2018 Subaru Impreza Sport: Review, Specs, And More

Hey guys! Let's dive into the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport. If you're looking for a reliable, fun-to-drive compact car with standard all-wheel drive, this could be the perfect ride for you. We're going to break down everything from its performance and handling to its interior features and overall value. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Overview of the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport

The 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport is part of the fifth generation of Imprezas, which debuted in 2017. This model year brought some refinements and improvements over previous generations, making it a strong contender in the compact car market. What sets the Impreza Sport apart from its competitors is its standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, a feature typically found in more expensive vehicles. This gives it superior traction and stability in various driving conditions, making it a great choice for those living in areas with snow or rain. The sporty trim adds some visual flair and handling upgrades, making it more engaging to drive.

The Impreza Sport is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. While this might not sound like a lot, it's adequate for daily driving and provides decent acceleration. You can choose between a five-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT is designed to maximize fuel efficiency, while the manual transmission offers a more engaging driving experience. The exterior of the Sport trim features unique styling elements such as a rear spoiler, side rocker panels, and 18-inch alloy wheels. These additions give it a more aggressive and sporty look compared to the base Impreza models. Inside, you'll find a well-designed cabin with comfortable seats and user-friendly technology.

One of the standout features of the 2018 Impreza Sport is its handling. The all-wheel-drive system, combined with a well-tuned suspension, provides excellent grip and stability. The steering is precise and responsive, making it fun to drive on twisty roads. It also offers a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and road imperfections with ease. Safety is another area where the Impreza Sport excels. It comes standard with a rearview camera and offers available features such as Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features help to prevent accidents and keep you and your passengers safe. The Impreza Sport also receives high marks in crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), further solidifying its reputation as a safe and reliable vehicle.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport offers a balanced package. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 152 horsepower, which is sufficient for most daily driving scenarios. Acceleration is adequate, though it might feel a bit sluggish when merging onto the highway or climbing steep hills. However, the engine is smooth and refined, providing a pleasant driving experience overall. The available CVT is well-tuned and simulates gear changes to avoid the droning sensation that some CVTs can produce. For those who prefer a more engaging driving experience, the five-speed manual transmission is a great option. It allows you to have more control over the engine's power and adds a fun factor to your daily commute.

The handling of the Impreza Sport is where it truly shines. The standard symmetrical all-wheel drive provides exceptional grip and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. Whether you're driving on snow, ice, or rain, the Impreza Sport feels planted and confident. The suspension is well-tuned, offering a good balance between comfort and handling. It absorbs bumps and road imperfections without feeling floaty or disconnected. The steering is precise and responsive, allowing you to easily navigate tight corners and winding roads. The Sport trim also includesActive Torque Vectoring, which helps to improve handling by applying braking force to the inside front wheel during turns. This helps to reduce understeer and improve the car's overall agility.

Compared to other compact cars in its class, the Impreza Sport offers a unique combination of all-wheel drive and sporty handling. While some competitors may offer more powerful engines or sportier suspensions, few can match the Impreza's ability to handle a variety of road conditions with confidence. The all-wheel-drive system also gives it an advantage in terms of safety, providing better traction and stability in emergency situations. Overall, the 2018 Impreza Sport is a great choice for those who prioritize handling and all-weather capability. It's a fun and engaging car to drive, while also being practical and reliable.

Interior and Features

Stepping inside the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport, you'll find a well-designed and functional interior. The cabin is made with quality materials, and the layout is intuitive and easy to use. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making them suitable for long drives. The Sport trim adds some unique touches, such as red stitching and sport-designed gauges, which give it a more sporty feel. The interior is spacious enough for both front and rear passengers, with ample headroom and legroom. The rear seats can also be folded down to create more cargo space, making it practical for hauling larger items.

The Impreza Sport comes standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. This allows you to easily connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The system is responsive and easy to use, with clear graphics and intuitive menus. It also includes Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to make hands-free calls and stream music wirelessly. Other standard features include a rearview camera, automatic climate control, and a six-speaker audio system. Available options include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a sunroof, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system.

Compared to other compact cars in its class, the Impreza Sport offers a competitive list of features. While some competitors may offer more advanced technology or luxury features, the Impreza Sport provides a good balance of value and functionality. The standard all-wheel-drive system is a major selling point, as it's not offered on most other compact cars. The interior is also well-designed and comfortable, with plenty of space for passengers and cargo. Overall, the 2018 Impreza Sport offers a practical and enjoyable driving experience, with a good mix of features and value.

Technology and Safety

When it comes to technology, the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport offers a range of features designed to enhance your driving experience. The standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's system. This makes it easy to access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The system is responsive and user-friendly, with clear graphics and intuitive menus. Available options include an 8-inch touchscreen, which provides a larger display and additional features such as voice recognition and satellite radio.

In terms of safety, the Impreza Sport comes standard with a rearview camera, which helps you to see what's behind you when backing up. It also offers available advanced safety features such as Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system. This includes adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you. It also includes lane departure warning, which alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane. Automatic emergency braking is also part of the EyeSight system, which can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes to help prevent or mitigate an accident.

The 2018 Impreza Sport has received high marks in crash tests from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It has earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, which is the highest rating possible. This demonstrates the Impreza's ability to protect occupants in the event of a crash. Overall, the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport is a safe and technologically advanced car that offers peace of mind for you and your passengers.

Fuel Economy and Value

Let's talk fuel economy. The 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport offers decent gas mileage for its class, especially considering it comes standard with all-wheel drive. With the CVT, it gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. The manual transmission version gets slightly lower numbers, at 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. These numbers are competitive with other compact cars in its class, and the all-wheel-drive system provides added confidence in various driving conditions.

In terms of value, the 2018 Impreza Sport offers a lot for the money. It comes standard with all-wheel drive, which is a rare feature in this class. It also includes a decent list of standard features, such as a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Sport trim adds some unique styling elements and handling upgrades, making it more fun to drive. Compared to other compact cars, the Impreza Sport offers a good balance of features, performance, and value. It's a great choice for those who want a reliable and capable car that's also fun to drive.

Conclusion

Alright guys, to wrap things up, the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport is a solid choice in the compact car segment. Its standard all-wheel drive sets it apart, providing excellent traction and stability in various weather conditions. The sporty trim adds some visual appeal and handling upgrades, making it more engaging to drive. While the engine might not be the most powerful, it's adequate for daily driving, and the available CVT provides decent fuel economy. The interior is well-designed and functional, with comfortable seats and user-friendly technology. Safety is also a strong point, with high marks in crash tests and available advanced safety features.

Overall, the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport is a well-rounded car that offers a good balance of features, performance, and value. If you're looking for a reliable and capable compact car with standard all-wheel drive, the Impreza Sport is definitely worth considering. So, go check it out and see if it's the right fit for you!