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2019 Subaru Impreza Review
The comprehensive Subaru Impreza review
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How did we calculate this? We analysed and aggregated the scores of Car Advice, CarsGuide, WhichCar and Motoring to bring you the finder.com.au score. This is a comprehensive score that brings together the four different expert ratings you see below.
finder.com.au is personal finance comparison site that provides you with the tools you need to make better decisions. Learn how we work and how we make money.
Critic reviews
Website
Rating
Notable quotes
Car Advice
74%
"Subaru has the makings of a proper range-topper here, but the powertrain in the i-S drags it down. The Impreza has its strengths, but value just isn't one of them at this point in the range."
"Because it has been built for a world where SUVs dominate, it's a better commuter car than ever before, just don't expect it to have that wild rally spark from days past."
"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. "
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
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.
2.0i AWD
2.0i-L AWD
2.0i Premium AWD
2.0i-S AWD
2.0-litre petrol, auto CVT, hatchback: $25,690 2.0-litre petrol, auto CVT, sedan: $25,490
2.0-litre petrol, auto CVT, hatchback: $28,690 2.0-litre petrol, auto CVT, sedan: $28,490
2.0-litre petrol, auto CVT, hatchback: $30,690 2.0-litre petrol, auto CVT, sedan: $30,490
2.0-litre petrol, auto CVT, hatchback: $33,790 2.0-litre petrol, auto CVT, sedan: $33,590
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
The above prices are recommended retail driveaway price (RDP) and are inclusive of the vehicle's price, 12 months' rego, stamp, luxury car tax, CTP (based on a private buyer with a good rating) and dealer delivery fees, in postcode 2000.
Overview
Why would you buy the Impreza when there are so many enticing hatches out there? Several reasons. First, all models are AWD, meaning it will appeal to people who like to venture into the mountains or down gravel roads. Secondly, it is well assembled, with stout and long-lasting materials to a high level of fit and finish. Third, it's something that's a bit different. And finally, if you're a Subaru enthusiast, this car will be right up your street.
Website
Pros
Cons
Notable quote
Car Advice
All-wheel drive
Plenty of tech
Suspension set-up
Humdrum powertrain
Pricey
Vanilla styling
"Subaru has a loyal following, and the fact the Impreza is all-wheel drive makes it unique in its segment, which will be enough for some. The in-car and active safety technology is nice, too, but we're left wanting more."
CarsGuide
Drives well
Robust, comfy interior
Safety pack
Needs more oomph
Drinks fuel
Interior over-delivers
"The Impreza 2.0i-S is packed with safety and luxury features and offers fantastic value by flying under the asking price for most equivalent high-spec competitors."
WhichCar
AWD
Comfortable
Roomy
Safety tech
Needs an injection of turbo
Exclusively an automatic
"You get a lot for your money with any Impreza, but arguably the best value comes at the top of the price scale with the 2.0i-S."
Motoring
Four driven wheels
User-friendly
Rear cabin space
Powerplant and train
No rear blowers
Entry grade lacks safety swag
"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."
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 Boxer petrol
Engine type
Boxer, direct injection, Dual Overhead Cam, Active Valve Control System
Drivetrain
AWD
Engine size/displacement
1,995cc
Fuel type
Petrol (91 Ron)
Cylinders
Four, horizontally opposed
Fuel tank capacity
50 litres
Max power
115kW at 6,000rpm
Max torque
196Nm at 4,000rpm
Fuel consumption (combined)
6.6L/100km and 7.2L/100km (hatch/sedan)
Acceleration (0–100km/h)
N/A
Emissions standard
Euro 6
Top speed (km/h)
N/A
Security
Engine immobiliser
Transmission
CVT with manual mode (Seven preset ratios in manual mode)
Towing capacity (unbraked/braked)
650kg/1,200kg (hatch only)
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
A word on fuel economy figures Subaru writes in the Impreza brochure that fuel use statistics were a result of an ADR 81/02 test. As test conditions are strictly controlled, they do not completely reflect real-world fuel usage. Traffic volumes, driving style, a vehicle's mechanical state of repair, differing fuel batches and weather conditions can all influence fuel use.
