2019 Subaru Impreza Review

Critic reviews

How does the Subaru Impreza compare with its peers?

1 - 12 of 12

Updated regularly

Name	Product	Boot displacement	ANCAP rating	Price (from)	Finder Score
Volkswagen Golf		374L	5 stars	$32,790	84.4%		loading Fetching your data...
Mazda 3		295L	5 stars	$25,590	83%		loading Fetching your data...
Mazda 2		250L	5 stars	$20,990	82.5%		loading Fetching your data...
Hyundai i30 Green Company		378L	5 stars	$20,440	82.2%		loading Fetching your data...
Ford Focus		341L	5 stars	$25,990	82%		loading Fetching your data...
Holden Astra		445L	5 stars	$21,490	81.2%		loading Fetching your data...
Toyota Corolla		333L	5 stars	$36,600	80.25%		loading Fetching your data...
Volkswagen Polo		280L	5 stars	$18,790	79%		loading Fetching your data...
Honda Civic		414L	5 stars	$23,590	78.6%		loading Fetching your data...
Subaru Impreza		345L	5 stars	$23,080	77.75%		loading Fetching your data...
Suzuki Swift		242L	5 stars	$17,690	76%		loading Fetching your data...
Nissan Leaf			5 stars	$49,990	76%		loading Fetching your data...

loading

Subaru Impreza pricing

Subaru offers four different Impreza models (not including the WRX performance variants), all as either a sedan or hatchback.

2.0i AWD

A 2.0i sedan starts from $25,490 driveaway. A hatchback carries a $200 extra charge, with a sticker price of $25,690. Highlights include AWD, a CVT transmission with manual paddle shifters, air conditioning, cloth seats, an electronic parking brake, smart key and push-button start, 17-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured mirrors and door handles, Halogen headlamps with auto-off, reversing camera, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, a 6.5-inch LCD touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, DAB, Siri compatibility and USB charging ports.

The biggest stand-out feature of the Impreza range has to be all-wheel drive (AWD) on all models.

2.0i-L AWD

For buyers who desire additional comforts and extra features, the 2.0i-L AWD starts at $28,490 as a sedan. The hatchback body can be yours from $28,690. This trim builds upon the base 2.0i spec, adding dual-zone air conditioning, a leather steering wheel and gear shifter, premium cloth upholstery, a tyre pressure monitoring system, door mirror indicators, halogen daytime running lights, front fog lights, an 8-inch touchscreen in addition to a 6.3-inch LCD multi-function display.

Subaru also installs the EyeSight driver assist safety system, which features the following:

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Brake Light Recognition
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Keep Assist
• Lane Sway Warning
• Lead Vehicle Start Alert
• Pre-Collision Brake Assist
• Pre-Collision Braking System
• Pre-Collision Throttle Management

2.0i Premium AWD

Starting from $30,490 for a sedan or $30,690 in hatch-guise, the Premium line Impreza brings a power sunroof and satellite navigation.

2.0i-S AWD

The top-of-the-range 2.0i-S AWD is fully optioned. It costs quite a bit more than other models, at $33,590 as a sedan or $33,790 for the hatch model. For the extra outlay, you'll receive: an 8-way power adjusting driver's seat, heated front seats, leather upholstery, a leather-appointed steering wheel and gear shifter, sports pedals, 18-inch alloys, heated and power-folding door mirrors, LED daytime running and fog lights, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, self-levelling LED headlights with dusk-sensors, side sill skirts and steering-responsive headlights.

This model also has Subaru's Vision Assist, which is made up of:

• Blind Spot Monitor
• Lane Change Keep Assist
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Reverse Automatic Braking

Click on a price to compare car loans for the Subaru Impreza.

Subaru offers an impressive paint palette at no extra cost on the Impreza.

• Crystal White Pearl
• Ice Silver Metallic
• Pure Red
• Quartz Blue Pearl
• Venetian Red pearl
• Dark Blue Pearl
• Dark Grey Metallic
• Crystal Black Silica

Engine and performance

Subaru is well known for its use of Boxer engines, where the pistons lay horizontally, as opposed to vertically or in a V shape, earning them the alias "flat-four". Subaru says this makes for a lightweight, low and flat engine block. In turn, that's supposed to reduce the centre of gravity, bettering the road handling.

