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AUTO REVIEW
2016 Subaru Impreza
By Steve Schutz, MD
Maybe image really is everything. Re- going rock climbing and mountain biking and materials. Before you call me a snob—
cently, a physician friend was asking about a and kayaking this weekend because that’s all which I certainly am, by the way—let me
car for his teenage daughter and mentioned you do every weekend. emphasize that I’m not complaining. After
that he was looking at the Subaru Crosstrek. all, Imprezas are built to meet a price point,
“I’m looking for something kind of sporty The standard Impreza, on the other hand, and in this market segment, a $20,000-ish
with AWD and up to date safety features but looks like sensible shoes. I test drove the out-the-door price tag is what’s needed to
not too much money” is how he put it. hatchback, which to my eyes looks sportier compete. No way will that kind of money
While he liked the Crosstrek, he thought it than the sedan (even though the sedan will get you alcantara surfaces and perfume at-
was pricey and was curious about an alter- easily outsell the hatch this year) and omizers.
native. When I asked if he’d considered the couldn’t have asked for a more anonymous
Impreza, he asked, “What’s that?” and was vehicle to drive around in. It’s practically in- But, come to think of it, that kind of
surprised when I told him, “It’s a Crosstrek visible, which is either good or bad depend- money does get you a lot of stuff that used to
without the body cladding and lift kit.” ing on your point of view. High school be Mercedes/Lexus/Cadillac level luxuries just
Since it’s not as cool as the car they wanted, cheerleaders will ask daddy for a red Kia 15 years ago like keyless entry, Bluetooth con-
neither he nor his daughter had even con- Soul or Ford Mustang, but the quiet girls nectivity, and a rearview camera, all standard.
sidered the car that’s essentially the same (and boys) working hard to get into the UT
thing for about $3,000 less. honors college will be fine with the under- Driving the Impreza is pretty boring un-
stated Impreza. less you specify the 5-speed manual trans-
Naturally, his daughter lobbied hard for mission - which almost nobody chooses,
the Crosstrek just based on its looks. Thanks Inside the Impreza, things don’t get any darn it - mostly because that means you’re
to butchy wheels and a black roof rack, the more interesting than they are on the out- stuck with a continuously variable transmis-
Crosstrek exudes outdoorsiness. Like you’re side, which is to say functional switchgear sion (CVT). CVTs don’t have gears but in-
with solid ergonomics but uninspired styling stead use a belt-driven contraption to
48 San Antonio Medicine • June 2016
