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Subaru made the Impreza a comfortable, roomy, attractive place for customers downsizing from mid-size cars. The Impreza's safety credentials are bolstered by a standard driver's knee airbag for 2012. Last year's Outback Sport is discontinued, replaced by two range-topping 5-door wagon models: the 2.0i Sport Premium and 2.0i Sport Limited.
The 2011 WRX receives a 1.5-inch increase to its front and rear track, firmer rear subframe bushings and wider 17-inch wheels and tires. New sheetmetal includes revised front and rear fenders, a revised grille and more black-out styling around the headlamps, fog lamps and grille. Also new is an AM/FM/CD radio with Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and streaming audio capability, iPod integration, XM Satellite Radio and steering wheel audio and phone controls.
Both the Sedan and Wagon receive minor styling tweaks as well as a new grille. Premium trims can be equipped with the Special Edition Package that adds a power moonroof, fog lights and heated seats, mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer. Subaru's optional navigation system now includes Bluetooth phone connectivity.
A new trim, the 2.5GT, is added to the Impreza lineup. Although it is powered by a 224 horsepower turbocharged engine, the only transmission available is Subaru's four-speed SPORTSHIFT automatic. The 2.5i premium gains a power sunroof, while all Imprezas now come equipped with four wheel anti-lock disc brakes, traction and stability control.
With a starting price well below $20,000, the 2014 Subaru Impreza offers the same features and fuel economy as many of its compact competitors, but with the added advantage of standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD). While the bread-and-butter cars make up the majority of Impreza sales, the performance-oriented WRX and WRX STI account for a small but loyal audience who crave speed and agility over fuel economy and a low sticker price. Regardless of which model, the Impreza offers a lot of value for the money. However, if you don't have a need for all-wheel drive, you can find similar front-drive compacts with better fuel economy, such as the Mazda Mazda3, Kia Forte and Chevrolet Cruze diesel.