The EA288: The holy grail of small engines

 The perfect engine for small to midsized cars?

It's a never ending search in the small to midsized car market for something affordable, with some power, with good fuel efficiency that doesn't suck to drive, and that doesn't break down. Well it seems like the geniuses over at Volkswagen have solved this issue with their new with their new EA288 diesel engine. Right now it's shown up only in the  Audi A3 Sportback. From Autoblog's first drive it seems to be up to the task of propelling the A3 to 60MPH in about 6.8 seconds while maintaining somewhere around 45MPG. the only thing missing so far is the pricing, considering an A3 starts at about $29K and is generally found for more than $34K at actual dealers. However that's the Audi, a luxury brand, this is the same engine that should be showing up in the new TDI Golf and Jetta. Hopefully it'll retain the 181HP of the Audi, which essentially turns the Golf into a GTD, a car not available in the US. Of course this is all optimistic at best, the 2014 Golf, has already been tested and shown to have 148HP, taking a crawling 8.6 seconds to get to 60MPH. Here's hoping it's upped for the US spec, or at the very least a GTD model does make it over. I also hope that other manufacturers take note, diesel is a great alternative to hybrids which tend to be underpowered, heavier, with less space, not to mention the battery itself which you better hope is covered by the manufacturer. Diesel is starting to shake the stigma of dirty and smelly cars polluting the roads, it's time for them to make a surge. So is it possible this new EA288 engine is the holy grail of engines in the small to midsize sector? Quite possibly, it all depends on VW and what they decide to do, either way it's something to look out for.

2012 Subaru Impreza

2012 Subaru Impreza Review

Today I will be reviewing the 2012 Subaru Impreza Premium model with the cold weather package and the alloy wheel package. The 2012 model year is a complete redesign of the Impreza with a new engine, a new body style, and a new interior. The premium model is the second step up from the base right below the Limited top end. Cost is around $22,000 after taxes and dealer fees.

Exterior body style and build

The redesigned Subaru Impreza is definitely eye catching. The Imprezas always had the styling of their rally car heritage. This year is much more sophisticated, while still managing to be sporty looking. It's a fit for a young adult like myself or a much older crowd. It's design even rivals luxury models. As far as quality goes everything feels solid with one exception. While normal places for give like the head lights feel rigid and secure, the gas cover panel is flimsy and very light. a minor complaint in an otherwise quality built machine.

Interior Styling and build

The interior of the Impreza is a step above and beyond the competion, creeping into luxury territory. Soft plastic all around feel upper class and sophisticated all around. My model came with a leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter. The steering wheel is probably one of the most comfortable ones I have ever used. The seats are also very comfortable with soft cloth and they come with heat. The interior room of the car is way above its class. You can easily fit five adults during a long trip. My modem was the five door hatchback. The trunk space is very roomy plenty of storage space. The stereo system is nice enough with iPod input support, very easy to connect and control especially with the steering wheel controls. One issue with the interior is the quality of the speakers. Very poor quality especially at higher volumes, distorted and hollow. Also the speakers themselves tend to rattle a bit. The biggest issue with the interior however, is the noise. The engine noise permeates the cabin even when idling. The engine is especially loud upon ignition, it doesn't quiet down for a least a minute or two after start up. Also there is a ton of road noise. If you're looking for a quiet ride this isn't the car for you.

The Driving Experience

The Impreza is fun to drive, plain and simple. It grips the road in any condition, and feels secure on the road. Even during a blizzard the Impreza's AWD refused to lose its connection to the road while traveling up hill. While the 2.0 liter flat boxer engine's 148 horse power may feel a little underwhelming for the people looking for a power house, any driver just looking for something that has a bit of pep will be right at home. There's enough power to zip in and out of traffic if need be as well as when you need to merge onto the highway. My model came equipped with paddle shifters on the steering wheel which help add to a sporty feel. The automatic CVT transmission lacks the elastic band feel most CVTs carry, Subaru's engineers seem to have nailed it. It definitely handles and has more power than most cars in its class. The one complaint I have is that the car picks up too much of the road. Every bump no matter how minute is picked up and translated to the driver, it just feels a little rough. Hopefully on the next redesign Subaru can work on make the ride a little smoother.

Fuel Economy and final thoughts

One of the biggest draws for the new Impreza is the fuel economy. Rated at 27/37 MPG by the EPA it comes out as one of the most efficient AWD vehicles and as one of the most fuel efficient vehicles in its class. My experience with the fuel economy has been slightly disappointing. I consider myself to be a better than average driver when it comes to driving efficiently, although not the best. I have been averaging 28MPG with mostly highway driving. Even on long smooth trips the most I have seen is 34MPG. While it is amazing for an AWD vehicle it's not as great as the EPA ratings make it out to be. Even with other vehicles with lower ratings I was able to get the same or higher fuel economy. That said again the fuel economy is still better than average and great for AWD.

The 2012 Subaru Impreza is a fantastic car. It is stylish, roomy, and fun to drive. Subaru has packed the Impreza with plenty of high end amenities not normally found in most cars in its class. For the price it's one of the best values out there.