2012 Subaru Impreza Sport: Specs, HP, And More

Hey guys! Are you curious about the 2012 Subaru Impreza Sport? You've come to the right place! This article dives deep into everything you need to know about this awesome vehicle, from its horsepower and engine specs to its overall performance and why it's still a great choice for a reliable and fun-to-drive car. Let's get started!

Overview of the 2012 Subaru Impreza Sport

The 2012 Subaru Impreza Sport is a compact car that blends practicality with a touch of sporty flair. As part of the fourth generation of Imprezas, the 2012 model aimed to offer better fuel efficiency, improved handling, and a more modern design compared to its predecessors. This model year was particularly significant as it marked a departure in design philosophy, focusing on creating a vehicle that was both economical and enjoyable to drive. The Sport trim was designed to appeal to drivers who wanted a bit more style and features without sacrificing the core values of reliability and all-weather capability that Subaru is known for. Whether you are a daily commuter or an outdoor enthusiast, the 2012 Impreza Sport presents a versatile option. It offers a balance of comfort and utility, making it suitable for a variety of lifestyles. Furthermore, the car’s standard all-wheel-drive system ensures confident handling in diverse driving conditions, giving drivers peace of mind regardless of the weather. With its combination of practicality, sporty aesthetics, and Subaru's renowned reliability, the 2012 Impreza Sport remains a popular choice among car buyers looking for a dependable and versatile vehicle. Let's explore what makes this car special and why it continues to hold its value in the used car market.

Horsepower and Engine Specs

Let's talk about power! The 2012 Subaru Impreza Sport is equipped with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine. This engine delivers around 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. Now, while 148 hp might not sound like a massive number, it's important to remember that the Impreza Sport isn't trying to be a sports car. Instead, it focuses on delivering smooth, reliable power that's perfect for everyday driving. The boxer engine design is a key feature. Unlike traditional inline engines, a boxer engine has horizontally opposed cylinders. This configuration allows for a lower center of gravity, which improves the car's handling and stability. Subaru has been using boxer engines for decades, and it's one of the things that makes their cars unique. The engine is paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The manual transmission gives you more control and a more engaging driving experience, while the CVT prioritizes fuel efficiency. The choice depends on your personal preferences and driving style. For those who enjoy a more hands-on experience, the manual is the way to go. However, if you're looking for maximum fuel economy and ease of driving, the CVT is a solid choice. Overall, the engine in the 2012 Impreza Sport is well-suited to the car's mission. It provides enough power for confident acceleration and highway cruising, while also delivering respectable fuel economy. It's a balanced package that makes the Impreza Sport a practical and enjoyable car to own.

Performance and Handling

When you get behind the wheel of the 2012 Subaru Impreza Sport, you'll immediately notice its confident handling. Thanks to Subaru's legendary symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, the Impreza Sport feels planted and stable, even in challenging conditions. Whether you're navigating tight corners or driving on snow-covered roads, the AWD system provides excellent traction and control. The car's suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride without sacrificing handling. It's not overly stiff, but it's firm enough to keep the car feeling composed in corners. The steering is precise and responsive, giving you a good feel for the road. One of the standout features of the Impreza Sport is its ability to handle different types of terrain. The all-wheel-drive system constantly monitors wheel slippage and adjusts power distribution accordingly. This means you can confidently tackle gravel roads, dirt trails, and even moderately challenging off-road conditions. Of course, the Impreza Sport isn't a dedicated off-road vehicle, but it's more than capable of handling adventures that most other compact cars can't. In terms of acceleration, the Impreza Sport is adequate but not particularly quick. The 0-60 mph time is around 9 seconds, which is respectable for a car in this class. However, the engine's strong mid-range torque makes it feel responsive in everyday driving situations. The combination of all-wheel drive, balanced handling, and a comfortable ride makes the 2012 Subaru Impreza Sport a fun and practical car to drive. It's a great choice for drivers who value confidence and control in all types of weather conditions.

Fuel Economy

For many car buyers, fuel economy is a top priority. The 2012 Subaru Impreza Sport delivers respectable fuel efficiency for its class, especially considering it comes standard with all-wheel drive. According to EPA estimates, the Impreza Sport with the CVT transmission achieves around 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The manual transmission version gets slightly lower numbers, at around 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. Keep in mind that real-world fuel economy can vary depending on your driving habits and conditions. If you spend a lot of time driving in stop-and-go traffic or driving aggressively, you'll likely see lower numbers. Conversely, if you do a lot of highway driving at moderate speeds, you may be able to exceed the EPA estimates. One of the factors that contributes to the Impreza Sport's fuel efficiency is its relatively lightweight construction. Subaru engineers worked hard to reduce the car's weight without sacrificing safety or structural integrity. This helps improve both fuel economy and handling. Additionally, the CVT transmission is designed to keep the engine operating in its most efficient range as much as possible. It does this by continuously adjusting the gear ratio to match the car's speed and the driver's throttle input. While the Impreza Sport's fuel economy isn't class-leading, it's certainly competitive with other all-wheel-drive vehicles. And when you factor in the car's other strengths, such as its reliability, handling, and all-weather capability, it's easy to see why it's a popular choice among car buyers. If fuel economy is your top concern, there may be other cars that can offer slightly better numbers. However, if you're looking for a well-rounded car that can handle a variety of conditions and still deliver respectable fuel efficiency, the 2012 Subaru Impreza Sport is definitely worth considering.

