2017 Subaru Impreza Sport: Long-Term Introduction

We've always had a sort of soft spot for Subaru, but the new 2017 Subaru Impreza Sport doesn't need any of our well wishes to be a success. You really have to respect a company that puts its money where its mouth is. Subaru has stuck with the 4-cylinder boxer engine, and they've stuck with standard all-wheel drive on all U.S. models but one. And Subaru has stuck by its fans with cars and SUVs that do the things that matter to them the most. This even extends to the non-automotive side of things, where Subaru has an extensive line of accessories all geared toward dog-owners. Really -- they even sell a Subaru-branded "Dog Safe" Frisbee. It's weird ... and also kind of cool.

Why We Got It

In 2012, Autotrader had a long-term Impreza Sport wagon -- they might call it a hatchback or a 5-door, but to us it felt like a small wagon. At the time, the Impreza had that certain something we've long liked about Subaru vehicles, but the interior was a bit sparse and the tech was lacking. For 2017, the Impreza is new and, Subaru says, much improved.

At first glance, we're inclined to agree. The interior is better, the appropriate tech is there (including my favorite, Apple CarPlay), and there's a new Sport trim level that promises to offer more of the dynamic driving experience implied in Subaru ownership.

Our Impreza

In fact, that Sport model is the exact car we ordered; specifically, a 2017 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport sedan. The Sport model comes with a sportier suspension, 18-inch wheels, the Starlink multimedia interface with an 8-in touchscreen (this includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), red stitching inside, a rear spoiler and turn signals integrated into the side mirrors.

We added a few options, too. The window sticker lists the main option as "Option Package 23," and that includes the precollision and adaptive cruise control feature known as EyeSight. A blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert system, as well as a power moonroof and 432-watt Harman Kardon audio system, are included in this package -- it costs $2,945. We also got Homelink, which is the feature where your garage door remote can be stored in the car -- that costs $342. Finally, we opted for an automatic transmission, which adds $800 to the price.

Under the hood is 2.0-liter flat 4-cylinder that makes 152 horsepower. Fuel economy is 27 miles per gallon in the city and 36 mpg on the highway -- impressive for a sporty all-wheel-drive sedan.

All in, the car is just a little under $27,000. If you delete Homelink and the automatic transmission, you can knock more than a grand off that price straightaway.

Early impressions are that the 2017 Subaru Impreza Sport sedan is a much-improved, well-equipped, fun little car. It's not perfect, but that's kind of the fun of it. The one thing about this car that's obvious right up front is the much-improved ride and handling. The cabin remains quiet (mostly), and the ride is a near-BMW combination of sporty and comfortable. The interior is also impressive for car that starts in the $20,000 range.  One little complaint: a seatback pocket only on the passenger’s side. C’mon now, where is my 11-year old daughter going to “lose” her favorite hair clips.

Over the next few months we'll hit the road in the new Impreza to see how it holds up commuting to the office, skipping work and commuting to the beach, packing our friends and family in and leaving it at the airport -- in other words, all the things you'd do.

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