Subaru Impreza Wins 2012 MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award For Best Compact Car

Subaru of America, Inc. was awarded the 2012 MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award for Best Compact Car at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show.

The award comes on the heels of strong sales results from the automaker. The brand set a sales record in 2011 and has started 2012 with sales up twenty-one percent over the previous year.

"It is an honor to receive the award for best compact car from MotorWeek," Thomas J. Doll, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, Subaru of America, Inc. "We are very excited about the all-new Impreza and we feel it is a game-changer for Subaru in the compact segment. In fact, Impreza sales in January were up 175-percent.."

The 2012 Subaru Impreza is equipped as standard with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Powered by a 148-hp 2.0-liter Boxer engine, the vehicle comes with a choice of a five-speed manual transmission or the enhanced, second-generation CVT (continuously variable transmission). The vehicle offers the highest fuel economy of any all-wheel drive car in America, with EPA ratings of 27 mpg city and 36 mpg highway for models with the CVT.

"With its 2012 re-design, we think the Subaru Impreza is primed for prime time," said John Davis, MotorWeek host. "No other compact comes close to the Impreza's mix of standard all-wheel-drive, upscale interior, and near bargain pricing. Add in a fun-to-drive steering feel, plus a big jump in fuel economy, and you've got a four-season winner."

2012 MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award Winners:

1. Best of the Year - Ford Mustang Boss 302
2. Best Subcompact Car - TIE Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent
3. Best Compact Car - Subaru Impreza
4. Best Family Sedan - TIE Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima
5. Best Minivan - Honda Odyssey
6. Best Convertible - Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
7. Best Luxury Sedan - Infiniti M
8. Best Sport Sedan - Volkswagen Jetta GLI
9. Best Sport Coupe - Cadillac CTS Coupe
10. Best Performance Car - Ford Mustang Boss 302
11. Best Small Utility - Mazda CX-5
12. Best Large Utility - TIE Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango
13. Best Pickup Truck - Ford F-150
14. Best Eco-Friendly - Toyota Prius Family
15. Best Dream Machine - Ferrari 458 Italia, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, Porsche 911

Now in its thirty-first season, the television program MotorWeek is a source for automotive reviews and DIY car care advice. Produced by Maryland Public Television, MotorWeek airs on PBS, Velocity, and V-me Spanish-language networks.

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