2014 Subaru Impreza Sedan: Review, Specs, & More
Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2014 Subaru Impreza Sedan. If you're in the market for a reliable, fuel-efficient, and all-wheel-drive compact car, this might just be the ride for you. Let’s break down everything you need to know, from its performance and interior to its safety features and overall driving experience. Buckle up; it’s going to be an informative journey!
Overview of the 2014 Subaru Impreza Sedan
The 2014 Subaru Impreza Sedan is a standout in the compact car segment, primarily because it comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). This feature alone sets it apart from many competitors that offer AWD as an optional upgrade, if at all. The Impreza's AWD system provides enhanced traction and stability, making it a great choice for those living in areas with challenging weather conditions like snow, rain, or icy roads. Beyond its AWD prowess, the 2014 Impreza Sedan offers a well-rounded package with good fuel economy, a comfortable interior, and a reputation for reliability. The car is designed to appeal to a wide range of drivers, from daily commuters to small families needing a practical and safe vehicle.
Subaru has always emphasized safety, and the 2014 Impreza Sedan is no exception. It boasts impressive crash test scores from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These accolades reflect Subaru's commitment to building vehicles that protect their occupants in the event of a collision. Standard safety features include antilock brakes, stability control, and a comprehensive airbag system, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. The Impreza's design also incorporates features that help prevent accidents, such as responsive steering and a well-tuned suspension system.
In terms of practicality, the 2014 Impreza Sedan offers a decent amount of cargo space for a compact car, making it suitable for grocery runs, weekend trips, and everyday errands. The rear seats can be folded down to create even more room for larger items, adding to its versatility. The interior is designed with user-friendliness in mind, featuring intuitive controls and a comfortable seating arrangement. While it may not have the most luxurious interior in its class, the Impreza's cabin is functional and durable, built to withstand the rigors of daily use. Overall, the 2014 Subaru Impreza Sedan is a compelling option for anyone seeking a dependable and capable compact car with the added security of all-wheel drive.
Performance and Engine Specs
When it comes to performance, the 2014 Subaru Impreza Sedan is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. While this might not sound like a powerhouse, it's adequate for most daily driving situations. The engine is designed to provide a balance of fuel efficiency and reasonable acceleration, making it a practical choice for commuters and city dwellers. The Impreza's engine is known for its reliability, and with proper maintenance, it can provide years of dependable service. For those looking for a bit more excitement, it’s worth noting that the Impreza isn't geared towards high-performance driving, but rather consistent and predictable power delivery.
The Impreza comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission, which is a great option for drivers who enjoy a more engaging driving experience. The manual transmission offers precise shifts and allows the driver to have more control over the engine's power output. However, for those who prefer an automatic transmission, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is also available. The CVT is designed to maximize fuel efficiency by seamlessly adjusting the gear ratio to match the driving conditions. While some drivers may find the CVT's behavior a bit unusual at first, it ultimately contributes to the Impreza's impressive fuel economy.
One of the standout features of the 2014 Subaru Impreza Sedan is its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. Unlike many other compact cars that offer all-wheel drive as an option, the Impreza comes standard with this feature. The symmetrical AWD system provides enhanced traction and stability, making it particularly useful in adverse weather conditions such as snow, rain, or ice. The system continuously monitors the road conditions and adjusts the power distribution between the front and rear wheels to optimize grip and control. This gives drivers added confidence and security, especially when navigating slippery or uneven surfaces. The Impreza's AWD system is a major selling point for those who live in areas with challenging climates or who frequently encounter unpaved roads.
In terms of fuel economy, the 2014 Impreza Sedan performs admirably, especially considering its standard all-wheel-drive system. The EPA estimates that the Impreza with the CVT achieves around 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, making it one of the more fuel-efficient AWD vehicles on the market. The manual transmission version has slightly lower fuel economy ratings, but still respectable for its class. The Impreza's fuel efficiency is a major advantage for drivers who want to save money on gas without sacrificing the benefits of all-wheel drive. Overall, the 2014 Subaru Impreza Sedan offers a balanced and efficient performance package that is well-suited for a wide range of driving needs.
Interior and Comfort
Stepping inside the 2014 Subaru Impreza Sedan, you'll find a cabin designed for functionality and comfort. While it may not be the most luxurious interior in its class, it offers a practical and user-friendly environment for both the driver and passengers. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making them suitable for long drives. The materials used throughout the cabin are durable and well-assembled, giving the Impreza a sense of quality and longevity. The interior design is straightforward and uncluttered, with all the essential controls within easy reach of the driver. The focus is on creating a comfortable and practical space that meets the needs of everyday driving.
