Many new cars are shipping with auxiliary input jacks to enable iPods and other devices equipped with a headphone jack to work, but Subaru’s going a step further with the 2008 Impreza. Select models feature an integrated iPod interface that lets you control the iPod from the car’s head unit.
The Impreza is Subaru’s most compact car. It’s available in four-door, five-door and Outback Sport trim levels, and it also comes in a sportier performance WRX version. The iPod interface plugs into the iPod’s dock connector and is hidden inside the Impreza’s center console — it’s designed for use in Impreza models that do not have factory navigation or satellite radio built in.
The Impreza’s iPod interface enables you to display playlist, artist, album and song information on the head unit’s text display, fast forward, rewind, play and pause. You can also control the iPod from steering wheel-mounted controls.
The interfaces charges the iPod’s battery, and automatically turns the iPod off when the vehicle is turned off. It’ll even resume playback from the iPod when the car is restarted. The iPod will automatically pause when the vehicle’s audio system is switched to AM, FM or CD modes (the iPod is accessed through a “SAT” button).