Hey Camp ... Subi Impreza 2012

[deadheadskier]

My wife drives a 2004 Mazda3. Love that car. The less 'smiley' 2011 is a step in the right direction, though I still think the older generations grill is the best looking. The 3 will certainly get a look from us again when our current one dies, especially with the improved Fuel Economy. My 2007 V6 Sonata auto trans bests the 2004 3 hatch MT by a couple MPG.

 

[riverc0il]

The smiley has not grown on me but it is no longer a deal breaker. I actually think the 2012 images posted online look quite nice, so the newest 2012 version of the grill has grown on me.

 

[riverc0il]

I decided to hold back pulling the trigger on either the Elantra or Civic so Impreza is still on the table.

Swinging back and forth again, might not wait after all. :lol:

Back to considering the WV SportWagen TDI. I think they bumped the price a bit this year, not sure if it is worth $28k+ loaded. You can almost get a bare bones A3 for that price (though a bit too bare bones for my tastes). Also considering Lexus CT200h. Never thought I'd even be considering a Lexus but 43/40/42 MPG and a sticker for the Premium at around $31k with nice options, call me curious.

After the MPG increase and regular fuel vs diesel, the lifetime savings at 200k miles would make the car much cheaper (probably a $10k savings total vs the TDI). Basically a sporty looking Prius. Less MPG but better handling and far superior looks. No roof racks available for it though... :-x

Thinking about trying the SportWagen, CT200h, and a current gen Mazda3 this weekend for comparison. If the Mazda3 grabs me, I might wait for the 2012 for the 40 MPG highway. If not, at least I'll know.

The all elusive sporty looking wagon/hatch with superior MPG fully loaded at a good price just doesn't quite seem there yet. Too bad Audi didn't put the AWD into the A3 TDI, that might have convinced me to stretch my already stretched budget out even further. Though AWD is simply a nice thing to have and really not even a factor. But it could be a deciding factor between two otherwise equal options.

:smash:

*sigh*

 

[mrksn]

How bout a Mini Countryman? Kinda $ and mileage isn't great but has AWD option and has a sporty drive to it

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/11/2011-mini-countryman-first-drive-road-test-review/

 

[riverc0il]

How bout a Mini Countryman? Kinda $ and mileage isn't great but has AWD option and has a sporty drive to it

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/11/2011-mini-countryman-first-drive-road-test-review/

Poor interior space (especially considering this is billed as the MINI "crossover"--most compact sedans likely have more space), looks funky outside (funky bad to my tastes) and looks absolutely horrendous inside. Like... worst interior car design ever. MPG combined isn't quite what I am looking for.

 

[MR. evil]

I decided to hold back pulling the trigger on either the Elantra or Civic so Impreza is still on the table. Really want to make a purchase this summer but the Elantra is seeing poor (relative to its EPA estimates) MPG in the real world and the Civic, which has a lot going for it, just looks bland and lacks dual clutch which I prefer for the mountains. Accent has no sunroof (in the hatch)and has some space limitations and I think no dual clutch either. Looks like it is finally time to fix my breaks since I'll be waiting a few more months (been pretty scary lately ).

What looks even better than the Impreza hatch is the Mazda3 (also waiting until the fall). 40mpg for the sedan and I think 38 for the hatch? Good looks (less smiley), best in class performance, and either 38 or 40 mpg? I'm partial to the Mazda3 interior looks, as well. Impreza better be good to top that, AWD ain't worth that much to me (though I'd prefer to go with it if the rest of the car earns the nod).

We are also in the market for a new car and the Mazda 3 hatch is on the top of the list at the moment. Checked out the Impreza but didn't car for it that much. Really liked the VW Golf TDI but it pretty pricy.

 

[riverc0il]

We are also in the market for a new car and the Mazda 3 hatch is on the top of the list at the moment. Checked out the Impreza but didn't car for it that much. Really liked the VW Golf TDI but it pretty pricy.

The TDIs prices aren't too bad by themselves because you'll get it back at the pump even with diesel being more expensive. The problem is adding any options. WV really kills you with optioning a car. Golf looks a little small for my cargo needs. I gotta wonder if my 186 Atuas would even fit. Otherwise, I would add that to the list. Mazda3 with 40 MPG is going to be a massive hit... it fixes what many might consider the only problem with that car.

