Some things change for the better, while some change for the worse. Yet others appear to change, but in reality end up walking the same line as before. The Subaru Impreza 2.5 GT, a new-for-2009 model aimed at a slightly different audience than before, happens to fall into at least two of these categories.
Undergoing a total makeover last year following a succession of rather unfortunate nose jobs applied to its predecessor, the Subaru Impreza 2.5 GT is now available in a totally new skin as a four-door sedan or a five-door hatchback model. We recently spent some time with the successor to the plain-Jane WRX.
What is it?
The Subaru Impreza was first introduced in 1993 by Fuji Heavy Industries Company, which ironically is now owned to the tune of 16.5 percent by Toyota. Who would have thought? I suppose next someone is going to say that a Chinese conglomerate owns the Hummer brand.
To this day, it has remained a compact model in various body styles ranging from two, four and five door configurations. During the vehicle’s life, engine and suspension improvements have continued to strengthen the brand. The one constant amongst these is the continued use since 1996 of the boxer (horizontally-opposed) four-cylinder engine, with symmetrical all-wheel-drive. For 2009, the Impreza 2.5 GT acts sort of like an automatic-transmission-only variant of last year’s Impreza WRX, which itself was upgraded by 40 horsepower for 2009 (don’t miss Leftlane’s review of the revised 2009 Impreza WRX hatchback!).
What’s it up against?
This turbocharged Impreza occupies a slot above the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, meaning it competes better with the Volkswagen Jetta and Mazda Mazda3.
That’s not to say the Subaru is fully equipped, however. Items like Bluetooth and other options can leave you with a substantially weighted price tag.
Any breakthroughs?
Since the Impreza is in year two of its remake, most of the breakthroughs are carryovers. But Subaru has decided to separate the two versions of the turbocharged engines into transmission groups. The WRX gets 265 horsepower and a six-speed manual with viscous-coupled locking differntial, while the 2.5 GT gets 224-horsepower, a four-speed automatic and with Active Symmetrical AWD. To differentiate from the lesser 2.5 models, the GT gets the added benefit of the Impreza Premium package, which includes a power moonroof and all weather equipment group.
How does it look?
Overall, it is a less aggressive version of the WRX. Through a process of decontenting, the 2.5 GT has seen the removal of spoilers, large wheels and an overall cooling down of the heat factor that we have grown to enjoy on the badassed WRX and STi versions.
We love the look of the new five-door hatch version of the 2.5 GT and WRX models, and many of those same cues translate well over to the four-door sedan. Adding the short trunk, as seen in our four-door test version, is a little off-putting, and you get the feeling that the trunk was perhaps an afterthought. Perhaps if it was extended a few inches…
And on the inside?
This new generation Impreza is built on a new longer wheelbase platform, which allows for more ride comfort and space on the inside. With swooshing panels extending to and fro along the dashboard, the design is contemporary without looking like it was trying too hard. The by-now-familiar three-spoke steering wheel with leather wrap holds sway over the driver’s side. The main gauge binnacle houses the speedo, tach, and warning light cluster, while a sliver-like binnacle houses clock and other warning lights at the top of the center stack. Our tester’s satellite radio wasn’t activated, but the terrestrial system sounded pretty decent.
The rest of the interior is carryover from last year’s WRX. Although similar, the dark grey fabric covered seats, are not as bolstered as those found in the current WRX. Rear seats offer good legroom, and enough width for three passengers during around-town jaunts. Cross-country excursions may require a re-think in that regard. Cargo space in the trunk is enhanced by the 60-40 split fold down rear seat. Trunk space is hampered, though, by a raised area that is probably the result of the rear double-wishbone setup of the GT’s suspension system. The four-door yields 11.3 cubic feet, while the five-door hatch swallows up to 44.4 cubic feet.
But does it go?
As we mentioned before, the proven 2,457-cc turbocharged and intercooled boxer-four produces 224-horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 226 lb-ft. of torque at a nice and low 2,800 rpm. The power is then routed through the gearbox to the symmetrical all-wheel-drive that manages to transfer the oomph to the wheels with the best grip should slippage occur. The Sportshift transmission did a competent job during around town trips, but at this stage in the game, we wonder why it’s only a four-cog kit, rather than a more advanced five- or six-speed gearbox. Regardless, it pushes (and pulls) the 3,240 lb GT to an EPA mileage rating of 19 city and 24 highway, for an average of 21 miles-per-gallon. Nothing to write home about considering it slurps down premium fuel.
