Overview

What's New for 2012:
- More spacious interior
- More luxurious styling
- Improved fuel efficiency
- Outback Sport trim has been discontinued

Exterior Features
The 2012 Subaru Impreza is a small 5-passenger car available as a sedan or hatchback. All-wheel drive is standard on all trims. The sedan is offered in the base 2.0i, 2.0i Premium, and 2.0i Limited trims, while the hatchback is available in those trims plus the 2.0i Sport Premium and the 2.0i Sport Limited. Two higher-performance trims--the WRX and WRX STI--are also available with either 4 or 5 doors. These two trims feature a turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension; the STI adds Brembo brakes, high-performance tires, and many other features.

Interior Features
An extensive overhaul of the Subaru Impreza for 2012 has produced a larger and better-appointed interior on all models. The base Impreza offers keyless entry, air conditioning, some power accessories, and a 4-speaker sound system. Enhancements are gradually added with succeeding trim levels, with Premium and Limited trims offering leather upholstery. The top-of-the-line WRX and WRX STI trims add performance features and additional upgrades.

Optional Features
Optional features on the upper trim levels of the Subaru Impreza include a sunroof and navigation system with touch-screen interface and voice controls. The STI also offers satellite radio.

Under the Hood
The 2012 Subaru Impreza's base power plant is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 148 horsepower and mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Impreza WRX features a turbocharged, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 265 horsepower and 244 lb.-ft. of torque, with the 5-speed manual as the only transmission choice. The STI is fitted with a more powerful version of that same engine, coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission and rated at 305 horsepower and 290 lb.-ft. of torque.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy figures for the 2012 Subaru Impreza are:
- Impreza with 2.0-liter engine and manual transmission: 25/34/28 mpg (city/highway/combined)
- Impreza with 2.0-liter engine and CVT: 27/36/30 mpg
- Impreza WRX: 19/25/21 mpg
- Impreza WRX STI: 17/23/19 mpg

Safety
Standard safety features on the Subaru Impreza include anti-lock brakes, traction control, front-seat side air bags, and side curtain air bags.

To date, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not tested the 2012 Subaru Impreza. In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Impreza received "Good" ratings--the Institute's highest--for all crash protection tests.