 

[MR. evil]

The TDIs prices aren't too bad by themselves because you'll get it back at the pump even with diesel being more expensive. The problem is adding any options. WV really kills you with optioning a car. Golf looks a little small for my cargo needs. I gotta wonder if my 186 Atuas would even fit. Otherwise, I would add that to the list. Mazda3 with 40 MPG is going to be a massive hit... it fixes what many might consider the only problem with that car.

Ya, to get the TDI equipped similar to the Mazda 3 was too expensive. Where have you seen 40mph for the hatch back? I thought it gets low 30's on the highway. I have been told there will be a turbo diesel version in the US by 2013. Wish I could wait that long. If the Speed3 got better milage and didn't take premium gas I would love to get that car.

 

[riverc0il]

Ya, to get the TDI equipped similar to the Mazda 3 was too expensive. Where have you seen 40mph for the hatch back? I thought it gets low 30's on the highway. I have been told there will be a turbo diesel version in the US by 2013. Wish I could wait that long. If the Speed3 got better milage and didn't take premium gas I would love to get that car.

2012 sedan will get 40 MPG highway, hatch maybe 1-2 less. At least for the lower HP versions. Gotta wait though... probably good deals on 2011s right now though. Who wants to buy a 2011 when MPG is going to get boasted by like 10 in two months? I bet Subie is having the same problem with 2011 Imprezas. At least the Mazda3 you have a reason to sacrifice low MPG.

 

[deadheadskier]

Is the cargo space in the 12 Mazda3 hatch significantly improved over the 04-08 addition (basically pre-smiley face)?

I ask because the cargo space in our generation 3 hatch (04) kinda sucks. I can pack way more crap in my 07 Hyundai Sonata and still see clear out my back window than I can in our 3 packed clear to the ceiling with the seats down.

There's no comparison driving wise, our Mazda3 blows away the Sonata in 'fun factor', but it's definitely not a better 'cargo/utility' vehicle at all (unless you need to move a large appliance).

If I were to go for a 12 Mazda3 with the 40mpg highway rating, I'd do so with the intentions of also getting a roof box, which probably brings the MPG down to the top end of the economy Sedan range.

 

[riverc0il]

Roof rack would be a given no matter what but I was going to snag a box for camping and trips only. There shouldn't be any comparison between a compact hatch and a mid-sized sedan, mid-sized sedan should always have more room than a compact hatch. For me, I am stepping up from a sub-compact coup so its all bigger for me. 2012 Mazda3 is the same physically as the current model, just a new engine offering.

 

[hammer]

Also considering Lexus CT200h. Never thought I'd even be considering a Lexus but 43/40/42 MPG and a sticker for the Premium at around $31k with nice options, call me curious.

After the MPG increase and regular fuel vs diesel, the lifetime savings at 200k miles would make the car much cheaper (probably a $10k savings total vs the TDI). Basically a sporty looking Prius. Less MPG but better handling and far superior looks. No roof racks available for it though... :-x

I saw the review of the CT200h on Motorweek...you may be OK with it but over 10 seconds for 0-60 is a bit slow for me. My Jeep Grand Cherokee with the V6 (which is reported by many as underpowered but I'm OK with) does better than that.

Does anyone drive a Prius for skiing? How does it handle with snow tires? I looked at one at an auto show a few years ago and a person I talked to there said that they were pretty bad in the snow.

 

[Glenn]

Does anyone drive a Prius for skiing? How does it handle with snow tires? I looked at one at an auto show a few years ago and a person I talked to there said that they were pretty bad in the snow.

I see them now and again. I'd highly recomend getting snows. They come with a low rolling resistance tire; they're a farily hard rubber compound and it only gets worse in the cold weather. I've been behind one with the OEM tires and it was an interesting sight. This dude was spinning his wheels and couldn't get up a mild hill that was plowed, but snow covered.

 

[Geoff]

I see them now and again. I'd highly recomend getting snows. They come with a low rolling resistance tire; they're a farily hard rubber compound and it only gets worse in the cold weather. I've been behind one with the OEM tires and it was an interesting sight. This dude was spinning his wheels and couldn't get up a mild hill that was plowed, but snow covered.

I moved a Prius that a renter had gotten stuck in front of my KMart condo. It is a very mild uphill and usually isn't a problem if you keep any kind of momentum. She didn't have a clue how to snow-drive. It took me 3 tries backing it down to the flats to get a running start. I'm sure the car is great with good snow tires but those high MPG rock-hard stock tires are the worst snow performers I've ever encountered.

