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2006 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Road Test

Small Car with Big Attitude

Remove the bold new three section grille and aerodynamically efficient headlight design from the 2006 Impreza and the rest of the car appears more or less carryover from the 2005 model, but to think this is the case wouldnt do the significantly updated model justice at all.

First of all, every panel forward of the B-pillar and front doors is new. The redesigned front fascia makes the newly designated 2.5i model appear more like its sport-oriented STI sibling, a good thing if youre buying into the Impreza line at the lower end, but maybe a negative if youre looking for more distinction from the mid-$30K flagship model. The cars front fenders visually integrate with the side panels better than those on the outgoing car too, while the new aluminum hood is formed to match up with the modified front end.

In the rear, it takes the keener eye of a true-blue Subaru fan to notice any difference. A larger Subaru logo is now prominently positioned at the center of the rear trunk lid overhang, while redesigned tail lamp

The redesigned front fascia makes the newly designated 2.5i model appear more like its sport-oriented STI sibling. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

lenses add greater distinction to the cars rear styling.

Before I delve into the countless upgrades under the skin, I just wanted to say how much Im starting to like Subarus new corporate face. I find the three piece grille works best on the new Impreza, which might be due to its stylish new smoke-tinted headlamp clusters. I see a little influence from BMWs new 645 Ci in their design, which in my opinion is not a negative thing at all - unless youre BMW I suppose. But unlike some of Subarus Japanese peers, the new Impreza isnt trying to rely on any European styling trends to make its brand more desirable to consumers. Rather, the design team is creating an entirely new look, and like it or not, consumers wont be mixing

A larger Subaru logo is now prominently positioned at the center of the rear trunk lid overhang, while redesigned tail lamp lenses add greater distinction to the cars rear styling. (Photo: Subaru of America)

up its new Impreza with Honda Civics and Mazda3s. Of course, Subaru hasnt won the loyalty of its customers because of styling, but rather has gained an enviable retention rating due to its lineup of symmetrical all-wheel drive performance-oriented models, plus significant effort spent on safety and durability.

Out on the road, my first impression is of solidity. The little Impreza feels well built, as if it could withstand frontal or side impact with much more grace than the majority of small cars in its compact class. Of course, crash test results of the previous generation Impreza, prior to the new cars "ring frame reinforced body structure", which includes hydroformed front subframe and side sills plus tailored-blank welded B-pillars, attest that this is indeed true,

The smart airbag designation means that sensors detect the position of the front passenger in order to mete out deployment. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

and the 2006 model should improve on the cars strong record even more due to smart dual stage frontal airbags and standard front-seat head/chest side-impact airbags. The smart designation means that sensors detect the position of the front passenger in order to mete out deployment. If theres a child on board the airbag will deploy differently than if an adult is occupying the seat. Such a system is not new, but usually only available in higher priced premium vehicles, not the entire range of an entry-level compact model.

That lineup includes the 2.5i Sedan, Sport Wagon, Outback Sport, and high-performance WRX and WRX STI sedans and wagons. While Ill get back to the Outback Sport and WRX lineup in a couple of dedicated reviews that are already half written, I want to talk about the "base" 2.5i Sedan and Sport Wagon models first, as the changes are so involved I will scarcely have enough room to list them all

While the 2.5i Sedan and Sport Wagon are the least expensive models offered by Subaru, they are so well outfitted off the rack that the term base doesnt seem to fit very well. (Photo: Subaru of America)

let along go into much detail.

First of all, why did I put quotation marks around the term "base"? While the 2.5i Sedan and Sport Wagon are the least expensive models offered by Subaru, they are so well outfitted off the rack that the term base doesnt seem to fit very well. Features like the aforementioned standard side-impact airbags are normally left for the options list, if available in this class at all. Other items, such as standard all-wheel drive and four-wheel disc brakes with standard four-channel, four-sensor anti-lock (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), are fine examples of how Subaru puts its customers first, never allowing a substandard product to pull down the brands image and ruin its stellar reputation.

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