I like getting more than I ask for.
It doesn't matter if it means two scoops of ice cream instead of one, or 12 pieces of gum under my table at the restaurant instead of the usual seven.
This is also the case when you ask for something and it turns out to be better than you thought. When a simple piece of cheese cake is the best you have ever tasted, it suddenly becomes more than you asked for.
But when it comes to cars and other vehicles people always expect to get more than they asked for. That may simply mean making a great deal on the purchase price, and feeling good about yourself, because you were able to beat the sales rep down $500 off the original MSRP, or it could simply be getting a free set of floor mats that you didn't ask for. Everybody's idea of more is different.
When I get more than I asked for I generally like it to be a surprise and I got one when I drove the Subaru Impreza the other day.
I have driven lots of Subarus over the years and I generally know what I am getting and can expect good handling, good fit and finish and excellent quality. Although the gas mileage is decent, as each Subaru comes with all wheel drive the gas mileage is not as good as it would be in a front or rear wheel drive vehicle.
That is until now.
Subaru has been changing things up a bit over the past year or so, and some of the
changes are surprising.
The gas mileage in the new Impreza has increased significantly to 51 mpg on the highway, and for a full-time all wheel drive vehicle this is unheard of.
This was unexpected and more than I would have asked for. The power from the little four cylinder engine may be only 148, but it sure felt like more when I hammered the gas.
I'm not sure if it is because of the the new double overhead cam engine, the continuously variable transmission or both, but power felt more like the 170 range.
The six (fake) gears shift with the smoothest of ease and no doubt they help with the
excellent gas mileage.
If you get a little bored wit the full automatic mode, Subaru has added paddle shifters to the steering wheel so you can change gears when you want to. Where else can you get a little four cylinder car putting out 148 horsepower with paddle shifters? This is usually reserved for higher-end sports vehicles. The paddles were more than I had asked for.
The Impreza is a nice little vehicle for humming around town, however when you need a little fun and a little more spirited driving is on the menu, flip the shifter into manual mode and tap away at the paddles to your heart's content.
The Impreza is a little longer than before making for better knee and leg room in the back. These seats also split and fold flat for extra storage, and a tonneau cover hides your
belongings from prying eyes.
This year Consumer Reports named Subaru as as the number one auto manufacturer having conducted more than 50 tests on each vehicle at their auto track. Having driven lots of Subarus I knew the company was a top manufacturer, however driving a vehicle from the best manufacturer is more than I had expected.
Although not the top Impreza in Subaru's lineup, this touring version came with a bunch of options including power mirrors, telescoping steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, height adjustable seat, heated front seats, USB and AUX inputs, Bluetooth, vehicle dynamic control, traction control, antilock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, brake override and a knee airbag for the driver.
When you consider the price includes the block heater and freight and PDI it looks even better.
This Impreza was definitely more than I had thought I was getting. It felt like it had more power, it got better gas mileage than I would have thought, and it was built by Consumer
Report's top manufacturer.
