Item: Subaru Impreza
Rating: 2
Author: What Car? Team

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Introduction

Performance & drive

Interior

Passenger & boot space

Costs & verdict

There’s no way around it: the Impreza is expensive to buy. In fact, it’s priced more in line with the pricey Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI and sporty range-topping <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/octavia/hatchback/review/n17187">Skoda Octavia vRS</a>. It’s worth pointing out that much cheaper versions of both of those rivals are still better than the Impreza.

Furthermore, the Impreza’s high CO2 output will deter any potential company car buyers and the car doesn’t compete strongly on finance deals, either. As noted before, the Impreza’s standard all-wheel drive means claimed fuel economy is not anything special compared with rivals.

For those interested most in safety, though, the Impreza scored a very impressive full five-star rating from Euro NCAP, with particularly high marks for adult occupant protection. All of its key rivals also scored five stars, but all Imprezas get Subaru’s EyeSight safety system as standard; this includes features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist.

The Impreza gets a better-than-average five-year, 100,000-mile warranty and, although the car itself did not feature in our latest reliability survey, Subaru as a brand finished a very respectable tenth out of 32 manufacturers.

While there’s only one trim level with a hefty price tag, you do at least get a huge amount of standard equipment; 17in alloy wheels, climate control, cruise control with braking function, Subaru’s 8.0in infotainment touchscreen, a DAB radio, heated front seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring and a reversing camera are all thrown in.

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There are two engines available: 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre petrol units. The 2.0 may be the more powerful, but it still doesn’t feel outright quick. It’s a naturally aspirated unit, rather than a turbocharged one like in most rivals, so acceleration is linear but has little meaningful zest. That said, it feels more than comfortable keeping up with traffic in and out of town.

The 1.6 – which is also naturally aspirated – is noticeably slower and has less low-end pull, so the 2.0 is a better bet given the choice.

Subaru's CVT automatic gearbox doesn’t help things. While it feels natural enough when making modest progress at low speeds, any enthusiastic prod of the accelerator sends the revs soaring – but at least it settles down at a cruise. Indeed, engine noise at a cruise is only a background hum, while wind noise is well suppressed, although road noise does worsen on the motorway.

The Impreza's control weights are positive, though, and its brake pedal is especially well judged. Its steering is accurate and nicely weighted, too, making it possible to confidently place the Impreza through corners, while the high grip levels also inspire confidence. However, the car still isn’t as sweet to drive as the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus in this regard.

The same goes for ride quality. Over smaller, high-frequency bumps and large undulations, the Impreza manages to keep its body in check, but hit the odd recessed drain cover or large rut and its suspension struggles to contain the hit quite as well as a Golf or Focus.

And although standard four-wheel drive is a Subaru trademark, we can’t see the point of it in a family car. Yes, the Impreza will go further off road than anything else in this class, but the extra weight being hauled around only blunts the car's handling and has a negative effect on fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

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Fuel 

Gearbox

0-62 MPH

Slow and underpowered, this engine is best avoided.

http://example.com

1.6i Lineartronic

Subaru owners often give a passing wave to one another on British roads – a fact that illustrates the left-field choice that the brand’s offerings have become in this country.

In fact, the Impreza is the second-lowest-selling model globally in the Subaru line-up. Yet, despite meagre sales, the manufacturer says the Impreza is its best-known car, thanks to its illustrious World Rally Championship history.

This latest Impreza is bigger inside than before, while there's a simple choice of two four-cylinder petrol ‘boxer’ engines – 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre units – with a Lineartronic CVT gearbox and one trim level.

It’s not cheap, though, and there’s some stiff competition in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/category/family">family car</a> class. The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/review/n17371">Volkswagen Golf</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/focus/hatchback/review/n37">Ford Focus</a> are among the most recognisable and ubiquitous cars in the UK, along with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/octavia/hatchback/review/n39">Skoda Octavia</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/civic/hatchback/review/n82">Honda Civic</a>.

Does the new Impreza do enough to be a more palatable mainstream offering from Subaru or is it still a niche choice? Read on and we will tell you everything you need to know about the car.

And if you have set your heart on an Impreza, visit our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/configure/subaru/impreza/hatchback/">new car deals page</a>, where you could get yourself a discount without haggling.

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Inside, the Impreza is robust and cleanly designed rather than exciting.

It all feels decently put together, but the interior doesn’t have the polished feel you’d find in the Volskwagen Golf and Skoda Octavia. It’s simple to find a suitable driving position, though, with a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat and a steering wheel that adjusts for reach as well as height.

The 8.0in touchscreen infotainment system is helpfully positioned close to the driver, making it easy to operate on the move. It’s just unfortunate that the laggy touchscreen remains one of the poorer examples on the market.

