Subaru’s Impreza modest car is not as well-liked as it the moment was, attracting about a 3rd of the prospective buyers it did a ten years back.
Is there continue to a little something to appreciate about the car that spawned the vaunted WRX? We obtain out.
Value
The latest four-tier line-up starts at about $26,500 drive-away. We are screening the 2.0i High quality hatch — the third notch on the totem pole — priced at about $32,500. All those wanting a more substantial boot can decide a sedan version and help you save a couple hundred dollars.
It would be challenging to discover an additional likewise priced smaller motor vehicle with the identical degree of active and passive protection gear, though there’s also good range of infotainment and connectivity features, such as Apple CarPlay/Android Car, a CD participant, digital radio and in-created satnav.
A 5-yr/unrestricted km guarantee matches the guarantees of most of the Impreza’s principal rivals. Servicing is high priced, costing entrepreneurs extra than $2400 above 5 several years.
Comfort
The Impreza’s cabin is snug and functional but lacks the wow component of some of its rivals. Steering wheel controls are easy to use and infotainment is taken care of by using an eight-inch touchscreen.
There are a good deal of USB ports and dual-zone airconditioning will attractiveness to front seat travellers. But these in the rear seats will have to go with out both.
The fabric seats are relaxed and supply good aid all through prolonged drives but they could do with a little bit a lot more facet help via corners. The future quality up receives electrically adjusted heated seats wrapped in faux leather-based.
The back seats are roomy, with previously mentioned ordinary leg and head place for a smaller car or truck. And the boot can deal with the weekly store and a few bags for a weekend getaway.
Safety
The Impreza gets a five-star ANCAP basic safety rating thanks to a strong crash ranking and a lengthy checklist of lively protection equipment which includes entrance and rear automobile crisis braking, lane departure warning, lane-maintain support, lane-modify guide, blind-spot checking, rear cross-visitors notify and adaptive cruise control.
DRIVING
All Subarus appear with all-wheel travel — a signature function that has attained a loyal subsequent. It is only non-efficiency tiny car or truck with all-wheel travel.
Electrical power will come from Subaru’s trustworthy four-cylinder boxer engine producing 115kW and 196Nm, which is about par for the study course in the small-car or truck segment.
The CVT car can sense a bit clunky and unrefined on takeoff, even though there’s a whirring as the transmission winds up, which could possibly not fit all tastes. A conventional car would be superior.
But the Impreza is prepared enough when pushed and feels stable and comfy at freeway speeds. Steering is weighty and direct, inspiring self confidence.
The Impreza does some of its very best operate through the every day grind, heading about its company with minimal fuss in site visitors and metropolis driving.
The experience is easy, soaking up bumps and lumps as they arrive together.
Gas use is a claimed 6.6L/100km, which is common for this form of motor vehicle, and it runs on much less expensive unleaded petrol.
VERDICT 3.5/5
A effectively-rounded and roomy little hatch that ticks plenty of safety bins with the included bonus of all-wheel drive. But an normal inside, pricey servicing and a ho-hum transmission relegate the Impreza to the center of the pack.
Choices
Toyota Corolla SX, about $32,470 push-away
Mr trusted. Top selling Corolla is much less expensive to personal and maintain and is just one of the improved driving smaller automobiles.
Mazda3 Evolve, about $32,000 push-absent
With great seems to be inside and out, the Mazda3 is as fashionable as they arrive. But it isn’t as effectively outfitted at this price tag level.
Kia Cerato Activity Additionally, about $29,690 push-away
Great worth compact hatch that is well-equipped and backed by Kia’s benchmark 7-calendar year guarantee. Thirsty.
SUBARU IMPREZA 2.0i Top quality HATCH
Rate: About $32,500 generate-absent
Engine: 2.-litre 4-cylinder petrol, 115kW/196Nm
Guarantee/serving: 5-year, unl’td km/ $2431 over five a long time
Safety: 5 stars, 7 airbags, vehicle crisis braking, blind-spot checking, lane departure warning, lane-retain help, lane-adjust help, rear cross-visitors alert, adaptive cruise command.
Thirst: 6.6L/100km
Boot: 345L
