Hot off a 2012 redesign, the steamy all-wheel drive (AWD) Subaru Impreza lineup, including both sedans and hatches, gains in the multimedia department across the board, with a backup camera added to the navigation package for upper-tier trims in 2013. The WRX and STi high-performance editions continue on in the previous generation's form, but the rest of the lineup is updated and includes the 2.0i, 2.0i Premium and 2.0i Limited in both hatch and sedan flavors, with a 2.0i Sport Premium and 2.0i Sport Limited exclusive to the hatch body style.

Those multimedia gains for 2013 include iPod/USB and Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming and steering-wheel-mounted controls all standard, bringing the Impreza closer to the top of the list when considered together with the refinements for 2012. The now 2-liter boxer 4-cylinder (as opposed to the previous 2.5-liter) flaunts an improved economy rating of 25 mpg city/34 highway compared to its previous 20/27, but at a cost of about 20 horses for 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, versus 170 points for each in 2011. Touted as one of the nicest cabins in its class, the 2012 Impreza's interior refinements spanned from dash to doors to design, offering soft-touch materials throughout and a pleasing design in a roomier cabin, being closer to midsize in its latest incarnation. Trunk space is also improved by a cube or 3 depending on the model, sedans now fetching 12 cubic feet for cargo with the hatch welcoming 22.5 cubes before folding down the seats for another 30.

That said, although this engine has no want for power using the same 5-speed manual and CVT previously offered with the new lighter body, zip-to-60 mph times are a paltry 9.6 seconds and drivers note the advertised fuel economy is not necessarily what you will get. The Impreza's performance is improved over previous years, but the fact remains that this Impreza can't do better than 30 mpg combined in sedan form, while some hatchbacks edge closer to the advertised rate but can't top 32 mpg. Some drivers have also been in the shop more often than they would like (or should reasonably expect) for a new car, blaming the AWD system for all sorts of issues. The optional touchscreen and navigation systems are larger and improved, but still boast a hefty learning curve with unfriendly buttons. Last but not least, some drivers want more higher-tier options but at least some sort of lumbar support in the driver's seat, so think twice if you have back issues.

Otherwise there's plenty of drivers who have to pinch themselves before turning the key. Even at the bottom of the lineup you can expect full power accessories, air conditioning, a height-adjustable driver's seat with telescoping steering wheel, CD player, split-folding rear seat, the upgrades mentioned previously and even keyless entry. Moving up to Premium notably adds alloy wheels, cruise control and an adjustable front-center armrest with 2 more speakers for the sound system, while the Premium ups the ante with the Alloy Wheel and All-Weather packages standard and including features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, heated mirrors and seats, automatic headlights, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, rear-center armrest and a touchscreen audio interface with HD radio. Roof rails are standard on Sport hatch models, which otherwise follow other trims' feature sets very closely, while anything but the base 2.0i is available with a sunroof and navigation system with the backup camera added in for 2013.