Turbocharged Power
The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine from last year's WRX really is a hoot to drive, and it's just as strong in the 2009 Impreza 2.5GT. Whether you're cruising around the city or driving on the highway, mashing the gas pedal brings a broad band of power and the unique sounds of the boxer four-cylinder. There isn't a high-pitched turbo whine to give away what's under the hood, though knowledgeable people will know when they see the hood scoop. This kind of fun doesn't come free, however, and the cost — in terms of gas mileage — is rather high, as the 2.5GT gets an EPA-estimated 19/24 mpg city/highway.
The 2.5GT's four-speed automatic transmission didn't skip a beat during testing — its shifts are smooth and refined, and it makes quick kickdowns when more power is needed for passing. All the same, it's a little short on gears; five- and six-speed automatics are relatively common. Adding an extra gear or two would help the 2.5GT on the fuel economy front, too.
While the automatic transmission offers fine performance, I'm disappointed a manual isn't offered in the 2.5GT; you now have to choose the new WRX or the high-powered WRX STI to get a manual transmission in a turbocharged Impreza.
What sets the 2.5GT apart from many of its competitors — along with the base Impreza — is that it comes standard with all-wheel drive. Subaru calls the system Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and in the 2.5GT it features an electronically controlled clutch that apportions power among the wheels. While some hatchbacks, like the Vibe and Toyota Matrix, offer all-wheel drive, few make it standard like Subaru has.
The 2.5GT has standard all-disc antilock brakes. The pedal has a nice, firm feel under your foot, and the brakes respond to small pedal-position changes with a corresponding change in braking performance.
See also:
Fan speed control dial
Fan speed control dial
The fan operates only with the ignition switch in the ON position. The fan speed control dial is used to select the AUTO (automatic control) mode or to select the desired fan s ...
Select lever/gear position indicator
1) Upshift/downshift indicator (AT and CVT models)
This indicator shows the position of the shift lever (MT models) or select lever
(AT and CVT models). ...
Daytime running light system
WARNING
The brightness of the illumination of the high beam headlights is reduced by
the daytime running light system. The light switch must always be turned to the
“” position when it is dark ou ...