Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport, a car that's been a solid choice for many looking for a blend of practicality, all-weather capability, and a touch of sportiness without breaking the bank. If you're curious about what this specific model brings to the table, you've come to the right place. We'll break down its specs, features, and what makes it a compelling option in the compact car segment. So, buckle up as we explore the 2018 Impreza Sport!

Performance and Powertrain of the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport

Let's kick things off with what's under the hood, because that's often a big deal for car enthusiasts, right? The 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport comes standard with Subaru's legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Yep, you read that right – standard! This is a huge selling point, especially if you live in an area with unpredictable weather or just want that extra bit of confidence on the road. Powering this AWD beast is a 2.0-liter SUBARU BOXER engine. Now, it's not going to win any drag races, but it delivers a respectable 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. It's tuned for a good balance between fuel efficiency and adequate acceleration for daily driving. When it comes to transmissions, you had a choice between a smooth CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) or a more engaging 5-speed manual transmission. The manual is a bit of a rarity these days, so that's a plus for the purists among us. The CVT version is designed to maximize fuel economy, while the manual offers a more direct connection to the road. Fuel economy ratings for the 2018 Impreza Sport were pretty decent for an AWD vehicle of its class. With the CVT, you were looking at an EPA-estimated 28 MPG city and 38 MPG highway. The manual transmission, as you might expect, was a bit less efficient, coming in around 24 MPG city and 31 MPG highway. These figures mean you can handle your daily commute or weekend road trips without constantly worrying about stopping for gas. The suspension is tuned for a comfortable ride, but the 'Sport' trim adds some enhancements to make it feel a bit more responsive. It's not a track-day car by any stretch, but it handles well for its class, offering a stable and composed feel, especially when taking corners. The steering is responsive, giving you a good sense of what the front wheels are doing. Overall, the powertrain and performance aspects of the 2018 Impreza Sport are focused on providing a reliable, efficient, and confident driving experience, with the added bonus of standard AWD which is a massive win.

Exterior and Interior Design of the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport

Moving on to how this car looks and feels, both inside and out. The 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport sports a design that's both practical and subtly stylish. It’s not overly aggressive, but it has a clean and modern aesthetic that holds up well. The Sport trim specifically adds some nice touches that set it apart. You'll notice unique Sport badging, 18-inch alloy wheels with a machine finish, and body-colored side spoilers. Up front, it features a distinctive grille and headlights that give it a friendly yet determined face. The overall silhouette is sleek, whether you're looking at the sedan or the hatchback version – the hatchback, in particular, is a really practical choice for those needing more cargo space. Now, stepping inside the 2018 Impreza Sport, you'll find an interior that prioritizes functionality and comfort. Subaru interiors are known for being straightforward, and the Impreza is no exception. The materials used are good quality for the price point, offering a durable and pleasant environment. The 'Sport' trim often comes with upgraded cloth upholstery, sometimes with unique stitching or accents, adding a premium feel. The dashboard layout is driver-focused, with all the essential controls within easy reach. You'll find a 7-inch high-resolution touchscreen infotainment system that serves as the hub for your audio, connectivity, and vehicle settings. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, which is a huge plus for staying connected on the go. Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and an auxiliary audio jack are also standard. The seats are comfortable and supportive, especially for longer drives. The front seats offer good space, and the rear seats are accommodating enough for passengers, though like most compact cars, three adults in the back might be a squeeze. Visibility from the driver's seat is excellent, thanks to Subaru's thoughtful design of the pillars and windows. The steering wheel is often leather-wrapped on the Sport trim and includes controls for audio, cruise control, and Bluetooth. Overall, the 2018 Impreza Sport offers a well-designed exterior that balances sportiness with everyday usability, and an interior that is comfortable, practical, and technologically up-to-date for its time, making it a great place to spend your driving time.

Technology and Safety Features in the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport

