Skip advert
Advertisement

Subaru Impreza vs rivals

Subaru has gambled by axing the saloon shape of its legendary Impreza in favour of a hatch. We see if it’s paid off as the new entry-level model meets its key rivals.

Impreza group

It’s the Impreza, but not as we know it. Subaru has made a brave move with the latest generation of its most famous model, and this is the result. It will be a shock to many, as designers have shifted the car away from its saloon roots and deep into hatchback territory.

This is all part of a plan to move the entire brand upmarket while giving the Impreza more mass appeal. The initial emphasis is on the normally aspirated cars in the new range, although as with their forthcoming turbo counterparts, they feature all-wheel drive.

Subaru claims the five-door hatch retains the hot saloon’s driver appeal while adding extra practicality and keen pricing. It should offer more space than its predecessor, which bosses hope will help them in their bid to compete more directly in the European market. One of the biggest hurdles the new Impreza has to overcome is people’s perception of the car. Most associate the model with the STI performance variants – complete with big spoilers and booming exhausts – rather than a family-friendly five-door.

The new model is also taking on established rivals more familiar to hatchback buyers. So we’ve pitched it against the big-selling Vauxhall Astra and Mazda’s capable 3. Both combine entertaining driving with practicality in an affordable package. Does the new Impreza have what it takes to crash the party?

Verdict

Subaru has high hopes for its latest Impreza. But while the firm has earned a reputation for building decent performance cars, as well as workhorses such as the Forester, it’s not known for making family hatches.

That is a big challenge to overcome and, unfortunately, the new Impreza doesn’t succeed. The styling is plain, while interior quality is way behind that of the best in this class. Being cheap and well equipped isn’t enough to compensate for its shortcomings – particularly the underpowered engine, poor economy and relatively high emissions. So it finishes third.

While the Astra has plenty to offer, ultimately, it falters in several key areas, and comes second. The Mazda isn’t as well built as the Vauxhall but,
with more interior space, a better boot and good dynamics, the 3 is a more capable all-rounder and represents better value. It takes the victory.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £13,895
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £3,331 off RRP*Used from £9,700
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,739 off RRP*Used from £8,800
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,640 off RRP*Used from £14,895
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Future of Nissan in the UK: new Gigafactory to power bold EV plans
Future of Nissan in the UK - header with Phil McNamara

Future of Nissan in the UK: new Gigafactory to power bold EV plans

Nissan is about to go from building the Qashqai hybrid to three fresh EVs in the UK over the next three years – all powered by a new gigafactory
Features
19 Apr 2025
Best SUVs to buy 2025
Best SUVs - header image

Best SUVs to buy 2025

There are plenty of great SUVs to choose from, so we’ve picked out the very best
Best cars & vans
17 Apr 2025
New baby Nissan Juke EV on the way to challenge the Dacia Spring
Baby Nissan Juke exclusive image - rear

New baby Nissan Juke EV on the way to challenge the Dacia Spring

Nissan to fast-track development of new battery-powered city car to take on forthcoming Volkswagen ID.1, and our exclusive images preview how it could…
News
18 Apr 2025