Ride quality is a GT strong suit. The MacPherson struts up front with coil-overs and stabilizer bar, together with the rear double wishbones had us tooling around like the Subie was a go-kart. Body-roll was well modulated, and the car was generally quiet, although what noise did get into the cabin was probably due to the low profile 17-inch V-rated Potenzas. The exhaust note was almost non-existent until we switched over to Sportshift mode where it gave off a nice grunt while squeezing the throttle. Steering feel from the electric power-assisted rack and pinion set transmitted good road feel up the steering column to our mitts. Although not Brembo quality, the 11.6 ventilated disc rotors provided enough surface area for the twin-pot front calipers to bring things under control at the end of a spirited run.
Why you would buy it:
You’ve always wanted that WRX, but you just didn’t know how to row through the gears.
Why you wouldn’t:
You’ve got your eye on that new Hyundai Genesis Turbo Coupe.
Leftlane’s bottom line
At the end of the day, we had to remember that this was not a STi version of the WRX, so we had to lower our expectations just a hair. Subaru has delivered a competent vehicle that, although not groundbreaking, still managed to hold its own. Pricing is another issue: At $28,143, the market is crowded with contenders to the WRX throne. The question is, with so many other manufacturers stepping up their game, not to mention offering added content for the same or less (read: Korean, Japanese and, yes, even American), isn’t it time for Subaru to follow suit?
The Japanese automaker is off to a hot start this year thanks to the redesigned Forester and even a recent push from the Legacy, but we think the milder Imprezas could use a little kick in the pants, too.
2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5 GT base price, $26,995. As tested, $28,143.
XM Satellite Radio, $453; Destination, $695.
Words and photos by Mark Elias.
06/09, 3:45 PM
posted by:
shane train
Eye on a Hyundai Genesis Coupe?
So I could have a Subaru with a credible racing pedigree and history, a sweet turbo boxer, sedan versaitility, and a real back seat.
Or I could have a Hyundai, with no racing pedigree besides paint names, a Sonata grille, and a kids-only back seat.
I like the Genesis coupe, a lot. Don’t get me wrong. And the price, I think the Hyundai wins there too. But come on!
06/09, 3:48 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
this car has no power to drive all 4 wheels at once!!!
06/09, 3:49 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
So you could get a better equipped WRX Sedan with an Auto (if that’s your thing) last year for around the same price… So anyone know why Subaru wanted to take a step backward, or is it just me?
Come on Subaru, even almost defunct Mitsubishi found a way to put a dual clutch auto-manual in their Dodge-Caliber-platform sharing Lancer Ralliart and Evo, you seriously telling me you can’t catch up with them?
I loved my ‘06 Legacy, but this is a let down. No wonder I bought a GTI instead.
06/09, 4:13 PM
posted by:
Mark Elias
^Shane Train,
Don’t forget that even though it’s not the exact engine build, the Hyundai shares the engine architecture with the Mitsu Evo.
06/09, 4:17 PM
posted by:
TornadoGTI
This is a modest car at best. It is a great car but a bit expensive. For $28k it needs to have leather and some nicer materials. I like Subaru a lot but lately they seem a bit confused as to their overall goal. This car is quick but with a 4-speed is lacking refinement. That is how I would sum up the whole car. Lacking refinement. Interior, exterior, and drivetrain. For $24k this would be a great car, for $28k, not so much.
06/09, 4:20 PM
posted by:
TornadoGTI
@idrinorbarsaku – It still does 0-60 in about 6 seconds. That seems like enough power to me. The base Impreza has 170 hp driving all four wheels and still manages to be as fast as a base Mazda 3. Boxer engines work a bit different than a typical I-4 design.
@ Mark Elias – The Hyundai is lacking refinement as much as this Subaru. Give the Genesis a few generations and it will be a stellar car. Right now it is a non-event as far as I am concerned. If by sharing engine architecture as the Evo you mean they both have turbos and 4-cyl that come from Asia, than yes, they are almost the same.
06/09, 4:26 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
I feel the same as Tornado- you should see what these sticker for up here. I’ve often thought a Subaru would be perfect considering the nature of some of my missions during the winter but not at those prices.
06/09, 4:32 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
@TornadoGTI -
No, they do share the same endine architecture – The 2.0 4 Cyl was developed in unison with Chrysler Mitsubishi and Hyundai in 1.8, 2.0 and 2.4 with or without turbos and is seen in the Avenger, Sebring, Caliber/Compass/Patriot (inc. SRT-4), Lancer/Ralliart/Evo, future Kia Forte Sedan and Coupe as well as in the Genesis Coupe 2.0T.
06/09, 4:40 PM
posted by:
ASIMO
Well, color me unimpreza.
I kid. I don’t really know nor care either way about this model — just wanted an excuse to say unimpreza. I will say, though, that from the rear 3/4 view it has a hint of the BMW 3 series in its profile (shoulder line/crease) and that the rear looks rather cheap and out of place. ¡Olé!
