MANILA, Philippines - We at The Philippine STAR’s Business Motoring section are a blessed bunch. I say this with confidence because I know for a fact that we get the lion’s share of the better test-drives even amongst our peers in the industry. I’m not trying to sound particularly boastful, mind you. But it’s only natural, I surmise. Studies show that The Philippine STAR’s reader profile is unique in that it is the smartest and most financially able amongst all broadsheets in the country today. As such, it isn’t surprising how we get the high-end variants of various makes and models when the test drive units are distributed amongst motoring journalists. It’s good business sense. Hit the target market square in the solar plexus.
When the Subaru Impreza came along, for example, a couple of us were among the first to test drive the WRX and WRX STI variants. Andy Leuterio, James Deakin, Manny de los Reyes, all of these blokes have driven either one or both of those fantastic pocket rockets. Here’s fact, though. Wouldn’t it be interesting to actually get to drive the most affordable Subaru Impreza available in the country? Just to see how it actually fares against the various makes in its price range. The Mitsubishi Lancer, Mazda3, Honda Civic, Ford Focus and now even the Toyota Corolla Altis have 2.0-liter variants, after all. All of them would be punching above their weight class if we compared them to the WRX and the WRX STI, however. So how about a fair fight, then?
It was with this in mind that we approached our test drive of the Subaru Impreza R Sport. With a 2-liter displacement and a sticker price that’s much closer to that of the rest of the other 2-liter contenders, it doesn’t immediately overwhelm any of the competitors – not on paper, at least. Its rated power of 150PS isn’t anything to call home about, either. So the head to head seemed fair. That is, until you actually begin to compare driving dynamics.
True, the R Sport doesn’t come with whopping numbers. In fact, compared to some of the other cars in its class, it might even seem under-powered. But it’s got what none of the other cars have, a feature it shares with its much hairier-chested siblings – Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. And this is where the car makes its case – this is how it explains its reason for being.
Take the car on a straight track alongside the Honda Civic, for example, and it will feel a whole lot more sluggish than it actually is. That’s because the Civic is lighter, sprightlier, has more sense of urgency. But, take it on a slalom course and you’ll see how balance and real world driving can change your perspective of a car. The R Sport, exactly because of its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, can tackle corners and sharp curves with much more aplomb than its competitors. The gratifyingly handsome yet functional 17-inch rims paired with performing 50-series tires add to the feeling of better control as they help keep the R Sport’s grip as tenacious as it can get on a stock set-up. As opposed to most of its front wheel drive competitors, you’d actually be hard-pressed to put the words “R Sport” and “understeer” together in the same sentence (Which the twisted genius in me just did! But I digress…)
We also actually appreciate the fact that the R Sport comes with a 5-speed manual transmission slushbox that is as well tuned as one can expect from a stock car. The ratios are mostly spot-on and the delicious torque curve can actually almost be tasted on third. I’d say there’s a certain romance involved in being able to drive a car that isn’t necessarily overwhelming, but is such a joy to control.
The “sport” nomenclature is not just for show, really. Besides, show me a thesaurus that equates the words “sport” and “fast” with one another and I’ll gladly eat my words. What I’m getting at really is the fact that there’s a lot more “sport” character to the car than we give it credit for. The steering feel is spot-on. The bucket seats are both comfortable and functional. And the car’s rally-inspired shape – though lacking in oomph without the hood scoop and side fairings – would still stand out in any crowded avenue. Thoughtful knick-knacks that would otherwise be lacking in an entry-level variant are very welcome as well (I, for one, love the MP3 input jack found on the R Sport’s center console and the HiD headlamps).
At the end of the day, the Subaru Impreza R Sport makes a convincing argument for itself. At its price point, it brings some uniquely Subaru driving dynamics that you’d be hard pressed to find in any of its competitors. It’s not a race tuned street car like its siblings the WRX and WRX STI, true. But it’s willing and able as a street car in many ways.