Subaru 2.0-litre Boxer petrol

All Imprezas have a 2.0-litre Boxer engine. The powerplant outputs 115kW @ 6,000rpm and a peak torque measurement of 196Nm @ 4,000rpm.

Subaru Impreza gearboxes

Subaru developed a CVT automatic transmission for the Impreza. This gearbox is a type of automatic transmission, where a constantly adjusting mechanism replaces fixed ratio gears. Subaru presets the CVT for simulated gear shifts, meaning it has the equivalent of seven fixed ratios. Otherwise, it seamlessly accelerates from the off, without observable gear changes.

Car reviewers' impressions of the Subaru Impreza engine and transmission line-up

Reviewers described the 2.0-litre Boxer engine as about average for its class. It's a comparatively unique design compared to other manufacturers, thanks to the pistons being turned 90 degrees into a flat position. Though it may sound new, the engine configuration was actually designed before the 1900s and has been commonplace in aeroplanes, motorbikes and vehicles like VW Beetle and Porsche 911. Subaru has made use of the Boxer design since 1966.

This particular iteration apparently is a bit pedestrian. Testers longed for more spirit and more muscle. With peak-torque not kicking in until 4,000 revs, journos also yearned for the boost of a turbocharger.

CVT gearboxes almost universally attract flak for their execution. In theory, they should improve passenger comfort and fuel efficiency. In practice, they'll often sap the car's acceleration and make it feel a bit mundane. Often, they also have a reputation for being loud and whiny.

Subaru's CVT was no different. It seems that reviewers felt it created a sense of being disconnected from the engine. However, nobody complained about droning noises from the transmission and some testers actually believed it worked well, at least in the city.

Subaru Impreza engine and transmission statistics

Subaru Impreza fuel economy

Subaru installs a flat-four, Boxer petrol engine into the Impreza.

2.0-litre Boxer petrol

Subaru lists the fuel economy for the 2.0-litre flat-four in Impreza brochure for the 2.0i, 2.0i-L and 2.0i Premium models as:

• Combined: 6.6L/100km
• Urban: 8.4L/100km
• Extra-urban: 5.6L/100km

The top-of-the-range 2.0i-S uses slightly more petrol:

• Combined: 7.2L/100km
• Urban: 9.1L/100km
• Extra-urban: 6.1L/100km

On test, how much fuel did the motoring experts burn through? Actually, the majority of car reviewers were happy with the economy and found it matched the brochure claims.

Handling

When you think of the Impreza, it's hard not to envision those classic blue, yellow and gold WRC rally cars that seemed to dominate the 90s. Some buyers might expect this Impreza to be equally as fast and hardcore. But that's a bit of a stereotype. If you want a performance Impreza, you'll have to buy the WRX or WRX STI.

The standard Impreza is better suited as a daily driver. It handles nicely around town and motoring experts found nothing that the average car owner would particularly struggle with or dislike. In fact, they were surprised that even though this isn't a hot hatch, it'll still change direction with vim and vigour. The suspension is pegged roughly between bone-jarring and perfectly comfortable, according to one tester.

One overriding handling trait reviewers noticed, the AWD grip and hefty steering make the Impreza feel reassuringly secure and planted. Even a little SUV-like according to some. That'll be handy if you live down a dirt road or in the mountains. Journalists were quick to remind possible buyers that other hatches do a better job in the handling department, but the Impreza does decently well and is one of the only hatches for sale with four driven wheels.

Interior and features

The interior design of the Impreza impressed reviewers. They said it felt airy and spacious (it's supposedly larger than the previous generation model). Apparently, it is also well built to a high standard. All the driver touchpoints, like the steering wheel and pedals, are reportedly nice, beefy and feel chunky. Reviewers liked that.

Things that motoring journalists missed was the lack of a premium-branded sound system that you conventionally get on higher trim models. Another common bugbear was the level of road and wind noise inside the passenger compartment, which sounded elevated compared to some of the Impreza's rivals.

