Fresh off Last Year’s Redesign: The 2018 Subaru Impreza near Hammond, LA
Fresh off last year’s redesign, the 2018 Subaru Impreza near Hammond, LA proves that a car does not have to be powerful to be a success. As it sits atop the automaker’s global platform, the Subaru Impreza offers a level of driving enjoyment, solidity, and quietness that wasn’t there in previous generations. Despite the standard, always-on AWD, the Impreza’s fuel economy doesn’t suffer much, and the expanded availability of the EyeSight driver safety suite makes the Impreza a safe, popular choice among compact cars. We liked it for its sleek design, ample rear legroom, quiet cabin, and quality materials, and we think our shoppers will like it, too.
Great Fuel Economy
The 2018 Impreza gets its power from a direct injection 2.0L boxer four-cylinder engine that makes 152hp and 145 lb. ft. of torque. The Sport and base models get a five-speed manual transmission, with a CVT standard or available on other trims. Despite its standard AWD, the Impreza offers fuel economy of 28mpg in the city and 38 on the highway when equipped with the CVT. The Sport gets a slightly lower figure of 23mpg city/31mpg hwy with the five-speed, and 27/35 with the CVT.
Interior
The controls, gauges, and infotainment display all feel and look more upscale than one may expect, and soft-touch surfaces abound. Controls have an intuitive layout, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are welcome, familiar additions. With the rear seats folded, the hatchback has an impressive 55.3 cu. ft. of cargo room.
Exterior
Subaru has kept the 2018 Subaru Impreza near Hammond, LA familiar while making it wider, lower, and longer. It has new headlight and grille treatments, and its coupe-like design is more modern than that of just a few years ago. The hatchback makes up more than 60% of the Impreza’s sales, and for good reason: it looks great, and it’s practical, too.
Features and Available Options
This year’s Impreza is available in two different body styles: a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback. There are four trims to consider: the 2.0i, the 2.0i Premium, the 2.0i Sport, and the 2.0i Limited.
· The 2.0i has a five-speed manual gearbox, 16” wheels, the Starlink multimedia system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, 60/40 folding rear seats, a backup camera, AC, power windows and locks, keyless entry, tilt/telescoping steering, and more. The hatchback also gets a rear wiper. Options are limited to the CVT and a few dealer-available add-ons.
· The 2.0i Premium gets a CVT automatic with manual shift mode, upgraded suspension, a six-speaker audio system, heated seats and mirrors, a wiper de-icer, a sound-dampening windshield, and lighted power window buttons. Hatchbacks get a rear cargo cover and roof rails. Available add-ons include EyeSight, a power moonroof, responsive fog lights and a color LCD informational display.
· The 2.0i Sport has the five-speed manual transmission, sport suspension, grille shutters, 18” alloys, torque vectoring, red accent stitching on the interior, carbon fiber-look trim, Starlink with a larger touchscreen, satellite radio, and mirrors with turn signals. It gets the same options as the Premium model.
· The Limited has the CVT automatic, 17” alloys, leather seats, auto climate controls, power adjustable driver’s seat, auto high beams, responsive LED headlamps, color monitor, fog lights, keyless access, push-button starting, and a rear-seat armrest. Options include voice navigation and Harman Kardon audio.
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Safety
Every Subaru Impreza gets front, side impact, side curtain and driver knee airbags. Other safety features include electronic stability and traction controls, TPMS, rearview camera, and hill start assist for manual-transmission models. Optional safety gear includes the EyeSight driver assistance suite with auto emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot and rear cross traffic alert, and reverse auto braking.
The NHTSA gave the 2018 Subaru Impreza near Hammond, LA the highest rating of five stars in each crash test. The IIHS gave it a rating of Good in every crash test, a rating of Superior in crash mitigation and avoidance, and the Top Safety Pick+ designation.
Behind the Wheel
The 2018 Impreza is markedly better than the previous generation, with a better ride, stiffer body, more responsive steering, and solidity that’s normally not associated with compact cars. The vehicle’s interior shuts out most road and engine noise, and the seats are quite comfortable and supportive. The 2.0L engine has been retooled, with over 80% new parts. The CVT and its paddle shifters deliver smooth acceleration and great fuel economy.
If a shopper needs the wet-weather security of AWD but they’re on a budget, the 2018 Subaru Impreza near Hammond, LA is a top pick. To see it in person or to take a test drive, stop by our dealership. Alternatively, call us at (888) 486-3576 for more information.