My VW GTI came with 18" wheels and performance summer tires. That's challenging to back out of the parking spot in a November snow storm. With Nokians, it's a better snow car than my AWD SUV until it bottoms out.

As everybody knows, I recommend people put modern snows with good black ice performance on any car. It's foolish not to pick up the extra safety margin braking and cornering. I put studded snows on my SUV in the winter. The thing is dangerous otherwise on black ice.

 

[hammer]

As everybody knows, I recommend people put modern snows with good black ice performance on any car. It's foolish not to pick up the extra safety margin braking and cornering. I put studded snows on my SUV in the winter. The thing is dangerous otherwise on black ice.

This topic has been addressed before I think...

I agree with the concept of putting snows on but when the cost is over $1000 for a set of wheels and snows (and TPMS sensors) I usually don't bother. AWD with all season tires isn't ideal but is better than nothing, and I have yet to get stuck or have significant traction issues.

 

[riverc0il]

I saw the review of the CT200h on Motorweek...you may be OK with it but over 10 seconds for 0-60 is a bit slow for me. My Jeep Grand Cherokee with the V6 (which is reported by many as underpowered but I'm OK with) does better than that.

Blah blah blah. All the reviews online slam the CT200h for one of the slowest 0-60 speeds. But who in their right mind is buying this car for going fast? Some folks think they can have their cake and eat it too... but you don't buy a hybrid for 0-60 no more than someone buys a Mustang for fuel efficiency. If the CT200h had faster 0-60, it wouldn't get the good fuel economy. And what do you really need 0-60 for? Maybe if I lived in the city and had to frequently merge into difficult traffic. But then again, the city for commuting is a parking lot. No one is getting up to 60 during rush hour any ways. It is the same speed as the Prius and I doubt Prius reviews knock it as harshly. The CT200h is basically for someone that wants great MPG and style and wouldn't be caught dead in a Prius. I don't think I have ever gone 0-60 faster than 10 seconds in any car.

Might be a none issue any ways. Due to the Japan thing, dealers ain't got em' and there are already preorders (hello MSRP!). I'm checking out a SportWagen this weekend.

 

[bvibert]

Very interested to hear what you think about the SportWagen

 

[riverc0il]

Very interested to hear what you think about the SportWagen

I am interested to hear what I think about it. I still feel dirty for even looking at a VW. I hate the brand, I hate their image, I hate their prices. The SportWagen is also much too big for what I need but the Golf is way too small. It basically is the only option of the market that has everything of what I want and nothing of what I don't. I've actually already searched around to see if I could change out the WV badges to something generic if I did buy it. :lol: WV is doing what Subie should be doing... making an irresistible package to those that prefer function over form. Subie went the other way.

 

[bvibert]

I am interested to hear what I think about it. I still feel dirty for even looking at a VW. I hate the brand, I hate their image, I hate their prices. The SportWagen is also much too big for what I need but the Golf is way too small. It basically is the only option of the market that has everything of what I want and nothing of what I don't. I've actually already searched around to see if I could change out the WV badges to something generic if I did buy it. :lol: WV is doing what Subie should be doing... making an irresistible package to those that prefer function over form. Subie went the other way.

That's why I want to hear your opinion, because you're not a VW guy... Quite the opposite, actually.

 

[Geoff]

I am interested to hear what I think about it. I still feel dirty for even looking at a VW. I hate the brand, I hate their image, I hate their prices. The SportWagen is also much too big for what I need but the Golf is way too small. It basically is the only option of the market that has everything of what I want and nothing of what I don't. I've actually already searched around to see if I could change out the WV badges to something generic if I did buy it. :lol: WV is doing what Subie should be doing... making an irresistible package to those that prefer function over form. Subie went the other way.

I don't get the Golf "way too small" vs Wagon "way too big".

You do know that a Golf and a Jetta wagon are identical from the rear wheels-forwards? They both have a 101.5" wheelbase. Other than extending the body 13" aft of the rear wheels, the cars are mechanically identical.


Personally, I'd like to have a GTI R wagon. I don't care for the option package on the Jetta wagon. I want the extra foot to hold stuff but I also want Xenons, nice seats, Haldex, and a 2Lgasoline turbo. You can buy that in Europe but they don't import it.