Even though the 2012 Impreza doesn’t gain vehicle length or width, occupants will notice a roomier interior courtesy of redesigned door panels, roof trim and front seats as well as a slightly stretched wheelbase. Those design changes equate to increased hip and shoulder room for occupants. Riders in the 65/35-split fold rear seat get a real space boost with nearly two extra inches of legroom versus the prior model. Entering and exiting the fourth-generation sedan is easier as the front doors extend approximately five inches because the A-pillar has been repositioned 8 inches forward. While the cabin isn’t radically different looking, there are subtle changes (such as larger door pockets).

While the 2011 Impreza was powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine that produced 170 hp and 170 lbs-ft of torque, the 2012 Impreza’s power source is a 2.0-liter, horizontally opposed (boxer) engine. The new 2.0-liter engine produces 148 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 145 lb-ft of torque at 4200 rpm. Although there’s a drop in the power output, it doesn’t distract from the Impreza’s strengths. Impreza is still nimble. And, the car’s ride and handling is even better—thanks to new engine mounts in the suspension, lower rolling resistance tires, and a new electric power steering system. Impreza is offered in base, Premium, Sport Premium, Limited and Sport Limited models. The all-wheel-drive Impreza with five-speed manual transmission has estimated mpg of 25 city/34 highway. Impreza 2.0i Premium’s MSRP is $19,095.