The Impreza is offered in one refreshingly simple take-it-or-leave-it trim. SE comes with lashings of kit, including an infotainment system, a DAB radio, heated seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, as well as a reversing camera.

The notable omission is sat-nav, which you can’t even spec as an option. Subaru’s justification is that most people prefer to use their phone for navigation and the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto therefore negates the need for it.

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Hatchback

Once best known for its flame-spitting, rally-bred Imprezas, Subaru’s focus now is on cars that will appeal to a far wider audience, and especially one that values go-anywhere ability and no-nonsense values above all others.

The result is a mixed bag of offerings, none of which rise beyond being average in their class but most of which have facets that make them stand out from their rivals. Core to its range are the Forester and Outback SUVs, while the Levorg is a more conventional estate.

At other extremes, there’s also the BRZ, an entertaining coupé that is let down by its price and resale values, and of course the Impreza, which comes in a variety of forms, including a hot model.

SUBARU

IMPREZA

The Subaru Impreza is safe and great off road, but it trails its impressive rivals in all other respects

You won’t be disappointed with the space on offer inside the Impreza. There’s plenty of room for the driver and front passenger to stretch out and get comfortable, and the generous door pockets, decent glovebox, two cupholders and large cubbys beneath the front armrest and at the base of the dashboard are also welcome.

Adult rear occupants will find good head room on offer and only the particularly tall will want more leg room. Even so, while the Impreza is on a par with a Volkswagen Golf or Ford Focus in terms of rear space, a Skoda Octavia has far more leg room if you regularly carry tall adults in the back.

The Impreza’s boot, meanwhile, is average for the class; it’s bigger than the Focus's, similar to that in the Golf and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/leon/hatchback/review/n89">Seat Leon</a>, but dwarfed by the cavernous boot in both the Octavia and Honda Civic.

All Imprezas get 60/40 split-folding rear seats as standard that lie flat when down – something that can be achieved via levers located near the rear headrests – so opening up the space is easy.

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OUR PICK

It’s the only option – and a pricey one. However, 17in alloy wheels, climate control, cruise control with braking function, Subaru’s 8.0in infotainment touchscreen, a DAB radio, heated front seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a reversing camera are all included. 

The Subaru Impreza is safe and great off road, but it trails its impressive rivals in all other respects

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of practical space </li> <li>Low running costs </li> <li>A comfortable ride </li> <li>A healthy equipment list </li> <li>Quality materials and thoughtful touches inside </li> <li>Rock-solid reliability</li></ul>

Family cars arguably have the toughest brief of all: they have to be good at pretty much everything. They’re used as the daily drive, on the school run or work commute (often both), and have to be able to cope with a family’s clutter on weekends and holidays.

The Skoda Scala is a relative newcomer, but it's&nbsp;already carved out a name for itself in this segment.&nbsp;If you're looking for a moderately priced car that combines a supple ride, neat handling, a spacious interior and a capacious boot&nbsp;it's well worth a look.&nbsp;Alternatively, if you're looking for entertaining handling then the&nbsp;BMW 1 Series may well be for you. It's great to drive, rides well&nbsp;and also comes with a top-notch interior, featuring one of our very favourite infotainment systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Toyota Corolla&nbsp;is another great choice. This latest version of one of the world's best-selling cars of all time can be had with a choice of two different petrol-electric hybrid engines, both of which should mean&nbsp;potentially lower fuel bills. It's comfortable, well equipped and should be very reliable, too.&nbsp;

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Subaru Impreza review

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Buying advice for the Subaru Impreza covering running costs, MPG, Fuel Economy, Reliability and Safety, from the expert What Car? review team.

There’s no way around it: the Impreza is expensive to buy. In fact, it’s priced more in line with the pricey Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI and sporty range-topping Skoda Octavia vRS. It’s worth pointing out that much cheaper versions of both of those rivals are still better than the Impreza.,Furthermore, the Impreza’s high CO2 output will deter any potential company car buyers and the car doesn’t compete strongly on finance deals, either. As noted before, the Impreza’s standard all-wheel drive means claimed fuel economy is not anything special compared with rivals.,For those interested most in safety, though, the Impreza scored a very impressive full five-star rating from Euro NCAP, with particularly high marks for adult occupant protection. All of its key rivals also scored five stars, but all Imprezas get Subaru’s EyeSight safety system as standard; this includes features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist.The Impreza gets a better-than-average five-year, 100,000-mile warranty and, although the car itself did not feature in our latest reliability survey, Subaru as a brand finished a very respectable tenth out of 32 manufacturers.,While there’s only one trim level with a hefty price tag, you do at least get a huge amount of standard equipment; 17in alloy wheels, climate control, cruise control with braking function, Subaru’s 8.0in infotainment touchscreen, a DAB radio, heated front seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring and a reversing camera are all thrown in.,For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here 

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