Rear passengers should have plenty of room, at least for a vehicle in this class. Another plus point was the seats, which are described as comfort-biased. Subaru is obviously aiming this at wide-reaching demographic and you could imagine small families getting on with Impreza just as well as a couple or a solitary commuter.

Impreza 2.0i AWD interior specification

Buyers who plump for this base model shouldn't be disappointed because it still it has reams of tech and equipment. You'll get AC climate control, a choice of black or ivory cloth seats (not regularly seen in the segment), 17-inch alloys, paddle shifters, smart-key and push-button start, 2 USB ports, body-coloured external fittings, halogen headlamps with automatic shut-off, a rear spoiler, a reversing camera, Bluetooth, cruise control, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, DAB radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Siri functionality and an electronic parking brake. The rear seats are 60/40 split folding.

Impreza 2.0i-L AWD interior specification

Stepping up to the 2.0i-L bags you lots of more stuff. The AC becomes dual-zone, the steering wheel and gear shifter are clad in leather, there's the choice of two premium cloth seat coverings, a tyre pressure monitor, power-folding mirrors, daytime running lights, front fog lights, the EyeSight safety suite, an enlarged 8-inch touchscreen and finally, a 6.3-inch LCD multi-information display.

Impreza 2.0i Premium AWD interior highlights

Why would you spend extra on this model? If you really can't do without in-car satellite navigation and an electric roof.

Impreza 2.0i-S AWD interior highlights

This model is showered with additional luxuries. Instead of cloth seats, you'll get leather ones, with heating elements for the front passengers. There are sports pedals, 18-inch alloys, heated mirrors, chrome door handles, LED fog lights, LED DRLs and LED headlamps with dusk-sensors and self-levellers. Down the side runs swept sill skirts, plus there are extra driver safety assists.

Subaru Impreza safety and driver assists

Subaru Impreza interior and comfort features

Subaru Impreza exterior highlights

Verdict

The Impreza is impressively specced, has a relatively well-performing engine and gearbox, is comfortable and has the stand-out selling point of being AWD. Reviewers admired the interior design, saying it was spacious and inviting and that the car made a great all-rounder. There were a few complaints regarding the use of a doughy CVT transmission (a common complaint with any manufacturer who opts to use one) and some testers wanted a bit more power and acceleration that a turbocharger would deliver. Overall though, the Impreza seems like a genuinely unique hatch or sedan.

Save hundreds of dollars by comparing different car loans.

Compare some options to finance a 2019 Subaru Impreza

{"visibility":"visibilityTable","ctaLabel":"Calculate","tableCode":"AUFCL_COMPARISON_V2_TABLE","nicheCode":"AUFCL","fields":[{"name":"LOAN_AMOUNT","value":"30000","options":"","label":"Loan amount","suffix":"$","useSuffixAsPrefix":true,"useDropDownOption":false,"tooltip":""},{"name":"PERIOD","value":"3","options":"","label":"Loan term","suffix":"years","useSuffixAsPrefix":true,"useDropDownOption":false,"tooltip":""}]}