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
2.0i AWD
2.0i-L AWD
2.0i Premium AWD
2.0i-s AWD
5-star ANCAP rating
✔
✔
✔
✔
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
✔
✔
✔
✔
4-wheel disc brakes
✔
✔
✔
✔
Auto Vehicle Hold
✔
✔
✔
✔
Electronic parking brake
✔
✔
✔
✔
Rear-view reverse camera
✔
✔
✔
✔
Vehicle Dynamics Control system:
Active Torque Vectoring System (2.0i-s only)
Anti-lock Braking System
Brake Assist
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Electronic Stability Control
Traction Control System
✔
✔
✔
✔
Vision Assist:
Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)
Lane Change Assist (LCA)
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)
✖️
✖️
✖️
✔
Ring-shaped passenger safety cell
✔
✔
✔
✔
SRS airbags:
Front
Front side
Curtain
Driver's knee
✔
✔
✔
✔
ISOFIX anchors (x2)
✔
✔
✔
✔
Auto Stop-Start
✔
✔
✔
✔
Cruise control
✔
✖️
✖️
✖️
Electronic Throttle Control system (ETC)
✔
✔
✔
✔
EyeSight Driver Assist system:
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
✖️
✔
✔
✔
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
✔
✔
✔
✔
DataDotDNA security system
✔
✔
✔
✔
Immobiliser security system
✔
✔
✔
✔
Subaru Impreza interior and comfort features
2.0i AWD
2.0i-L AWD
2.0i Premium AWD
2.0i-s AWD
Blue interior illumination
✖️
✔
✔
✔
Cabin and cargo area lights
✔
✔
✔
✔
Anti-dust filter
✔
✔
✔
✔
Climate control
✔
✖️
✖️
✖️
Dual-zone climate control
✖️
✔
✔
✔
Floor heater ducts for rear passengers
✔
✔
✔
✔
Front and side demisters
✔
✔
✔
✔
Rear windscreen demister
✔
✔
✔
✔
Adjustable steering wheel
✔
✔
✔
✔
Instrument cluster
Standard
Premium
Premium
Premium
Manual mode
✔
✔
✔
✔
One-touch lane change indicator
✔
✔
✔
✔
Paddle gear shifters
✔
✔
✔
✔
Sports pedals
✖️
✖️
✖️
✔
Steering wheel controls
✔
✔
✔
✔
Air-conditioning display
✖️
✔
✔
✔
Audio display
✖️
✔
✔
✔
Auto stop-start info
✔
✖️
✖️
✖️
Electrical component operating condition display
✖️
✔
✔
✔
EyeSight display
✖️
✔
✔
✔
Fuel economy and journey information
✔
✔
✔
✔
Navigation display
✖️
✖️
✔
✔
Outside temperature and clock display
✔
✔
✔
✔
Preventative safety display
✖️
✔
✔
✔
4.2-inch LCD screen
✖️
✔
✔
✔
Digital speedometer
✖️
✔
✔
✔
Eco-gauge display
✖️
✔
✔
✔
EyeSight display
✖️
✔
✔
✔
Warning display
✖️
✔
✔
✔
Cargo hooks
Hatch
Hatch
Hatch
Hatch
Centre console box
✔
✔
✔
✔
Retractable cargo blind
✔
✔
✔
✔
2 x 12V/120W power jacks
✔
✔
✔
✔
Boot unlock on remote fob
✔
✔
✔
✔
Power windows and mirrors – front
✔
✔
✔
✔
Rain-sensing front windscreen wipers
✖️
✖️
✖️
✔
Rear seat centre armrest
✔
✔
✔
✔
Rearview mirror
✔
✔
✔
✔
Remote central locking fob (x2)
✔
✔
✔
✔
Smart key and push-start ignition
✔
✔
✔
✔
Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors
Not lit
✔
✔
✔
USB charging socket (x2)
✔
✔
✔
✔
Carpet trim – black
✔
✔
✔
✔
Gear shift surround
Silver
Piano Black
Piano Black
Piano Black
Leather steering wheel and gear shift
✖️
✔
✔
✔
Seat trim – cloth
✔
Premium cloth
Premium cloth
✖️
Seat trim colour – choice of black or ivory
✔
✔
✔
✔
