I contacted Subaru by email, here is the scoop on the 2012 Impreza w/manual transmission:
Dear Mr. Rafferty:
Thank you for visiting the Subaru Web Site and for your interest in a 2012 Subaru Impreza.
AWD Subaru vehicles with manual transmission can be towed with all four wheels on the ground and the transmission in neutral.
When towing a manual transmission 2012 Impreza behind your motorhome, you would want the transmission in neutral and the key in the 1st position from "OFF." As all new models are equipped with digital odometers, mileage will not accumulate when being towed.
Thanks again for your interest in Subaru products. Have a great weekend, Burns.
Sincerely,
John J. Mergen
Subaru of America, Inc.
Customer/Dealer Services Department
1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783)
Service Request #1-1980576722
[THREAD ID:1-WR6MS3]
-----Original Message-----
From: xxxxxxxxxx
Sent: 4/12/2012 04:35:18 PM
To:
CustDlrServices@subaru.com
Subject: (SR #:1-1980576722) Product Information
Hi - I am interested in the 2012 Impreza. My wife and I own an motorhome and I need to know if the 2012 Impreza (manual transmission) is flat-towable (all 4 wheels on the ground @ 60mph) behind the motorhome and what, if any, restrictions there are. I'm not sure the salesperson really understood the question I asked.
Based on this official reply from Subaru, I purchased a new 2012 Impreza. Truly a terrific car!