If you want a small sedan or hatchback with all-wheel-drive, you pretty much have one choice: the Subaru Impreza. But at least within this narrow range you can choose between three different four-door sedan and five five-door hatchback trim levels. And for the 2015 model year the base car has been upgraded with cruise control, a rearview camera, and a high-tech app-based 6.2-inch touch-screen interface, all included as standard equipment. An option package that includes several cutting-edge driver assist systems is also now available on top two trim levels, and all new Imprezas receive new front styling and extra sound-deadening.
How Much?
The five-door hatchback version that we tested starts at $18,695 and goes up to $23,295 for our top-of-the-line 2.0i Sport Limited test car, which had a final sticker price of $26,885.
What Does it Come With?
The 2015 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport Limited comes with a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed "boxer" four-cylinder engine that produces 148 horsepower and is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while a five-speed manual transmission is standard in lower trim level. Along with the new additions for the 2015 model year mentioned above, standard features of the Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport Limited include 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, leather-trimmed upholstery, and the Starlink Multimedia Navigation system with a larger 7-inch screen, SiriusXM Satellite Radio with traffic and weather info, a CD player, dual USB ports, Bluetooth for hands-free phoning and audio streaming, and six speakers. Our test car also had the $2,795 Moonroof + Navigation System + Eyesight + Keyless Access & Push-Button Start option package.
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Based on a previous test of the 2015 Outback 2.5i the Limited with Subaru's new 7-inch touch-screen infotainment interface, we noted that Subaru has gone from the back of the pack in terms of in-dash tech to the front of the class. The Starlink Multimedia Navigation system includes several connected and somewhat overlapping applications, including Subaru's own Starlink platform and Harman's Aha Radio, which both offer streaming music, weather, and news. The system also offers MirrorLink smartphone integration platform for compatible smartphones, as well as apps for Pandora and iHeartRadio. All use a driver's connected device to download data for finding everything from finding sports scores to food, fuel, and other services.
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As part of the Eyesight system that uses a stereo vision camera, the 2015 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport Limited also has the most comprehensive active safety features in its segment. These include Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning as well as unique features like Lead Vehicle Moving Monitor that issues a warning if a vehicle ahead has pulled away while you're still sitting at, say, a traffic light that's turned green.
How Does it Perform?
Except for a volume/power and audio/tune knobs, Subaru's new infotainment interface's features only touch-capacitive controls, which can be more difficult to use while driving than buttons. And the menu structure initially can be confusing thanks to the overlapping connected features. But the multi-touch interface allows straightforward management of the car's profuse number of infotainment features, and screen icons can be reordered to the driver's liking.
Behind the wheel, the 2015 Subaru Impreza's four-cylinder engine provides adequate acceleration, but feels a bit sluggish when called up to quickly passing of another car. The CVT tends to increase engine speed unevenly, making for an extra noisy in-cabin experience, even with the new car's additional sound deadening. Ride and handling are well balanced, while the steering feels precise.
Should I Buy it?
As mentioned, if you want an AWD small sedan or hatchback, you don't have much of a choice beyond the Impreza, and that's not a bad thing. While the 2015 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport Limited is about mid-pack in performance and ride quality, it offers one of the roomiest interiors in its segment. And the car is now top for both infotainment and active safety. So it's not so limited after all.
2015 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport Limited
Pros
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Standard and effective app-based infotainment.
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Comprehensive active safety features available.
Cons
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Touch-capacitive infotainment controls can be distracting.
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CVT increases engine speed unevenly.
The Bottom Line
If you're shopping for an AWD small sedan or hatchback, you don't have much of a choice beyond the 2015 Subaru Impreza, but with its top in-dash and safety tech, that's not a bad thing.
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About Doug Newcomb
Columnist
Doug Newcomb is a recognized expert on the subject of car technology within the auto industry and among the automotive and general media, and a frequent speaker at automotive and consumer electronics industry events. Doug began his career in 1988 at the car stereo trade publication Mobile Electronics, before serving as editor of the leading consumer magazines covering the topic, Car Audio and Electronics and Car Stereo Review/Mobile Entertainment/Road & Track Road Gear, from 1989 to 2005. In 2005 Doug started his own company, Newcomb Communications & Consulting, to provide content to such outlets as Road & Track, Popular Mechanics, MSN Autos, SEMA News, and many others. In 2008, he published his first book, Car Audio for Dummies (Wiley). He is also a contributor to Wired's Autopia, MSN Autos, and numerous other outlets.
Read Doug's full bio