Interior and Features

Stepping inside the 2012 Subaru Impreza Sport, you'll find a functional and well-built interior. While it may not be the most luxurious cabin in its class, it's certainly comfortable and practical for everyday use. The seats are supportive and provide good visibility, and the controls are easy to reach and operate. The Sport trim adds a few extra features compared to the base Impreza, including upgraded upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum alloy wheels. These touches give the interior a slightly more upscale feel. Standard features on the 2012 Impreza Sport include air conditioning, power windows and locks, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and a four-speaker audio system with a CD player and auxiliary input jack. Some models also include Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port. One of the standout features of the Impreza Sport is its spaciousness. Despite being a compact car, it offers plenty of room for both passengers and cargo. The rear seats can comfortably accommodate two adults, and the cargo area is surprisingly large, with 12 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up and 44.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down. While the interior design of the 2012 Impreza Sport may not be the most cutting-edge, it's certainly functional and well-thought-out. The materials are durable and easy to clean, and the overall layout is simple and intuitive. If you're looking for a car with a luxurious and high-tech interior, you may want to consider other options. However, if you value practicality, comfort, and ease of use, the 2012 Subaru Impreza Sport is a solid choice. It provides everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience, without unnecessary frills or gimmicks.

Reliability and Safety

Subaru has a reputation for building reliable and safe cars, and the 2012 Impreza Sport is no exception. It has earned high marks in crash tests from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The NHTSA gave the 2012 Impreza an overall rating of four out of five stars, while the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features on the 2012 Impreza Sport include antilock brakes, stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags. Some models also include optional features such as a rearview camera and blind-spot monitoring. In terms of reliability, the 2012 Impreza Sport has a good track record. Subaru cars are known for their longevity and durability, and the Impreza is no exception. However, like any car, it's important to keep up with regular maintenance to ensure that it stays in good condition. This includes changing the oil, replacing the air filter, and rotating the tires on a regular basis. One of the things that contributes to the Impreza Sport's reliability is its simple and straightforward design. It doesn't have a lot of complicated technology that can break down, and the engine is relatively easy to work on. This makes it a good choice for drivers who want a car that's easy to maintain and repair. Overall, the 2012 Subaru Impreza Sport is a reliable and safe car that's well-suited for everyday use. It has a good track record, a strong set of safety features, and a simple and straightforward design. If you're looking for a car that you can count on to get you where you need to go, the Impreza Sport is a solid choice. Just remember to keep up with regular maintenance to ensure that it stays in good condition for years to come.

Is the 2012 Subaru Impreza Sport a Good Choice?

So, is the 2012 Subaru Impreza Sport a good choice for you? Well, it depends on your needs and priorities. If you're looking for a car that's fun to drive, reliable, safe, and capable in all weather conditions, then the answer is likely yes. The Impreza Sport offers a unique combination of practicality and sporty flair that's hard to find in other compact cars. It's not the fastest or most luxurious car in its class, but it's certainly one of the most well-rounded. Its standard all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction and control, while its comfortable interior and spacious cargo area make it a great choice for everyday use. Of course, there are a few potential downsides to consider. The engine's horsepower might not be enough for some drivers, and the interior design is a bit dated compared to some newer cars. However, these are relatively minor issues that are easily outweighed by the car's strengths. Ultimately, the best way to decide if the 2012 Subaru Impreza Sport is right for you is to take it for a test drive. See how it feels on the road, and make sure it meets your needs in terms of space, comfort, and features. If you do your research and make an informed decision, you're likely to be very happy with your purchase. The 2012 Impreza Sport is a well-built and reliable car that's sure to provide years of enjoyable driving.

Conclusion

The 2012 Subaru Impreza Sport is a solid choice for anyone seeking a dependable, all-weather-capable compact car. With its balanced performance, practical interior, and strong safety record, it continues to be a popular option on the used car market. Hopefully, this guide has given you a comprehensive understanding of what the 2012 Impreza Sport has to offer. Happy driving, folks!