Subaru had time to build a new interior, chassis, suspension, brakes and body around a largely unchanged engine and drivetrain for the 2008 Impreza range. The naturally-aspirated hatchback represents one-fifth of that line-up.

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As with most redesigns, the car grew in every dimension, and Subaru's signature frameless doors are no more on the company's entry level vehicle.

The hatchback is available in just two trims: 2.5i and Outback Sport. Both are powered by the same engine, a 2.5 liter flat-four that makes 170 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm and feature Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive system.

EPA fuel economy is the same no matter which transmission is selected, be it the standard five-speed manual or the optional four-speed automatic, at 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Standard equipment includes four-wheel anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, 16-inch steel wheels with covers, a rear spoiler, remote keyless entry system, a 60/40 split rear seatback and an 80 Watt, 4-speaker AM/FMCD radio capable of MP3 and WMA format playback. XM or Sirius radio can easily be added on.

There are just two option packages on the 2.5i: a Premium Package or a Satellite Radio and Navigation bundle, which also includes equipment in the Premium Package.
The former includes Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), brake assist, 16-inch alloy wheels, rear disc brakes to replace drums, fog lights, body-color mirrors and door handles, a leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise control switches and an 80 Watt, 10-speaker audio system with a six-disc in-dash changer with MP3/WMA capability with SRS Circle Surround Automotive enhancement.

The Navigation bundle replaces the sound system in the Premium package with a 100 Watt, 10-speaker audio system with MP3/WMA capability integrated into the multifunction 7-inch touchscreen screen for navigation that also acts as a display for a trip computer, current and average fuel economy, driving range, ambient temperature, calculator and maintenance indicator. The head unit includes auxiliary inputs for portable multimedia devices and Sirius satellite radio.

Standard equipment on the Outback Sport includes 17-inch alloy wheels, the 80 Watt, 10-speaker audio system with 6-disc in-dash CD changer, MP3/WMA capability, SRS Circle Surround Automotive audio enhancement and vehicle speed-sensing volume adjustment and auxiliary audio jack, removoable cargo tray as well as a leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel with audio system and cruise control buttons. On the outside, the Outback sports flared fenders, fog lights, two-tone paint, roof rack base carrier, and front and rear bumper underguards.

A long list of dealer-installed accessories is also available on either model.