@judah777 The MT is available on basic and premium models. The limited is only available with the CVT.

@monkeyman8644 less-than-ideal gear ratios (eco vs. fun) and a lower HP motor could both be considered compromises made with the car going from 2011 to 2012. The tires are "low rolling resistance" hard compounds, so they may also be a compromise... but we didn't have appropriate location to test.

@judah777 Sorry, we're traveling and don't have the exact packages available. From memory, yes, you can get BT with the non-Limited. You may need to get Limited for Nav. No idea about mirrors, didn't look at them that closely.

great review and i loved the ambient music

@porsche558 Thanks, Ryan will also be testing the 2012 Mazda3 and Kia Rio soon and we'll try to deliver something similar.

Awsome review!

I'm not typically a fan of Ryan's rather opinionated reviews but having said that I really enjoyed this review. I like the way Ryan tastefully separated the "enthusiasts" from the "average buyers". I like the way he gave insight to what both sides would like or not like. I also agree that more people are buying cars biased on the "on paper" numbers rather than "actual performance". I can't quite pin down all the things that made this such a great review but please Ryan stick to this formula.

One of my favorite features is the ability to use USB Thumbdrive to play music.Just copy your mp3s or wma's to the Thumbdrive and plug it into the USB port in the center console. The stereo even reads the file names.

Thanks for an honest review!

amy's car reviews are one of the best polished car review videos on the internet. she's awesome

@skoshy Emme will have her chance to do all the talking in her Roadfly TV review of the same car. Not sure when they're posting that one, though.

i sat in the back of my friends impreza and i was extremely surprised by the cushioned seats and material. soft and cushiony for those long trips!

Very well done, Ryan. It was great to look at, sounded nice and there's real substance. No.. I'm not talking about the car (meh), I'm talking about your video. Thanks so much.

One note about Ryan's complaint about finding a plastic steering wheel on a 'premium' model (which I agree with): order option #26, #27 or #28 (moonroof, navigation or both) and Subuaru will throw in upgraded alloy wheels and a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

@drivingsports Nice review. How fast does this car to from 0-100km/h??

Can you please elaborate a bit on what you were saying at 5:30 about the gearing? Like, does the car not pick up in the later gears as much? What do you mean by 2 good gears in real life? I am considering this car and would like to know so I know what to test when I take it for a spin. Thanks!

So, should I check out a used 08'WRX, or consider a new 2012'impreza? I think I will test-drive the latter regardlessly, but I am curious what other people have to say, since I think I am willingly to make compromises if the impreza delivers enough on the good stuff.

this car is a winner. Smart looks unlike the odd-ball looks of subaru-past. The MPG is awesome and likely a huge selling point. Up north, AWD cars are very much in demand. Well done Subaru!

@drivingsports I will look forward to seeing his next reviews.

This car is FUGLY!! I am still in love with the old version of the Impreza (c.1995). "more room in the back..." for your walker, old timer! sheesh.

@ellomirza Just because you drive an economy car doesn't mean you shouldn't learn to drive on a track... or autocross course. I'd be happy to take pretty much anything out for an HPDE.

@AllThingsAviation I agree, Subaru has been trying to separate the WRX and STI from the Impreza lineup for a while now so the 2012 base model shouldn't come as a shock to anyone. The new car just looks more like the current generation of Legacy. Oddly enough the 2012 Mercedes C class now looks a lot like the Legacy as well. I guess that new Legacy look must work if Mercedes is willing to adopt a similar appearance. I still like the 06 - 07 look with the "airplane" grill the best.

@Mrscooby242 you do know the sti will look different ?

I like the new look, and the improved fuel economy is definitely a plus. Can't wait for when they release the new WRX and STi.

Maybe your comments of the 5spd is why Roman said the CVT was better. Still, I agree that Subaru REALLY needs to start giving a crap about interior content and standard features. They're always like a decade behind everyone on that stuff. The engine sounds kinda cool, and in reality this car may be better in a lot of ways and just as "fast" but the 2.5L is torquey and that's why it's fun, esp offroad.

@TheVtieg6 I can't wait either.....I have a feeling it's going to look way different from the 2012 Impreza we see in the video. Subaru has been trying to separate the WRX and STI from the Impreza lineup. It's sad but unless I am talking to a Subaru fan when I tell people I drive a 2007 Impreza Outback Sport they don't know what I am talking about. I have to tell them it's an STI with out the turbo and it's raised instead of lowered. So Subaru may as well make the STI a totally different car.

does the impreza have a CVT similar to the Legacy?

