Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash-tested the 2008 Impreza, and the car earned a Good overall rating — the highest possible score — in frontal-offset, side-impact and rear crash tests (non-WRX seats). Those results apply to the 2009 model, too, according to IIHS.

Standard Impreza safety features include antilock brakes, side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags, an electronic stability system and active head restraints for the front seats.

    See also:

    Driver’s SRS frontal airbag
    The driver’s SRS frontal airbag uses a dual stage inflator. The inflator operates in different ways depending on the severity of impact. Have the system inspected by your SUBARU dealer immedi ...

    REV indicator light (STI)
    This light illuminates when the engine speed reaches a level set by driver or when the tachometer needle enters the red zone. ...

    Offroad Chops
    The offroad portion of Subaru's press drive consisted of a lengthy course on California's Catalina Island, and I had a chance to tackle some fairly demolished dirt roads. I imagine a tiny fraction ...