The interior of the Impreza is classic Japanese subcompact. It's smooth, rounded and modern, with most controls easy to see and use. The instrument panel includes analog gauges for speed, fuel and engine temperature. The large rotary-dial ventilation controls are placed high on the center console and are easy to use. One longtime Subaru great idea: The headlights automatically turn off with the ignition. Subaru's answer to the battery-saver feature is just now beginning to show up on other vehicles. Compared with all the chimes, bells and buzzers that other automakers employ to remind you the headlights are still on, this simple system is smart and effective.A few items are not so well-placed. The dash-mounted power side-mirror controls are obscured by the steering wheel; a tall cup in the cupholder, which pops out of the center console, will obscure the fan controls above and the radio controls below when a CD player is installed. A few shortcuts are visible, too, as one would expect in a car of this class. The map pockets are net bags attached to the doors. Storage in the center console consists of a small bin the size of two cassette tapes and two half-moon coin holders. But overall the interior works well and looks good. The doors of the LX coupe that we drove had upholstered panels that matched the seats and gave the interior a nicely finished air. Dual airbags are standard, as well as height-adjustable seat belts. The doors meet the 1997 federal side-impact standards. Interior space is quite roomy, with ample leg- and headroom in the rear. A fold-down split rear seat lets you carry long items in the already large trunk, making this car a handy all-around hauler.
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