Just test drove this car. It's a driver's car, not too luxurious, but it is simply fun to drive. Love the improvements from last year's model, definitely an option for my next car. Also, I have to say, that Navigation 7" screen is impressive though, it's a beautiful display, and top quality in the interior.

I need help -- My 2002 WRX is getting rusty and I want a Subaru replacement; I love my WRX because I feel it's the perfect car and it has everything I could ask for (STI is expensive overkill I feel)....unfortunately, I prefer auto over manual and Subaru stopped doing that post-2008. This car though is intriguing me because, even though it's undoubtedly much slower, It has alot of good things about it too.

Looks good :) Those headlights are pushing it though, seems like the new trend to flare out the headlights as much as possible. I would be ok with bugeye headlights :)

How do you find the fuel economy on the '11?

@tomtom5418 She was disappointed that our test car didn't come with a sunroof. Nothing to holla.

@RichardJoash I believe that it is a newer generation that is smaller. It is similar in that they both have the paddle shifters. After watching this review I would guess that it is better than the manual in the gear ratios that Ryan was complaining about.

@alexebox The XV has reached production but it's not sold in North America. Several car web sites say there is a good chance Subaru may bring it to North America in 2013. Hard to say if Subaru will do that or not because as much as I love the Outback Sport (I own a 2007 SE), I don't think they were "strong sellers" in North America. Most people wanted the 2.5i or the WRX and STI. I have to explain to everyone that asks about my car that it is pretty much the same as a WRX without turbo.

I'm with you Vtieg6 I want the STi model grade Impreza!! :)

@814gt From what Subaru says it won't be until 2014 that we see the new WRX or STI and I have a feeling it's going to look way different from the 2012 Impreza we see in the video. Subaru has been trying to separate the WRX and STI from the Impreza lineup. Most people already think the STI is not an Imprez when I tell people I drive a 2007 Impreza Outback Sport they don't know what I am talking about. I have to tell them it's an WRX with out the scoop or turbo and it's raised instead of lowered.

Yeah, I was comparing them both. They both seem to accelerate about the same from a cold stop up to about 45mph, going up to about 5000rpm for each shift. Beyond that, the Focus seemed a LITTLE faster. The Subaru handled much better in curves under power. The shifter had longer throws...more like my Jeep(which I liked) and had a deeper engine noise than the Ford. I'm special ordering the Subaru 5spd...even though the Ford is available for less money now.

I like this car. Sorry to here about the tall gears, I will drive it and see if I can live with the tall gears. I cant wait for the 2014 WRX.

"capital T that rhymes with P, that stands for Pool" Emme is pure Awesome

Love it.

@Mrscooby242 Umm... they make as WRX and STi that have a hood scoop and gold BBS wheels... This is just the base Impreza which they have always made and which has never had a hood scoop, a wing, gold wheels or even a turbo...

After seeing these two people in it, I'd have to agree.

Looks a lot better than base model impreza from 2011. However, I own a 2011 wrx limited and love the car. Hope they change the 2013 wrx for the better as it's already that good!

Looks like a Mom car!!! Nothing Sporty about it!! And for people who complain about the wing on most WRX and STi models... well it's not just there for show, eventhough it does make the car look more sporty, and more track ready and appealing to race enthusiast. The wing actually works!!!

Nice review. Thanks. Subaru really has no choice. They are not a Mega manufacturer like Toyota that can hide the bad MPG cars by selling lots of Yaris, and Hybrid Camry's to get the required CAFE standards. Every car Subaru sells is AWD, and gets mediocre gas mileage. To get the new CAFE standards they had to do something. Once again government has reduced my choices and ruined a good thing. I love Subaru's. Have a 96 Impreza with 213K, Wife has a 06 Legacy Wagon with 140K. Both run great.

@Mrscooby242 What are you talking about? Not all Impreza's had gold wheels and hood scoops only the WRX and STI! I have a 2007 Outback Sport SE and it never came with gold wheels or a hood scoop. What's featured in this video is the "BASE" Impreza.....as in non turbo....if you still don't get it how about "this one is NOT a WRX or STI".

