Although the STi wasn't designed as a family car, all of the family-centric safety features on the Impreza sedan are in it. The STi has four-wheel-disc antilock brakes with brake assist, stability control, traction control and six airbags, including front- and side-impact airbags for the front row and side curtains for both rows.

For those with young children, you'll be excited by the ease of use of both the lower anchors and top tether anchors of the Latch system. The lower anchors in the seat bight, which is the where the seat's back and bottom cushions meet, are accessible via a flap that pulls down to expose the Latch anchors. The flap closes with Velcro to keep it concealed when not in use. The top tether anchors are easy to reach; they're just behind the rear head restraints and won't obstruct the rear view while in use.

Slightly older kiddos in booster seats will appreciate the seat belt buckles. Although they were on flimsy bases rather than stable ones, they were easy for my girls to buckle.