Impreza Outback a gripping ride
AWD Subaru hatchback delivers secure feeling
Despite all the commotion surrounding the new Subaru Impreza's styling, the Outback Sport model is a still a car destined for New England winters.
(Globe Photo / Gerry Miles)It's difficult to mention a Subaru Impreza without thinking of the rally-inspired WRX, the turbocharged performer introduced in 2001 that proved to be the master of all road and weather conditions.
Today's test vehicle - the 2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport - has a much longer name, a much different shape, and has been produced on a different branch of the company's evolutionary tree.
Instead of a turbo sedan, we're driving a rounded five-door compact hatchback. In another time, you would have called it a wagon.
On the road, the Outback Sport is quietly competent. Handling, braking, acceleration all work just fine. There's nothing in the performance to elicit a "wow," nor is there a feeling that more power is needed.
Pop the rear hatch - it swings up to reveal plenty of space behind the rear seat. And it's meant to be used. Subaru has placed a molded liner on the bottom, and a retractable privacy cover can shield the contents from outside view. We were able to pack it with gear for a weekend away, including suitcases, photo equipment, food, gifts, and blankets.
For more space, the 60-40 rear seats fold to add carrying space for larger loads. Cargo space in general is aided by the double-wishbone rear suspension that permits a low floor level.
Power is supplied by the tried-and-true naturally aspirated (nonturbo) 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine matches horsepower (170) and torque (170 lb.-ft.) numbers. The horizontally opposed engine keeps weight low and combines with Subaru's equally reliable symmetrical all-wheel drive system. Subaru started offering four-wheel drive 30 years ago, all-wheel drive 20 years ago, and made it standard on all models in 1997.
Our Outback had Subaru's four-speed automatic, which electronically manages power distribution to the four wheels based on power needs and any detected wheel slippage. In an industry that thrives on being new and advanced, this Subaru system tweaks the company's reliable and time-tested combination.
The downside is so-so fuel economy. I've always perceived the Subaru family reputation - despite the WRX's rally pedigree - as that of a company that makes reliable economy cars at fair prices. The boxer engine/AWD system isn't a mileage champ - expect to get in the mid-20s. Still, our test Outback, driven more than 300 miles in near-optimum conditions for fuel efficiency, surprised us with 26.3 miles per gallon.
Driving late at night on dark roads, the projector-beam halogen fog lights were a welcome addition as was the security of the all-wheel drive.
The exterior has a nicely rounded look with a standard two-tone paint treatment. Also standard are sturdy roof racks.
The '08 Outback's wheelbase (103.1 inches) is almost 4 inches longer than the '07 version (99.4 inches) - space that has been put to good use for improved rear-seat legroom.
It's big enough to take four adults comfortably on a daylong outing, along with plenty of gear. That kind of capacity is impressive in a small car, making the interior feel family-size.
The instrument panel has a unique style that extends in a big sweep with an aluminium-chrome look on the passenger side. Gauge lighting is mostly red on a black background, but inexplicably is broken by jarring white light for the audio system controls and odometer.
New Englanders will welcome the standard heated seats, side mirrors, and windshield-wiper resting pad. I found the wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls easy to use.
Couple the Impreza Outback's size with the base price of $19,995, and you wind up with a compelling package. The only add-ons on our vehicle were the automatic transmission ($1,000) and a $645 destination and delivery charge, bringing the total price to $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)
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
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: 