1 - 9 of 9

Updated regularly

Name	Interest Rate (p.a.)	Comp. Rate (p.a.)	Application Fee	Monthly Fee	Monthly Repayment
loans.com.au - New - Variable Rate Special Variable3 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.24% to 7.74%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 7.36% to 8.85%	Application Fee $400	Monthly Fee $8	Monthly Repayment $936.14	Go to siteMore Info Compare
OurMoneyMarket New Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $2,001 - $75,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.57% to 18.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 7.19% to 21.78%	Application Fee $250 min.	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $934.23	Go to siteMore Info Compare
Stratton Finance New Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $300,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.52% to 18%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 6.95% to 23%	Application Fee $395	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $931.85	Go to siteMore Info Compare	You'll receive a fixed rate from 6.52% p.a. depending on the lender you are approved with. Apply for up to $300,000 and use cash or trade in a vehicle to use as a deposit. Optional balloon payment available.
Verified Lending Used Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $200,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 7.1% to 18.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 8.06% to 22.99%	Application Fee $395	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $939.9	Go to siteMore Info Compare
NRMA New Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $130,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 7.29% to 16.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 8% to 17.77%	Application Fee $499	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $945.77	Go to siteMore Info Compare	Note: Take out a loan for an eligible electric vehicle and receive a 1.5% discount on your personalised interest rate (interest rates start from 5.79% p.a. and comparison rates from 6.49% p.a.)
OurMoneyMarket Used Car Loan - No Vehicle Age Limit Fixed1 - 7 Years $2,001 - $75,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.57% to 18.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 7.19% to 21.78%	Application Fee $250 min.	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $934.23	Go to siteMore Info Compare
NRMA Used Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $130,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 8.49% to 16.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 9.21% to 17.77%	Application Fee $499	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $962.64	Go to siteMore Info Compare	You'll receive a fixed rate from 8.49% p.a. Finance a used car with NRMA and benefit from a fixed rate term and no monthly fees. Pre-approval available within 5 business hours.
Stratton Finance Used Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $300,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.52% to 18%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 6.95% to 23%	Application Fee $395	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $931.85	Go to siteMore Info Compare	You'll receive a fixed rate loan from 6.52% p.a. with a comparison rate of 6.95% p.a. A used car loan of up to $300,000 with quick approval times and balloon payment options.
loans.com.au - Variable Rate Used Car < 5 years Variable3 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 7.74% to 7.74%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 8.85% to 8.99%	Application Fee $400	Monthly Fee $8	Monthly Repayment $956.98	Go to siteMore Info Compare

