2010 Subaru Outback Sport Photos courtesy of Subaru
Quite frankly, I looked all over for it – out on the open road, under the hood and even inside the passenger compartment.
But, no matter where I looked, I was unable to locate the “sport” in the 2010 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport.
Was it the all-wheel drive? Nah—lots of vehicles have that. The “Sportshift,” do-it-yourself, four-speed automatic transmission? Nah—sporty vehicles now have a minimum of five and generally six gears. How about the 170-horsepower, four-cylinder Boxer engine? Nah—it’s a sturdy performer but the word lusty does not come to mind when you stomp on the accelerator.
After a few miles behind the wheel, I was beginning to think the Subaru Impreza Outback Sport might be -- as they say in the Southwest – all hat and no cowboy.
Turned out, however, I was looking for “sport” in all the wrong places. This is not “sport” as in sports car. It is “sport” as in sport-utility vehicle.
Here’s how the folks at Subaru modestly explain it, in their own words. “The Outback Sport combines sporty exterior design with a comprehensive equipment upgrade over the 2.5i 5-door model.”
And here’s what you get. In addition to the standard all-wheel-drive system you will find a raised, heavy-duty suspension; 17-inch aluminum wheels; a premium 10-speaker sound system with MP3 and Ipod connectivity; 12-volt cargo area electrical outlet; roof rails; and a standard all-weather package that includes heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper deicer.
On the outside, the Sport can be identified by its two-tone paint job, projector beam halogen fog lights, side moldings and, not to be overlooked, silver painted exterior door handles.
Despite my mild misunderstanding regarding the Impreza Sport’s sporting credentials, I’m not about to lay any heavy criticism on Subaru.
These folks obviously know what they are doing or Subaru wouldn’t have recently completed its best-ever U.S. sales year in a market that has been devastating to other car companies. And, it wouldn’t have kept that sales juggernaut rolling with healthy increases in sales so far this year.
As has always been the case, Subaru understands its customers and, to a large extent, they are the cold-weather denizens who need to keep going when the going gets nasty.
The Impreza Sport can be just the right companion for a trip to the ski lodge in upstate New York during the winter and to that favorite kayaking stream or fishing hole in the Adirondacks during the summer. Or, it can be a reassuring traveling companion for anyone who simply wants to go when the weather says no.
In that context, the four-passenger Impreza Sport makes perfectly good sense. It makes a lot of sense in other ways, too.
It’s a practical, simple-to-operate hatchback with a comfortable ride, predictable handling and a flexible interior that offers utility beyond its compact dimensions.
It’s also small enough to zig and zag its way through the crowded and noisy streets of New York and to slip into parking spaces not available to larger cars.
In addition, it has a reputation for reliability and a long list of safety features, including four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and emergency brake assist, a full complement of air bags and side curtains, stability control and traction control.
Complaints? Well, now that you ask . . . This car really needs a five- or six-speed automatic transmission. Four gears simply aren’t enough for the engine to operate up to its capabilties and are probably in a large part responsible for the mediocre fuel mileage. If I were the purchaser, I would definitely opt for the five-speed manual shifter and save myself $1,000.
The EPA estimates 20-26 miles per gallon, but during a week of varied driving conditions in and around Manhattan I averaged between 17 and 23 mpg. That’s just not going to get the job done when fuel-mileage requirements skyrocket in a few years.
Base price of the Subaru Impreza Outback Sport is $19,995 and, in addition to everything else, that includes air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.
Add the automatic transmission, satellite radio capability and delivery costs, and the total comes to $22,117.
Anyone looking for trouble-free, easy-to-operate, go-anywhere transportation would be well advised to take a look at this Subaru.
Just make sure you know Subaru’s meaning of “sport.”
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