Seat trim – leather
✖️
✖️
✖️
✔
60/40 split-folding rear seats
✔
✔
✔
✔
8-way power seat driver
✖️
✖️
✖️
✔
Heated seats – front
✖️
✖️
✖️
✔
Auxiliary jack
✔
✔
✔
✔
Bluetooth audio streaming and handsfree mobile
✔
✔
✔
✔
6.5-inch LCD infotainment touchscreen
✔
✖️
✖️
✖️
8-inch LCD touchscreen
✖️
✔
✔
✔
6 speakers
✔
✔
✔
✔
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
✔
✔
✔
✔
DAB
✔
✔
✔
✔
Satellite navigation
✖️
✖️
✔
✔
CD player
✔
✔
✔
✔
Siri compatibility
✔
✔
✔
✔
Voice command recognition
✔
✔
✔
✔
Subaru Impreza exterior highlights
2.0i AWD
2.0i-L AWD
2.0i Premium AWD
2.0i-s AWD
17-inch alloys
✔
✔
✔
✖️
18-inch alloys
✖️
✖️
✖️
✔
Body-coloured door handles
✔
✔
✔
✖️
Body-coloured rear garnish (hatch)
✔
✔
✔
✔
Chrome type door handles and window sills
✖️
✖️
✖️
✔
Detachable module type windscreen wipers
✔
✔
✔
✔
Body-coloured door mirrors
✔
✔
✔
✔
Heated door mirrors
✖️
✖️
✖️
✔
Indicators in door mirror
✖️
✔
✔
✔
Power-folding mirrors
✖️
✔
✔
✔
Electric sunroof
✖️
✖️
✔
✔
Privacy glass – rear door, rear quarter on sedan, plus rear window on hatch
✔
✔
✔
✔
Rear spoiler – hatch
✔
✔
✔
✔
Rear window wiper – hatch
✔
✔
✔
✔
Shark fin antenna
✔
✔
✔
✔
Side sill skirts
✖️
✖️
✖️
✔
Spacesaver spare wheel
✔
✔
✔
✔
Tailpipe cover
✖️
✖️
✖️
Sedan
Daytime running lights
✖️
Halogen
Halogen
LED
Front fog lights
✖️
✔
✔
LED
Headlights – halogen with auto-off
✔
✔
✔
✖️
Headlights – self-levelling LED with auto-off and dusk-sensing
✖️
✖️
✖️
✔
Rear combination lights and rear LED stop light
✔
✔
✔
✔
Steering responsive headlights
✖️
✖️
✖️
✔
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.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
Ben Gribbin is an automotive writer at Finder. He is a life-long car enthusiast, bringing many years of experience working with and writing about cars. During his time, Ben has been a freelance writer, editor and reviewer for a number of leading publications across the UK. He was voted the Guild of Motoring Writers Breakthrough Blogger in 2015.
It's an Impreza-based SUV, with AWD, a trademark Boxer engine, the option of a hybrid, beefy suspension and ground clearance, and a well-reviewed off-road mode.
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Please note that the information published on our site should not be construed as personal advice and does not consider your personal needs and circumstances. While our site will provide you with factual information and general advice to help you make better decisions, it isn't a substitute for professional advice. You should consider whether the products or services featured on our site are appropriate for your needs. If you're unsure about anything, seek professional advice before you apply for any product or commit to any plan and read any disclosure documents (such as any Target Market Determination (TMD) and/or Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)) issued by the provider before making a decision.
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