I find that the Subaru I fell in love with is slowly dissapearing. No more Legacy wagons, forester and outback have gotten huge and the little impreza is well... like if a Honda Fit crashed into a Legacy or something. I hope maybe the Outback Sport model of the impreza will be a little more "sporty" less corolla-ish. Subaru...give us our Subarus back! we miss them :(

Emme didnt comment on if there was a sunroof :(

@CalamityJesus I was talking about the looks, i know that 08-11 was better on the paper but i would still buy 07

Subaru seems to be taking on the "one front end design" like what Acura did. I don't think this will end well.

i like it the front end is real aggressive

1:23 I had to recheck if I was watching the right channel, that was quite a surprise! Though, would have been a bigger one if it was Jess.

Subaru lost me at 5:00 when Ryan announces he's in fourth gear, floors the accelerator and says "I've got nothing!" Subaru blew it with the smaller motor. It's a shame as I really wanted to root for the new car.

Kinda weird seeing Emme not screaming SUNROOF HOLLA!! Kinda like it...lol

Great car, lovely model, probably most-aesthetic Impreza yet. But please, dear Subaru people: DON'T MAKE IT UNDERSTEER SO HORRIBLY as the last model, I BEG YOU.

Sounds like it needs a 6 peed and the 200 HP engine they are putting in the joint venture Toyosubscion car to make me want to really buy it.

@Mrscooby242 This isn't meant to be a WRX.

@porsche558 i know exactly what i am talking about, being a life long Subaru enthusiast since the ss legacy came to america. I have owned one legacy ss, two GC 2.5rs, a wrx, and a sti. my point was the base Impreza of the past shared the same architecture, this new Impreza shares only a few components with the new wrx/sti (which is rumored to be a 1.6 turbo coupe). i digress, i guess what i meant was the newest generation of the Impreza line up seems dull, and disconnected with its past.

Subaru is my choice. Go with Leather seats if you want more comfort. All wheel drive + mpg, good for every day.

i own the one before this one, and i wouldn't have bought this one cause of the smaller weaker motor. but anyways, hopefully they are making the wrx soon.

look on the website

Wow, lots of comments saying how ugly it is. I don't think it's a head turner, but it's certainly not ugly. I've seen MUCH worse.

nice reveiw forget all the haters

The only thing missing from this review was for the guy to say "OH. MY. GOSH." Also it's an economy car meant more for city driving, so 1st and 2nd will be used most of the time. People have been complaining cars are getting bigger and fatter. Subaru makes the impreza lighter and reduces displacement, people still bitch about it. This isn't the WRC and your name isn't Tommi.

I wish Subaru went with a dual clutch so sad to see a cvt

@budul5 Know how I know you've never driven an '08-'11 Impreza?

i didn't see the terkey

im glad the sti is a different car in 2012, it wont look like this =)

@ILikeReallyBigButts You just said what I was about to say!! You are totally right!!!

I see ya drivin' round town with the girl I love, forget you! lol

@ModzooManFLA Ryan would rally anything that has all wheel drive...

CAFE standards mandate the taller gears.

No six speed, no turbo diesel, no design and no turbo inlet scoop.. Could just get a Ford Mondeo?

looks like Honda and Seat had a baby =.=

5:46 ....thats all i keep asking myself....HAWKEYE FOR LIFE!

Once you go Subaru you never go back

blurry footage, next time clean up your lens pal!

I hate how guys always try to be macho . All of them say , they would rather see themselves in a rally spec sti , and how many sti's do you see on your drive to work ?

if you live in a place where you wont care if car is AWD or not then go for 2013 Sonata

Yay ammy!

why are people complaining about this car looking boring, plain and dull? this is just a REGULAR IMPREZA. meant for economy driving, saving fuel with awd, so the owners don't get stuck in the snow like most other eco cars. this generation looks way better than the previous gen which looks a lot worse. you want a scoop and performance thats why there is wrx or sti.

The only thing I don't like is the transmission...

@budul5 Ahh.. of all the reason to be interested in a Subaru... the looks isn't one of them.

whatever you said about protection, Volvo is the best at it.

Grab one of the older ones NOW... They are destined classic now that Subaru has gone all soft.

turkey gobble!!!

looks nice for a grocery getter

its like an awd honda accord.

@enemay not

I felt awkward watching Emme.

it looks like chevy cruze

She's on shrooms.

It looks like a chevy cruze... Impreza just got progressively worse after the sti hatch imo....

:( they killed impreza (well it started in 2008) im gonna miss subaru and their reputation ...PEACE !

@Mrscooby242 :((

TurkTHIS! #Whaat!?

1st xD

you just named a lot of terrible cars, either the Impreza or Lancer. the other 3 are horribly unreliable

That just looks a bit of a boring car.

The impreza is dead.