Subaru Impreza review - Reliability and Safety
The Subaru Impreza offers excellent safety credentials, a comprehensive warranty and a reputation for reliability
Euro NCAP awarded the Impreza a five-star safety rating when the car was crash tested in 2017, including an impressive 94 per cent for adult occupant safety. Other scores included 89 per cent for child occupant safety, 82 per cent for pedestrian safety, and 68 per cent for safety assist technologies.
Subaru is justifiably proud of its EyeSight technology, which is standard on the Impreza. The technology dates back to 2008 when it was launched as the world’s first safety device using stereo cameras. A decade on, EyeSight has been further developed and, in demonstrations, has proved to be very effective.
EyeSight comprises six pre-collision driver assist systems, namely: adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, pre-collision braking, pre-collision throttle management and steering assist, and lead vehicle start alert.
Blind spot monitoring, high beam assist, multiple airbags, rear cross traffic alert and a reversing camera are fitted as standard, plus you benefit from the security of having permanent four-wheel drive.
Neither Subaru nor the Impreza featured in our 2018 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, but the company has developed a reputation for reliability and good customer service. Many Subaru owners hold on to their cars for long periods, staying loyal to their local dealer. You can buy an Impreza with confidence.
Warranty
The Subaru Impreza is covered by an excellent five-year/100,000-mile warranty, which rivals the likes of Hyundai and Toyota, and is only two years behind market leader Kia. The bodywork is covered by a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty, while the paintwork is covered for three years.
Servicing
A problem faced by Subaru owners is a relative lack of dealers – you may have to travel a long distance for servicing and maintenance. Furthermore, when you get there, parts and labour can be more expensive than at a mainstream dealer.
The Impreza requires a service every year or 12,000 miles, which is more frequent than some of its volume rivals. Also, Subaru doesn’t offer any pre-paid service plans.
