“Million Dollar Baby” – 2012 Subaru Impreza Sport Review

Feb 14, 2012

“Million Dollar Baby” – 2012 Subaru Impreza Sport Review

by Stu Wright

The 2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport Premium is the topic of this week’s review. I recently got to test out a Marine Blue Pearl 5-door hatchback model with black striped cloth buckets and a “boxer” four cylinder power plant. The punch-counterpunch action of the boxer pistons in the Subaru cancel each other out and provide a smooth delivery of power. Also, the low profile, horizontally opposed engine, results in a lower center of gravity in the vehicle, aiding the handling and cornering characteristics. Porsche and Subaru are pretty much it when it comes to boxer automobile engines, and the design is found in some BMW and Honda motorcycles. It is a configuration patented by Germany’s Karl Benz in 1896.

The little Impreza was pretty good looking and some of the things I liked included all the windows to look out of (five down each side of the car), the fetching upholstery, the solid feel and the functional hatchback arrangement. Horsepower is 148 @ 6,200 rpm with resultant torque of 145 lb. ft. Fuel economy ratings are 25/city and 33/highway miles per gallon. My observance was of 28.8 mpg. The transmission is a five-speed fully synchronized manual on this model, and of course the car sports a “symmetrical all-wheel drive” configuration. This Subaru is the most fuel-efficient all-wheel drive car in America. Wheelbase is 104.1” and length/width/height is 173.8”, 68.5”, and 59.5”. Weight of this manual transmission model comes in at 2,998 lbs.

I mentioned the striped black buckets earlier, but did not mention the heated feature. Inside, the Sport also has 60/40 flat folding rear seat, cruise control, Bluetooth hands-free setup, steering wheel audio controls, tilt/telescope, center console with lots of storage, hands-free phone connectivity, 6-speaker stereo, keyless entry, and antitheft security system. The materials in the Subaru are nice, the ride is suitable, and noise is at a minimum. These Subarus are designed for brainy people that live in a cold climate. Like Coloradoans.

Ruth and I took a ride to Ault in the 2.0i, and I think the people on U.S. 85 were enjoying the view of our car. It has kind of a dark gray set of 17” alloy wheels fitted with 205/50 R17 88V all-season radials and the Marine Blue Pearl paint is a great color. Big six-star blue emblems are fitted on the front and the rear, and some husky looking roof rails are bolted on top.

M.S.R.P. of the Impreza was $21,414.00, including freight and all weather floor mats. I think it is pretty reasonable. Why the reference to the 2004 Oscar-winning movie, “Million Dollar Baby”? Well, the film was about a girl (Impreza is a girl’s name) that was a “boxer,” and it was directed by America’s newly crowned automotive spokesman, Clint Eastwood.