When it comes to tech and safety, the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport didn't skimp, especially for a car in its segment. Let's talk about the infotainment system first. As mentioned, the 7-inch touchscreen is your command center. It’s pretty user-friendly and integrates seamlessly with your smartphone via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This means you can easily access navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze, stream your favorite music, make calls, and send texts using voice commands, all through the car's interface. It’s a big step up from older systems and makes the driving experience much more connected and enjoyable. Beyond the touchscreen, you've got standard features like Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming, a rearview camera for easier parking, and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. For those who love their tunes, the sound system is decent, providing clear audio for your playlists. Now, where Subaru really shines is in its commitment to safety, and the 2018 Impreza Sport is no exception. It comes standard with a suite of airbags, including front, side-curtain, and knee airbags, providing comprehensive protection for all occupants. The chassis itself is built using Subaru's Ring-shaped Reinforcement Frame construction, designed to absorb and redirect impact energy away from the passenger cabin in the event of a collision. This is a foundational safety feature that underpins all Subaru vehicles. For the 2018 model year, Subaru also offered its EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as an option on some trims, and it’s worth seeking out if you can find it. EyeSight is a fantastic suite of advanced safety features that uses stereo cameras to monitor traffic, optimize cruise control, and even warn you if you start to drift out of your lane. It includes Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keep Assist. Having these systems can provide an extra layer of security and reduce driver fatigue on long journeys. Additionally, features like automatic climate control, keyless entry, and push-button start were available, further enhancing the convenience and modern feel of the vehicle. The standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system also contributes to safety by providing enhanced traction and stability in slippery conditions, which is a major advantage over many front-wheel-drive competitors. All in all, the 2018 Impreza Sport offers a robust package of technology for connectivity and entertainment, coupled with a strong emphasis on safety, both in passive protection and active driver assistance systems.

Trim Levels and Options for the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport

When you're looking at the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport, knowing the different trim levels and the options available can really help you zero in on the perfect car for your needs and budget. For 2018, the Impreza lineup offered several trims, and the Sport trim was positioned as a step up from the base models, offering a good balance of features and affordability. The Sport trim typically came in both sedan and 5-door hatchback body styles, giving buyers a choice based on their preference for style and cargo capacity. As we've touched on, the Sport trim distinguished itself with some eye-catching exterior enhancements. These included those 18-inch alloy wheels with a machine finish, which give the car a more aggressive stance compared to the smaller wheels on lower trims. You also got sport-tuned suspension for a slightly more engaging driving experience, body-colored side spoilers, and specific Sport badging. Inside, the Sport trim usually featured upgraded cloth upholstery with unique stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and enhanced interior trim accents. The infotainment system was also a step up, typically featuring the larger 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, which was often an upgrade from the smaller 6.1-inch screen found on the base models. Beyond the standard Sport trim features, Subaru offered various optional packages and standalone options that could further customize the vehicle. One of the most significant options to look out for is the EyeSight and Power Moonroof Package. This package bundles Subaru's advanced EyeSight Driver Assist Technology (including features like adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking) with a power-operated moonroof. For many buyers, the safety benefits of EyeSight alone made this package a must-have. Other available options could include all-weather floor mats, auto-dimming mirrors, ** a rear bumper protector** (especially popular on the hatchback), and upgraded sound systems on some configurations. It's important to note that the availability of certain options could vary depending on the specific production date or whether you were looking at a manual or CVT-equipped Sport model. When shopping for a used 2018 Impreza Sport, pay close attention to the window sticker or vehicle history report to confirm which options and packages are included. This will help you ensure you're getting the features you desire and understanding the full value of the specific vehicle you're considering. The Sport trim really offered a sweet spot, providing a more premium feel and sportier aesthetics without venturing into the price territory of higher-end models, all while retaining the core Subaru strengths like standard AWD and solid build quality.

Why Choose the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport?

So, why should the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport be on your radar, guys? Well, it boils down to a few key strengths that make it a standout choice in the compact car market. First and foremost, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Seriously, this is a game-changer. While most competitors in this class are front-wheel drive, the Impreza comes standard with AWD, offering superior traction and stability in rain, snow, or even just slippery roads. This inherent capability provides a significant peace of mind that you just don't get with many other cars in its price range. It’s a practical advantage that translates into a safer and more confident driving experience year-round. Secondly, the 'Sport' trim itself offers a fantastic value proposition. It adds those desirable sporty styling cues, like the 18-inch wheels and spoilers, along with interior upgrades and the improved infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You get a car that looks and feels more premium than its price tag might suggest, all without sacrificing the core functionality and reliability that Subaru is known for. The combination of standard AWD and these sportier enhancements makes it a compelling package. Thirdly, Subaru's reputation for reliability and longevity is a huge factor. Imprezas generally hold their value well and are known for being durable vehicles that can rack up high mileage with proper maintenance. This makes the 2018 model a smart used car purchase, as you're likely to get many more years of dependable service out of it. Plus, Subaru's commitment to safety is evident. With its robust construction and available advanced safety features like EyeSight, the Impreza provides a secure environment for you and your passengers. Lastly, the practicality cannot be overstated. Whether you choose the sedan or the incredibly versatile hatchback, the Impreza offers comfortable seating, good fuel economy for an AWD vehicle, and a user-friendly interior. It’s a car that can easily handle the daily grind, weekend adventures, and everything in between. In summary, if you're looking for a compact car that offers standard AWD, a sporty flair, excellent safety, proven reliability, and practical versatility, the 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport is definitely a winner that deserves a serious look. It offers a unique blend of features and capabilities that are hard to beat in its segment.