1998 Subaru Impreza Review (continued)
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Walkaround

The Outback Sport's aggressive styling is endearing. An attractive grille and functional cooling vents complement the front bumper. A big hood scoop just like the one on Subaru's red-hot rally car sits atop the hood near the base of the windshield. While appealing to our driving team from the outside, some of us found the scoop a bit too noticeable from the inside. Two-tone exterior body paint, white-lettered 15-inch, all-season radial tires, splash guards, protective lower body cladding, a rear bumper cover and a raised suspension enhance the racy, rugged facade. Fog lamps ($245) and alloy wheels ($550) are optional.

Big windows make visibility excellent from inside. Narrow A-pillars allow for expansive tinted glass in the front that continues through the elongated side and stylish rear quarter-panel windows in the back. An integrated roof rack is ready for the kayak. The rear door opens upward to reveal up to 62 cubic feet of storage when the split rear seat is folded flat.

Interior Features

The Outback Sport's interior is a bit short on luxury and length, but it's a comfortable cabin with practical and tasteful styling. It's easy to get in and out of this five-passenger, four-door wagon due to its lower ride height, wide door opening and ample head room. Reclining front bucket seats are comfortable and nicely contoured.

A new dash and instrument cluster makes gauges easier to see and controls and cupholders are conveniently located. New inside door panels freshen the interior. An new optional Gauge Pack ($395) includes a barometer, compass, altimeter and ambient temperature gauge--useful information for traversing the Outback. The Sport comes with a high level of standard equipment including a center console that was optional last year.

The rear cargo area features a 12-volt power outlet, rear cargo hooks, a cargo cover and a heavy-duty storage tray. The Sport comes with halogen headlights that shut down automatically when the ignition is turned off to prevent battery drain. Remote keyless entry is available for $225. Standard safety features include airbags, side-impact door beams, collapsible steering column, four-channel ABS, front and rear three-point manual seatbelts and child safety locks on the rear doors. Our test model came with optional cruise control ($357), and CD player ($420).