the 2.2-liter engine and AWD. It had a rear anti-roll bar, which the 1.8-liter cars do not, providing a little better handling.
The ride was firm and stable, even over rough roads. Cornering was flat and collected. On rainy days, the sure-footedness of the AWD was a noticeable pleasure. The variable-assist power steering is calibrated to feel secure, almost heavy, with no wavering to correct.
The optional 4-speed automatic transmission was exceptional and made an excellent companion to the zippy engine. It was geared for lots of pep off the line, smooth down-shifting for braking and good speed out of corners. Automatic transmissions are generally more attractive for their convenience than their spirit, but this is one automatic that's fun to drive.
Base Imprezas are equipped with a 110-hp 1.8-liter 4-cylinder in subaru's signature design: flat, with horizontally opposed cylinders (as is the 2.2-liter engine). Although these engines aren't as smooth as some in competing subcompacts, they're strong at low speeds and have an enviable record for durability and reliability.
The 1.8-liter provides adequate power, but the step up to the 2.2-liter engine is well worth considering, particularly if the car is carrying the added weight of the AWD system.
Although there is little difference in fuel economy between the front-wheel-drive and AWD versions, both are weaker than their competitors in this regard. A front-wheel-drive Impreza coupe with the 1.8-liter engine and manual transmission is rated at 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. A comparable Honda Civic coupe gets 34 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.