2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport

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January 26, 2008

THE BASICS

Base price/as tested: $19,995 / $21,640

Fuel economy: 24.3 miles per gallon

Annual fuel cost: $1,637 (at $3.06 per gallon, regular, 13,000 miles per year)

THE EARLY LINE

The Impreza is redesigned for 2008, offering more room and refinement but less of the Subaru funkiness.

THE SPECIFICS

Drivetrain: Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive system

Seating: 5

Horsepower: 170

Torque: 170 lbs.-ft.

Overall length: 173.8 inches

Wheelbase: 103.1 inches

Height: 58.8 inches

Width: 68.5 inches

Curb weight: 3,120 pounds

THE SKINNY

Nice touch: Our version wasn't so equipped, but Subaru now offers an iPod interface kit.

Annoyance: Too much wind noise, presumably from the roof rack.

Watch for: Perhaps a turbo version to add the missing wow factor.

Shop it against: Toyota Matrix XR, Mazda3 S Sport, Chevrolet HHR, and Scion xB base wagon.