Second generation Impreza brings additional attention to the driver and passengers: a new 1-inch down/1-inch up driver seat height adjuster; the tilt steering column’s range of movement is increased by nearly 2 inches; and a new three-gauge cluster presents a quick scan zone for speedometer, rpm, and fuel/oil temperature readings. The automaker hasn’t overlooked rear seat passengers, either, with shoulder-belt placement adjusters, integrated headrests, child-seat anchors, heater duct outlets, and a center fold-down armrest – all within a right-sized head and legroom compartment. One nagging annoyance: driver/front passenger seats have side bolsters that are a too confining when the car isn’t darting through tight curves or making lane changes.

Full-time all wheel drive Impreza is powered by a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder 165-horsepower engine mated to a standard 5-speed manual transmission. The sedan has standard sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, 4 wheel disc brakes, dual front airbags, air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player and four speakers, interior grab assists at all four doors, rear window defroster, and 24-hour roadside assistance. Mileage estimates when equipped with manual transmission are 21 city/28 highway. Suggested price of the 2.5-liter Impreza RS sedan with manual transmission is $18,995.
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