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2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport Review

Multipurpose Machine

A three-quarter rear view of a silver 2008 Subaru Outback Sport

In short: A hardy, well-rounded hatchback.

As a hardier rendition of the Impreza base model, the Outback Sport sits on a heavy-duty raised suspension that is reminiscent of a small sport utility. Not only that, the vehicle is roomy enough to haul you and four of your friends for a day at the mall. With a 2.5-liter engine and a traction-gripping symmetrical all-wheel drive, the Subaru Impreza Outback Sport is more than able to handle driving through the urban jungle. Yet in spite of its athletic demeanor, this car isn’t without its soft side. Some of this well-rounded wagon’s creature comforts include dual-mode heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a six-disc in-dash CD player (with an auxiliary audio input jack for iPod and MP3 players).

Warranty/Service: Three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty; five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty; and five-year/unlimited-mile rust perforation warranty.

QUICK SHEET

Base Price: $19,995 / As tested: $21,640

Technical Specifications

Vehicle type: front-engine, symmetrical all-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 5-door hatchback

Engine: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder SOHC horizontally opposed
Horsepower: 170 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 170 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
Transmission: 4-speed automatic transmission with SPORTSHIFT

Curb weight: 3,175 lbs
Wheelbase: 103.1 in
Length/Width/Height: 173.8/68.5/58.3 in
Turning circle: 34.8 ft

Brakes: all-wheel power-assisted disc with ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist

Suspension: all-wheel heavy-duty raised and fully independent: MacPherson-type struts in front; double-wishbone in rear
Traction: vehicle dynamics control

EPA City: 20 mpg
EPA Highway: 27 mpg

Smog Index: .49

Safety: tire pressure monitoring system; dual front airbags; front seat side-impact airbags; side curtain airbags; unitized body construction with Ring-Frame Reinforced structure

Likes: sporty; value

Dislikes: TBD

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Photography: AlphaMedia

PSV101008

(Updated: 10/19/11 NW)

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