loading

Load More

Showing 9 of 9 results

Compare car insurance side-by-side and get quotes

Name	Product	Roadside assistance	Accidental damage	Storm	Choice of repairer	Agreed or Market Value
Budget Direct Comprehensive Finder Award		Optional			Optional	Agreed or Market	Finder's summary: The 2024 winner of our Best Value Car Insurance award. It's cheaper than most, plus you can lower costs by adding age restrictions. ⭐ Current offer: 15% off your first year's premium when you take out a policy online. T&Cs apply. Who it might be good for: Anyone who wants a good value policy.	Get Quote View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Youi Comprehensive Finder Award					Optional	Agreed or Market	Finder's summary: The 2023 winner of our Best Features Car Insurance award. Plus, it's one of the only insurers to automatically include roadside assistance. Who it might be good for: Those who want good customer service with lots of inclusions.	Get Quote View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Australia Post Comprehensive					Optional	Agreed or Market	Finder's summary: Covers a little more than other insurers. You don’t need to pay an excess for windscreen repairs and cover applies to anyone who uses your car. ⭐ Current offer: Get $75 off your first year's comprehensive car insurance premium when you buy online. T&Cs apply. Who it might be good for: Multiple people using one car.	Get Quote View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
ROLLiN' Comprehensive						Agreed	Finder's summary: One of the most cost-effective insurers for under 25s, according to Finder research, with no aged-based excess. Who it might be good for: Young drivers looking to keep costs down and anyone who’d like to get more flexibility from their car insurance.	Get Quote View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
QBE Comprehensive Green Company					Optional	Agreed or Market	Finder's summary: Our best-rated Car Insurer for Customer Satisfaction in 2021/2022 and Green Insurer for the last 3 years. ⭐ Current offer: Save $75 when you purchase a new comprehensive policy online. T&Cs apply. Who it might be good for: Those who want a trustworthy insurer and more cover than other brands, such as 3-year new car replacement (e.g. they'll give you money for a new car for up to 3 years if yours is written off).	Get Quote View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Bingle Comprehensive Finder Award						Market	Finder's summary: Our data shows it’s the cheapest comprehensive policy. It just covers the basics such as damage to your car, theft and storms – it doesn’t go in for add-ons and extras. Who it might be good for: Those wanting a low-cost, no-frills policy.	View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Kogan Comprehensive					Optional	Agreed or Market	Finder's summary: Kogan comes with all the perks that most comprehensive car insurance policies include, but you'll also be entitled to some benefits from its online store. This usually comes in the form of a gift voucher or discount if you buy online. ⭐ Current offer: Get $80 off first year premiums when you purchase Kogan Comprehensive Car Insurance online + $10 monthly kogan.com credit. T&Cs apply. Who it might be good for: Kogan shoppers and those after a good range of policy options.	View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Qantas Comprehensive		Optional			Optional	Agreed or Market	Finder's summary: You need car insurance so why not get one that lets you earn Qantas Points? It's good value too (it's underwritten by the same insurer as Budget Direct). ⭐ Current offer: Earn up to 30,000 Qantas Points with every Qantas Car Insurance policy you take out by 28 May. T&Cs apply. Who it might be good for: People who want more bang for their buck with Qantas Points.	View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
ahm Comprehensive		Optional				Agreed or Market	Finder's summary: Its "pay as you drive" cover can save you up to 30% compared to its standard comprehensive cover. There's also no excess to pay if you hit a Kanga or other animal. ⭐ Current offer: Get 12 months of roadside assistance included when you take out a new comprehensive car insurance policy. T&Cs apply. Who it might be good for: Rural drivers and those who drive less than 15,000 km a year.	View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Club Comprehensive 4x4 Insurance		Optional				Agreed or Market	Finder's summary: With Club 4X4, you can take advantage of Australia-wide cover for your 4WDs or 4x4. Importantly, insurance extends to modifications and accessories. Also, get peace of mind with personal effects cover of up to $2,000, plus, up to $1500 towards the cost of recovering your off-road vehicle if you get in trouble. Who it might be good for: Drivers of 4WDs or 4x4s looking for wide-ranging protection ahead of their next driving adventure.	View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Coles Comprehensive		Optional				Agreed or Market	Finder’s summary: Mid-range cover and price but very good for perks. Double Flybuys points and $10 off at Coles every time you redeem 2,000 points, plus 1-week turnaround on repairs. ⭐ Current offer: 15% off your first year’s premium when you take out a policy online. T&Cs apply. Who it might be good for: Those who want a wide-ranging policy with added bonuses that allow savings on everyday bills.	View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Bendigo Bank Comprehensive						Agreed or Market	Finder's summary: On top of the essentials, cover includes a nationwide repair network, 3-year new car replacement and up to $30m in liability insurance. Who it might be good for: Those wanting peace of mind with lots of benefits.	View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Huddle Black Comprehensive						Agreed or Market	Finder's summary: This goes further than most insurers. You get up to 2k for stolen keys, roadside assistance and rental car excess cover (for car rentals in Australia). Who it might be good for: Those who want top cover for their car.	View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Huddle Comprehensive		Optional				Agreed or Market	Finder's summary: Huddle's comprehensive policy will cover you if your vehicle is damaged or lost as a result of a collision, a natural event, a malicious act, theft or fire. It also includes up to $500 for essential repairs. Who it might be good for: Someone who drives less than 15,000 km a year can opt for Pay As You Drive cover.	View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
KOBA Pay per KM						Agreed	Finder's summary: KOBA uses a pay-per-km system – ideal if you drive less. Its app is easy to use and costs can be as cheap as 3¢ per kilometre. Who it might be good for: Those who don't drive long distances, such as city drivers.	View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Budget Direct Third Party Property, Fire and Theft Finder Award		Optional				Market	Save 15% on your first year's premium when you purchase a new policy online. T&Cs apply.	Get Quote View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Youi Third Party Fire and Theft					Optional	Agreed or Market	Up to $20 million legal liability cover and 24/7 claims team.	Get Quote View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Bendigo Bank Third Party Fire and Theft						Agreed or Market	Get up to $30m in liability cover, $5,000 in protection against uninsured drivers, towing costs and more with Bendigo Bank’s midweight policy.	View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Qantas Third Party Property, Fire and Theft		Optional				Market	Earn Qantas Points when you sign up. T&Cs apply.	View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Youi Third Party Property Damage							⭐ Current offer: Covered up to $5,000 for accidental damage to your car caused by an uninsured third party. Who it might be good for: Drivers who want a reliable insurer. It was the 2022 Insurer of the Year for Customer Satisfaction.	Get Quote View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

loading

Load More

Pictures: Subaru