2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport


By Daniel Souza

Utahns certainly experience all four seasons in this state where snowy and icy roads are part of most any daily commute throughout a good portion of the year. Subaru has long been known for its all-wheel-drive vehicles, which offer superior traction and handling in inclement weather compared to many two-wheel-drive competitors. If you pay close attention to traffic on Utah’s roads you’ll notice that Subaru has won its way into more than a few driveways in this state. Pay even closer attention near any college or university and you’ll notice that the Subaru Impreza is a favorite amongst students.

Both the hatchback and the sedan versions of the Impreza always seem to have appealed mostly to a younger crowd because of their compact size and fuel efficiency, made even more attractive by sporty looks and handling. With the all-new 2008 Impreza lineup, Subaru plans to appeal to all age groups, offering something for everyone. The 2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport is a continued effort to keep the loyalty of the younger generation.


This new Subaru offers a seriously upgraded interior with more space, higher quality materials and a more user-friendly control layout. The Impreza Outback Sport is only available as a hatchback, and it seats five like any other Impreza. There is a long list of standard interior features including power windows and door locks, heated front seats, power mirrors, cruise control, adjustable steering column, air conditioning, anti-theft security system, and a number of cargo and storage accessories. Also standard are keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and cruise control buttons, a 10-speaker stereo with a 6-disc in-dash CD changer and auxiliary audio input jack, and a 60/40-split flat-folding rear seat back. Cargo volume equals 19.0 cu. ft., which more than doubles when the second row of seats is folded flat.
Also available are XM or SIRIUS satellite radio capability, and the new iPod Interface Kit. Understanding the huge popularity of iPod, Subaru is excited to tell everyone about this new option. The iPod Interface Kit offers a special, hidden docking location for your iPod in the center console. Your iPod is controlled through the factory car stereo, and is charged while in use. Turn the car off and it turns off too. Turn the car on and your playlist continues where it left off playing your music and displaying information on the vehicle’s factory stereo. Where the old Impreza was fairly basic, this new Impreza certainly offers more to its buyers.


The 2008 Impreza Outback Sport plans to keep its occupants safe with such active safety features as Daytime Running Lights, all-wheel drive, 4-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), Vehicle Dynamics Control, Traction Control, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Passive Safety features include 3-point seat belts for all occupants; dual front airbags and seat-mounted side-impact air bags for those up front, with side-curtain airbags protecting both front and rear occupants. The horizontal boxer engine provides a low center of gravity which increases vehicle stability.
So, what motivates this vehicle? The 2.5 liter, 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine has proven itself to be reliable has even won some awards for its engineering and capability. Slightly improved for 2008, this carry-over powerplant generates an appropriate 170 hp and 170 lb-ft. of torque. This is not a sports car, but it was not meant to be boring either. One can choose between an automatic transmission, and a fully-synchronized 5-speed. The fuel tank holds 16.9 gallons and Subaru claims this car can achieve up to 20 mpg city, and 27 mpg on the highway burning 87 octane fuel. Disc brakes at all four corners and low-profile all-season tires mounted on 17”, 6-spoke aluminum alloy wheels give the 2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport the playful and sporty look Subaru’s after.
Pricing for the base Impreza starts at $17,000. The Impreza Outback Sport starts at $20,000.

Daniel Souza can be reached at sixth.gear.herald@gmail.com