06/09, 4:43 PM
posted by:
ASIMO
Oh, and they should’ve stuck by their guns and kept the controversial Alfa Romeo-esque grille and continued to refine it while the some of the public’s general disdain inevitably wanes with time.
06/09, 4:59 PM
posted by:
Mark Elias
^JakeK66
You took the words right out of my mouth!
06/09, 5:28 PM
posted by:
NRG
Decent car inside and out. MPG I would have thought would be better. Premium gas is a drawback considering gas prices are rising again. I would rather have a WRX from last yr for about the same price.
06/09, 6:03 PM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
ugly grille (chrome = bad) and boring back end (rental car bad)…not a fan of the current subie look…not a fan of the current subie price either…
06/09, 7:05 PM
posted by:
Rafa LL
2005 WRX was, and still is, the coolest Subie around.
06/09, 7:47 PM
posted by:
AutoCritical
Oh man! It all seems a bit all over the shop!
From the side view, they tried giving a bit of forcefulness with that belt line but how it looks with the rear section is awful as it seems someone has snapped the boot upward. Perhaps its just the color? The lower light accent at the base of the doors is sharp and fast, but how does it relate to the rest of the car? It doesn’t relate to the wavy front end that has no forcefulness. The grilles are shaped with a 4 sided shape, but then the hood scoop is made quite round?!
I’m sure the rear fascia only sticks out so much due to certain standards, but does it have to look that contrasting to the rest of the car? That straight edge on the bumper suits the lower nappy diffuser – but how does it work with the rest of the car?
Overall it looks like there was potential for a really good design, then the engineering came along and said to do this, and do that…then the designer started to get some ideas from a junior designer and added all the little silly tweaks to make it look like… that
If you took away the hood scoop, and adjusted the front graphics like on a Toyota… I would have guessed it was a corolla…. It seems they have taken a leaf from the Toyota way of making cars…being quick to manufacture it, but they should have taken some time for refinement.
06/09, 7:52 PM
posted by:
Rafa LL
Corolla body, Lacetti rear. Lame combo.
06/09, 8:26 PM
posted by:
Mutant@DCX
Put some 18″ Enkei J10 Rims on this wallflower, and the ricers will come
06/09, 9:57 PM
posted by:
nickkop
@JakeK66:
“So you could get a better equipped WRX Sedan with an Auto (if that’s your thing) last year for around the same price… So anyone know why Subaru wanted to take a step backward, or is it just me? ”
The 2009 wrx was introduced last fall with a beefier engine (bigger turbo, better plumbing, engine management software and fuel system = 265hp) suspension, awd system,wheels, and appropriate styling upgrades
this current 2.5 GT is essentially the same exact car as the 2008 wrx albeit with no manual option.
This is subaru’s way of saying…. automatics are for pussy’s !
or more of a marketing move to separate the true enthusiasts from those who want a turbo compact subie sedan but are lazy .. err… can’t drive.. errr… have to have an automatic…
06/09, 10:16 PM
posted by:
PassingGear
This gen of Impreza is a major step backwards to me.. Rental car bland in a Mitsubishi Lancer/Hyundai Elantra sort of (throw)away as well as having some of the ugliest Pep Boys ricer tail lights and none of the earlier quirky ‘Subiness’ that made them so appealing (bedsides the performance) means I’ll keep my Legacy.
06/09, 10:29 PM
posted by:
The Stig
Not bad, just not great.
Tangible negatives: 4-speed auto without alternate choice, struts at the front, use of belts instead of chains for the camshafts, lack of direct injection and pathetic fuel economy.
Subjective negatives: slightly fugly C-pillar, no leather interior option, no factory navigation option, paint choices are limited to pearl only.
We all know the positives of Subaru.
06/09, 10:42 PM
posted by:
Veda
The fact that the Ralliart is cheaper by almost a grand when both cars are loaded with options not to mention way better looking than the GT, makes it an easy choice.
06/10, 12:01 AM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
Tornado,
Where did you get a 0-60 run at 6 seconds, all reviews that I’m reading state it at 7 secs. that’s not fast at all for a car of this size!
06/10, 12:11 AM
posted by:
bigp
well its ok i guess but not for my money
06/10, 2:03 PM
posted by:
A4
….I’ll stick with a loaded 2010 GTI for that kind of money… thats just outrageous.
06/10, 3:08 PM
posted by:
nickkop
A4: so would I buddy, but the people that would buy this most likely aren’t looking at the likes of a GTI, MazdaSpeed3, Civic Si, etc… they most likely want something compact, with 4 doors, ALL WHEEL DRIVE, and over 220hp (TURBOCHARGED). that would leave only the Lancer Ralliart as a main competitor in the segment… we are well aware there are plenty of front drive vehicles in the price segment