Subaru->ke86 offered up a small taste of what was to come with the first image of the new 2012 Impreza->ke1319 revealed in both sedan and hatchback versions at the 2011 New York Auto Show. The 2012 Impreza will be offered in base, Premium, Sport Premium, Limited and Sport Limited models when it arrives in dealerships later this fall.

The 2012 Impreza comes with an improved fuel economy achieved with the use of a 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed four-cylinder producing 148 HP and 146 lb-ft of torque which debuted in Europe earlier this year. This engine replaces the current 170 HP 2.5-liter SOHC aluminum-alloy engine. Further aid is offered with the use of the new continuously variable transmission.

The new model will come with a totally new design that "will propose roomier cabin space with new level of comfort and refinement for enhanced product appeal."

UPDATE 08/22/2011: Subaru has announced prices for their 2012 Impreza. The base model 4-door Impreza 2.0i with a five-speed manual transmission starts off at $17,495 to match last year's prices. The automatic version, offered exclusively with Subaru's newly designed continuously variable transmission (CVT), starts at $18,495. The base 5-door Impreza 2.0i starts at $17,995 when equipped with a five-speed transmission and $18,995 for the CVT-equipped model.

2012 - 2014 Subaru Impreza

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 - 2014 Subaru Impreza
  • Engine/Motor: horizontally-opposed four-cylinder
  • Horsepower: 148 @ 6200
  • Torque: 145 @ 4200
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The new 2012 Impreza will be built on a longer wheelbase, 104.1 inches compared to the 103.2 in the outgoing model, but the length and width remain unchanged. Thanks to redesigned door panels, the 2012 Impreza also offers increased hip and shoulder room - 2 inches for the rear seat passengers - and increased trunk room and five-door cargo room. The front of the vehicle has also grown with the A-pillar getting moved 7.9 inches forward, allowing for a front door opening nearly five inches longer for easier entry/exit.

New For 2013:

- Base model gains Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming,

Radio Data Broadcast System (RDBS), iPod® control capability, USB port and 3.5mm aux. input jack.

- Lineartronic® continuously variable transmission (CVT) gains Incline Start Assist.

All-Weather Package now standard on Impreza 2.0i Premium with 5-speed manual

transmission; remains an option for 2.5i Premium with CVT.

- Rear Vision Camera added to optional navigation system for Premium and Limited

trim lines

- 2.5i Sport Premium adds leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

New for 2014:

- Rear vision camera standard on Limited models.

- Aha® Infotainment smartphone integration included with the optional navigation system for all 2.0i Premium, 2.0i Limited and 2.0i Sport Limited models.

2012-2014 Subaru Impreza - Exterior Dimensions

Length

180.3 inches (4-door), 173.8 inches (5-door)

Width

68.5 inches

Height

57.7 inches

Wheelbase

104.1 inches

Track (front/rear)

59.4 inches/59.6 inches

Base curb weight (manual/automatic)

2,944 lbs/3,010 lbs

Ground clearance (at base curb weight)

5.7 inches


Interior

The interior will feature soft-touch materials for the dashboard, door trim, and center console armrest. Depending on the trim level, the 2012 Impreza will be offered with a multi-function display with fuel economy information, remote keyless entry system, security system with engine immobilizer, 16" alloy wheels or 17" alloy wheels for the Sport Premium, and a navigation system that includes a 6.1-inch touch screen LCD display and voice control. The options list will include an All-Weather Package that adds heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, and a windshield wiper de-icer.

2012-2014 Subaru Impreza - Interior Dimensions

Headroom (front/rear)

4-door: 39.8 inches/37.1 inches; 5-door: 39.8 inches / 37.7 inches

Legroom (front/rear)

43.5 inches/35.4 inches

Shoulder room (front/rear)

55.6 inches/54.2 inches

Passenger volume

4-door: 96.9 cubic feet; 5-door: 97.5 cubic feet

Cargo volume

4-door: 12.0 cubic feet; 5-door: 22.5 cubic feet

Maximum cargo volume

5-door: 52.4 cubic feet with rear seat lowered


Engine

For 2012, Subaru has replaced the 2.5-liter engine with a new 2.0-liter Boxer engine that delivers a total of 148 HP. The engine is combined with a standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and a choice of five-speed manual transmission or the second-generation Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission).

The engine comes with EPA ratings of 27 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. A 2% improvement in fuel consumption is achieved with a new electric power steering system and lower rolling resistance tires.

All models will be offered with strengthened suspension components in the front and rear, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and the Brake Assist safety system.

Prices

The new 2012 Subaru Impreza will arrive in Subaru dealerships this fall. It will be offered in base, Premium, Sport Premium, Limited, and Sport Limited models. The base model 4-door Impreza 2.0i with a five-speed manual transmission starts off at $17,495 to match last year's prices. The automatic version, offered exclusively with Subaru's newly designed continuously variable transmission (CVT), starts at $18,495. The base 5-door Impreza 2.0i starts at $17,995 when equipped with a five-speed transmission and $18,995 for the CVT-equipped model.

2014 Subaru Impreza - Prices

Model/Trim

Transmission

MSRP

MSRP + Destination and Delivery

4-door Models

2.0i

5MT

$17,895

$18,690

2.0i

CVT

$18,895

$19,690

2.0i Premium

5MT

$19,795

$20,590

2.0i Premium

CVT

$20,295

$21,090

2.0i Limited

CVT

$22,195

$22,990

5-door Models

2.0i

5MT

$18,395

$19,190

2.0i

CVT

$19,395

$20,190

2.0i Premium

5MT

$20,295

$21,090

2.0i Premium

CVT

$20,795

$21,590

2.0i Limited

CVT

$22,695

$23,490

2.0i Sport Premium

5MT

$20,795

$21,590

2.0i Sport Premium

CVT

$21,795

$22,590

2.0i Sport Limited

CVT

$23,195

$23,990


Competition

Honda Civic

If you are not satisfied with all the improvements Subaru is offering for the 2012 Impreza, then you should also check out the Honda Civic which has also improved for 2012. The model is powered by a 1.8-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine that delivers 140 HP and is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission, and unlike the Impreza is a little bit more expensive, with base price starting from $18,390.

Chevrolet Cruze

Cruze is powered by a base 1.4 liter turbo engine that delivers a total of 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. Chevrolet's model has the advantage of also offering a seconds, Ecotec 1.8L four-cylinder and is also the cheapest: $16,995.

Our vote goes to the Impreza which has the advantage of being offered with a standard AWD system. The Subaru has also offered a solution for one of the car's biggest problems: rear room.