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Posted 10.18.2009

Executive Wheels: Think you don’t like Subarus?

Page 3

A lot comes standard in this very nice car, including ABS and Brake Assist; 60/40 split fold-down rear seat; 3-spoke steering wheel with audio and cruise control switches; AC; multi-information display with readouts for clock, trip computer, and outside temperature; cruise control; power doors locks, mirrors and windows; remote keyless entry; tilt/telescoping steering wheel; tire pressure monitoring; and Vehicle Dynamics Control with traction control.

The 6-speed manual transmission is excellent; a nice tight clutch, great gearing ratios. I felt in total control at all times. This 170-hp engine is smooth as silk, and surprisingly powerful. This car can fly, with power to spare.

The driving was also special. No lean in the corners, very tight, responsive steering. I have driven cars that cost nearly twice as much that I didn't like half as well.

I bring this up because price is the issue here. The base price on the 2.5i is a mere $19,995, or $20,995 with the CVT. For the Premium, the MSRP rises to $20,995 and $21,995, respectively. That is an excellent price considering this is an AWD vehicle.

My test-drive model had the power glass moonroof, a $995 option. You can also get an all-weather package - heated front seats, windshield wiper deicer and heated exterior mirrors - for $500, and for $995 a Harmon-Kardon audio system with a 6-CD changer, 440 watt amplifier, nine speakers and hands-free Bluetooth phone capability.

So my test-drive model, as near as I can tell, carried a price of $21,990. I have not been in a car with this many features including AWD for anywhere near that price. And this 2010 model is about $1,000 less than last year's model.

That is amazing. This car is amazing. It overcomes every objection you've ever had to a Subaru, has all of the great Subaru stuff enhanced, and costs less. It's a steal, and quite a legacy - in every sense of the term - for Subaru.

RATING: FIVE WHEELS (OUT OF FOUR). [It's that good].

Jeff Rundles is a former editor of ColoradoBiz and a regular columnist. Read his blog, "Executive Wheels" or email him at jrundles@cobizmag.com.

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