MM Review: 2012 Subaru Impreza

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Dec 18, 2011 | 06:09 PM

#16

bitkahuna

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Quote:

Originally Posted by mmarshall

Now, with the all-new models for 2012, in the U.S. (don't know about Europe) the name Outback Sport is dropped.....it is now the Impreza Sport, in Premium or Limited-model trim. The suspension remains lowered to virtually standard Impreza-height...

apparently not (per their website) - the 'sport' models have higher ground clearance (5.9 vs. 5.7) and are taller (59.5 vs. 57.7). the sport models (premium and limited) have 17" rims yet the non-sport limited also has 17" rims (diff. kind).

it seems the only 'sport' aspect of the sport models is they're taller, more ground clearance, side moldings, body colored door handles (non-sport premium has body colored door handles with chrome accent), roof rails, ... really, just like the 'outback' type of packaging.

i personally really dislike the two tone coloring (much like the eddie bauer [ick] treatment on explorer), so the 2.0i limited 5 door is the one i like most here.

Dec 19, 2011 | 08:42 AM

#17

mmarshall

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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs

Quote:

Originally Posted by bitkahuna

Yes, I know that there is a slight difference (at most) on the ground clearance, but it is nothing compared to the Outback's 8-9". That, supposedly, will be rectified on the upcoming Crosstek hatchback.

Tastes in paint-colors, of course, vary (and I respect your opinion)

...but I think the real reason we don't see more true two-tones anymore today is simply complexity and cost. Auto companies are going to great lengths to trim assembly-line costs. Part of that, of course, is that the government forces more and more standard safety-related equipment on new cars all the time, so costs are trimmed in other areas.

Dec 19, 2011 | 12:17 PM

#18

Toys4RJill

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From: ON/NY

Two tones are not produced because they are lame and out of style.

It has nothing to do with cost or safety which has nothing to do with paint or two paint colors.

Dec 19, 2011 | 12:20 PM

#19

LexBob2

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From: Illinois

Quote:

Originally Posted by LexsCTJill

Two tones are not produced because they are lame and out of style.

It has nothing to do with cost or safety which has nothing to do with paint or two paint colors.

I agree, two tone colors are strictly a styling statement and as we know most styles come and go.

Dec 19, 2011 | 02:03 PM

#20

Toys4RJill

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From: ON/NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by LexBob2

I agree, two tone colors are strictly a styling statement and as we know most styles come and go.

That's exactly right, it has nothing to do with cost cutting or safety. Yes, there will likely be some marginal cost benefit of not offering a two tone option, but if there was a demand for two-tone, trust me, the car makers would offer it.

Could you imagine a two-tone Lexus these days?

Or anything for that matter.