The dashboard layout is intuitive, with clearly labeled buttons and knobs that are easy to operate. The instrument cluster is easy to read, providing essential information such as speed, fuel level, and engine temperature at a glance. The center console offers ample storage space for small items, and the cupholders are conveniently located. The Impreza's infotainment system includes a standard audio system with CD player, USB port, and auxiliary input, allowing you to connect your favorite devices. Higher trim levels may offer additional features such as a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration, enhancing the overall driving experience.
In terms of space, the 2014 Subaru Impreza Sedan offers a decent amount of room for both front and rear passengers. The front seats provide plenty of headroom and legroom, even for taller occupants. The rear seats can comfortably accommodate two adults, although legroom may be a bit tight for taller passengers on longer journeys. The Impreza's trunk offers a reasonable amount of cargo space for a compact car, making it suitable for grocery runs, weekend trips, and everyday errands. The rear seats can be folded down to create even more room for larger items, adding to its versatility. Overall, the Impreza's interior is designed to provide a comfortable and practical space for both the driver and passengers.
One of the notable features of the 2014 Subaru Impreza Sedan is its excellent visibility. The large windows and relatively thin roof pillars provide a clear view of the road and surrounding traffic. This is particularly helpful when maneuvering in tight spaces or navigating busy city streets. The Impreza's high driving position also gives the driver a commanding view of the road, enhancing safety and confidence. Overall, the Impreza's interior is designed to provide a comfortable, practical, and user-friendly environment for both the driver and passengers, making it a great choice for everyday driving.
Safety Features
When it comes to safety, the 2014 Subaru Impreza Sedan excels, offering a comprehensive suite of features designed to protect occupants and prevent accidents. Subaru has always prioritized safety, and the Impreza reflects this commitment with its impressive crash test scores and array of standard safety equipment. The Impreza has earned top marks from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), demonstrating its ability to withstand collisions and protect its occupants.
Standard safety features on the 2014 Subaru Impreza Sedan include antilock brakes (ABS), which prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control. Stability control is also standard, which helps prevent skidding by automatically applying the brakes to individual wheels when the vehicle detects a loss of traction. A comprehensive airbag system is included, with front airbags, side-impact airbags, and side curtain airbags providing protection for all occupants in the event of a collision. These airbags are designed to deploy in a manner that minimizes the risk of injury.
In addition to these standard safety features, the 2014 Subaru Impreza Sedan also offers several advanced safety technologies, depending on the trim level. These may include a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of the area behind the vehicle when backing up, helping to prevent accidents. Some models may also be equipped with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system, which includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking. Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, while lane departure warning alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane. Pre-collision braking can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an imminent collision, helping to reduce the severity of the impact.
The 2014 Subaru Impreza Sedan also incorporates several design features that enhance safety. The vehicle's structure is designed to absorb and dissipate crash energy, reducing the risk of injury to occupants. The high-strength steel construction provides added protection in the event of a collision. The Impreza's excellent visibility, thanks to its large windows and relatively thin roof pillars, also contributes to safety by allowing the driver to have a clear view of the road and surrounding traffic. Overall, the 2014 Subaru Impreza Sedan offers a comprehensive and well-rounded safety package that provides peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
Driving Experience
The 2014 Subaru Impreza Sedan offers a well-rounded driving experience that blends comfort, practicality, and capability. The Impreza's standard all-wheel-drive system sets it apart from many of its competitors, providing enhanced traction and stability in a variety of driving conditions. Whether you're navigating snowy roads, rainy streets, or dry pavement, the Impreza's AWD system inspires confidence and control. The Impreza's suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road without feeling overly soft or floaty. This makes it a great choice for daily commuting and long-distance driving.
The steering is responsive and precise, allowing the driver to easily maneuver the Impreza in tight spaces and navigate winding roads. The Impreza's relatively compact size also makes it easy to park and maneuver in urban environments. The engine provides adequate power for most driving situations, although it may feel a bit strained when accelerating quickly or climbing steep hills. The CVT transmission provides smooth and seamless gear changes, maximizing fuel efficiency. However, some drivers may find the CVT's behavior a bit unusual at first, as it can sometimes cause the engine to rev higher than expected during acceleration.
One of the standout features of the 2014 Subaru Impreza Sedan is its excellent visibility. The large windows and relatively thin roof pillars provide a clear view of the road and surrounding traffic, making it easier to spot potential hazards and maneuver safely. The Impreza's high driving position also gives the driver a commanding view of the road, enhancing safety and confidence. The Impreza's brakes are strong and responsive, providing ample stopping power in both normal and emergency situations. The antilock braking system (ABS) helps prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
Overall, the 2014 Subaru Impreza Sedan offers a balanced and enjoyable driving experience that is well-suited for a wide range of drivers. Its standard all-wheel-drive system, comfortable ride, responsive steering, and excellent visibility make it a great choice for daily commuting, weekend trips, and everything in between. While it may not be the sportiest or most luxurious car in its class, the Impreza provides a practical, reliable, and capable driving experience that is sure to please.
