Subaru Impreza 2019 Review

The Subaru Impreza competes with cars including the Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Hyundai i30 and Volkswagen Golf. But unlike those models, it distinguishes itself with all-wheel drive – helping create a competitive point of difference.

Sitting at the entry point of the Japanese car-maker’s line-up in Australia, the Subaru Impreza is available in two body styles – sedan and hatch – and four different grades.

Each is mated to the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. Horizontally-opposed, the four-pot makes 115kW and 196Nm. The all-wheel drive system is matched by a CVT automatic transmission as standard across the range.

The Subaru Impreza range starts at $22,880 (plus on-road costs)  for the 2.0i sedan, while the hatch equivalent adds $200. The entry model gets a 6.5-inch colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, reversing camera, climate control, cruise control and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The base car misses out on Subaru’s Eyesi ght technology, which includes forward pre collision warning, blind spot detection and other important safety features, but maintains its 2016 date-stamped five-star ANCAP safety rating with full airbag coverage (including driver’s knee airbag), stability control and ABS.

On the other side of the four-grade line-up is the 2.0i-S priced at $29,960 (plus ORCs). It scores the aforementioned Eyesight suite, along with a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen, front fog lights with daytime running lights and premium seat trims.

Subaru largely avoids the options catalogue with its cars, including metallic paintwork as standard.

The Japanese car-maker recently extended its warranty provisions in Australia to five years/unlimited kilometres. Servicing intervals are rated at every 12 months/12,500km, with a combined servicing costs rated at $1300 for the first three years.

At that money, the Impreza saves you about $6000 compared with the more popular XV SUV with which is shares its underpinnings.

The Impreza is a competent machine both in around-town and touring capacities – especially if you stay within its comfort zone.

The ride and handling balance is nicely struck, accommodating long road-trips along with the occasional lash through the corners, while the all-wheel drive underpinnings endow the hatch with an added safety net on slippery surfaces.

Subaru’s tuning of the steering and suspension is well considered, though the Impreza isn’t as dynamically pleasing as a Mazda3 or Hyundai i30. Similarly, the cabin doesn’t suppress road noise as well as some competitors, though overall refinement is strong.

Elsewhere, the Impreza’s horizontally-opposed ‘boxer’ engine has been doing the rounds for a few years now. In isolation it puts up ample power and adequate fuel efficiency, but frankly, in the company of newer rivals, it feels off the pace.

The engine lacks the refinement and effectiveness of newer turbocharged units, and its combination with a CVT automatic transmission means there is often more noise and revs than there is response. Think a 0-100km/h time of 10.1sec.

In regular conveyance the engine develops torque early in the rev count and makes light work of intersections, but under heavier circumstances it feels languid and thrashy under revs.

The Impreza’s core strengths have traditionally resonated with first-time drivers, snow-goers and older buyers alike.

What’s obvious from the fitout to the cabin to the driving dynamics is that the Impreza adopts a one-size-fits-all tack, be it from the installation of four USB points inside the cabin, to the comfort-oriented seats.

On the practicality front, the Impreza boasts decent in car storage and space, including bottle holders in all doors and two cup holders between the front seats, a cargo blind and cargo hooks in the hatch and a cargo area light.

Rear seat space is commendable for this segment, while the 345-litre boot will happily accommodate overnight bags for weekends away. Split-folding seats and three top-tether child anchorage points (the outer seats with ISOFIX points) means the Impreza would happily do the rounds as a family car – especially for those not interested in carting bulky prams.

The Impreza advertises a braked towing capacity of 1200kg, though the engine’s unladen characteristics put paid to any serious towing credentials. Sedan variants aren’t compatible with towing either.

The Impreza does everything Subaru says it will – honestly and relatively proficiently.
While elements of the driving experience feel off the pace of rivals, safety, comfort and cabin ergonomics remain redeeming features.

As Australia approaches winter and another snow season, the Impreza’s wares will shine brightest for some. For others, there are more suitable options out there.