Review: 2012 Subaru Impreza

This is something I have been excited to review for some time. Not long after I bought the Skyline, the wife decided she wanted an upgrade too. And in the end bought a 2012 Subaru Impreza. In her eyes, the best thing she's ever had. Baring in mind before that she only had a little Kia Rio, so quite the step up. Anyway, more about the Subaru. Subaru has always been a big name, more so for their rally efforts. The likes of Collin McRae and Petter Solberg both winning the World Rally Championship for Subaru. However along with racing success Subaru has become one of the biggest car manufactures in the world and great loved and appreciated within the modified car scene. But anyway, lets get into the review of my wife's 2012 Subaru Impreza.

It was a great car to drive, and trust me I'd been wanted to get behind the wheel for months. But with no luck. But finally I did it, the interior is sleek and stylish and really inviting. Steering wheel controls making it easier to listen to your favorite song whilst smashing a bend. It was great. Everything inside was easy to use and really quite simple. However as I have come to realize in newer cars is that the ECU always wants you to drive it their way. As I was driving I kept seeing this little triangle appearing and flashing... So I asked, "What is the flashing triangle for?" To which I received the reply of... "It wants you to go up a gear." Nu-uh I don't think so pal. One thing cars these days frustrate me with, is telling me how to drive. If anyone saw my review of the new Golf it did the same thing. I appreciate the help but I do, but please no. But fortunately, that was the only problem I found whilst inside the car. The steering wheel is quite nice in your hands and even that feels stylish. Like I couldn't believe it, but I guess that matched the exterior to, because damn, it look fine too.

Moving outside the car, it looks like a sleek racing machine. The Crystal Black paint work really does make it look something from the darkside. And there is just so many things I love, that it would be easier to discuss the few things I don't love. The side mirrors. Instead of coming from the front panel next to the window. It comes out of the door itself and comes up. So it feels odd and out of place. However the other thing I don't really like, and this is more a model feature, seeing it is the base model. The rear bumper is one piece with no exhaust... Well no visible exhaust. It does't have any openings for the exhaust pipe to poke through and thus the exhaust pipe ends just before the rear bumper and points down at the ground. Something I think just doesn't look nice and makes a lot of things a lot hard if you were to go down the route of exhaust modifications. Anyhow, other than that the car is spectacular. The front grill looks good and round sporty. But under the hood is where the real love comes out.

So as most will know under the hood of the Impreza is a 2L 4 Cylinder boxer engine, Subaru's signature. And man does that thing purr. It is stunning. Plus added onto that, the acceleration isn't neck breaking, but damn sneaky. As you casually roll up the gears, not revving hard or anything. You look down at the speedo and you're already well over the speed limit, and you sit there like. 'How did I get here?' All the time, I didn't even drive it that long and found myself doing it at least half dozen times. Along with that though, the car is pretty damn quite still. The ride is smooth, but the 6 speed box is even smoother, no effort needed, just slide it in. Everything is smooth in the car including its handling, the all-wheel drive system is amazing and its got so much traction. I didn't hit it too hard for obvious reasons. But sitting in the passenger seat whilst the wife flings it around corners like a train, its nuts. It just sticks like glue. It truly is a great car to drive.

Now to finish, this is one hell of a car. Great interior, great exterior, great handling, smooth gear box and that lovely boxer engine. What more could you want? Well other than a turbo. But again if you either can't afford a WRX or at the time can't drive a turbo car, this is a great option. Everything you'd get from a WRX just without the Turbo. And in my opinion, one of my favorite cars I've driven so far. So without a doubt, I would tell anyone to go get an Impreza, or a Rex, if you can. Subaru are definitely one of the best manufactures out there. So get on it guys.

Specifications: 2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Premium

Engine: 2L Flat 4-Cylinder Boxer

Power: 110kW 148HP

Transmission: 6Spd Manual or 6Spd Auto

Length: 4414mm (173.8 In)

Width: 1739mm (68.5 In)

Height: 1465mm (57.7 In)

Weight: 1319Kgs