2002 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport Review (continued)
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Walkaround

The new Subaru styling is striking, particularly the large oval headlamps with the integrated turn signals, combined with the large foglamps just below. It's derived from the rally-racing image Subaru is cultivating for the other Impreza models, but it also works well with the outdoorsy image of the Outback Sport. The Outback Sport stands tall in a parking lot, continuing the humpbacked wagon profile of the earlier Impreza wagons along with the two-tone paint scheme. The new 16-inch alloy wheels are much classier than the nicest full wheelcovers.

The rear hatch has a door handle rather than a key-operated release. And the top of the rear bumper has a rubber pad that will save the painted plastic on the bumper from scrapes and dings while loading gear in back. The standard roof rack will prove useful to people who want to carry bicycles, kayaks, skis or other toys to their respective playgrounds.

Interior Features

2002 brings a new interior to the Impreza Outback Sport. Subaru designers shopped in the better end of the plastics store and it shows in the quality look and feel of the interior. The materials are nicer than what's found in many compact cars. The new interior is not only roomier, but looks it as well, with a two-tone treatment, darker on upper surfaces to reduce reflections and lighter on lower surfaces for visual expansiveness.

Seating surfaces and door inserts have a nice tweedy fabric that's soft and warm. The front seats have wing bolsters on the seatback for adequate lateral support when cornering, but forego high side bolsters on the seat bottoms, allowing easier entry and exit. It's a nice compromise. Power seats aren't available. However, the driver's seat levers up and down to accommodate drivers of different heights, somewhat similarly to the way Volkswagen seats operate; in addition there are the usual recline and fore-and-aft adjustments. The steering wheel also has a generous two inches of up-and-down adjustment, almost double that of the previous-generation Impreza.

Power window and lock switches are located in the armrests; the driver's window switch is lighted, a plus, but having the door lock switch lighted as well would prevent fumbling for it in the dark. The dual map lights are well positioned for easy reading in the dark. The cover cubbyhole on the dash of the previous generation was replaced by a digital clock. A mini-visor over the inside rear view mirror is appreciated when the sun is just in the wrong position.

Rear foot room is limited unless driver and front passenger move their seats forward, although we're aware this is a small car. It's not the widest car, though, and three adult males in the back seat is a tight squeeze. At least there are three full lap-and-shoulder belts, the middle with a retaining guide on the seatback. A retractable cargo cover is standard and removable; with the rear seatbacks tilted forward, there's a maximum of 61.6 cubic feet of take-it-with-you space. How much new camping gear do two people need? Well, there's always that roof rack and under-floor stowage in the cargo area for those who continually browse the Mountain Hardwear catalog.

The cargo area also has a power point, great for inflating rubber rafts or air mattresses. The rear hatch raises high enough that most will be able to stand underneath it without ducking. The cargo area also has its own light and four tie-down hooks. The rear glass has a defroster/deicer standard; a nice touch is the zigzag heating element under where the rear wiper, also standard, rests. Ice buildup here can render a rear wiper useless during a snowfall.

The overall feel of interior, from the quality of plastics used, to the fabrics, to the burnished-metal bezels on the dash and center console give the interior a warmth and richness often lacking in a small car. But then, the Outback Sport isn't a lowball market entrant.