2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5GT

The 2.5GT is the first appearance of forced-induction in the Impreza line, with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine good for 224 hp. Its four-speed automatic transmission has manual shift capability, and the AWD system comes with traction control. 17-inch wheels connect to a sport suspension, and foglights further distinguish this mid-range Impreza. A tilt and telescoping steering wheel now sits in front of the heated front bucket seats, which offer driver’s-side height adjustability. Those, along with the split-folding rear, come with cloth upholstery. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped and integrates radio controls for the AM/FM/6-CD/MP3 changer with digital media connection. The power mirrors are now heated and join a power sunroof and power windows and locks to add extra luxury and convenience, along with remote keyless entry. Variable-intermittent wipers include a wiper de-icer up front, while a rear defogger keeps things clear out back. Automatic climate control allows you to concentrate on driving, while cruise control even takes some of the involvement out of that. A center console, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, and floormats are all included.

Safety features for the 2.5GT include dual front, front side, and curtain-side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, four-wheel antilock disc brakes with brake assist and anti-skid, daytime running lights, a tire pressure monitor, and a theft-deterrent system.

By Michael Perkins