Skip advert
Advertisement

Subaru Impreza

Is Subaru’s decision to comprehensively redesign its Impreza brave, strange... or just crazy?

Overall Auto Express rating

2.0

How we review cars
Find your Subaru Impreza
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

While it’s good value for money, the new Impreza has little else to offer. The exterior design doesn’t appeal and the build quality of the cabin is below par when compared to equally priced rivals. Its four-wheel-drive capability is a unique aspect, but we doubt this will matter to most buyers. The high emissions and average fuel economy of the lacklustre 1.5-litre engine also detract from the overall package.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The jury is still out. But now that the car has arrived in the UK, judgement day for a model that was only recently the darling of performance car enthusiasts across the country has arrived.

While we were lukewarm about the changes to the Impreza after driving it in Japan, we were hopeful the newcomer might appeal to us more once it hit the UK.

Yet first impressions aren’t good. The shape is far from attractive and lacks a sporty edge, traditionally a trademark of Subaru styling. It’s bloated and ungainly, as well as shorter and wider than the old Sport Wagon. The wheelbase is 95mm longer, though, so at least interior space is generous.

Sadly, the cabin itself is a letdown. Bosses say the new model has a premium feel, but we can’t agree. The design is better looking than the outgoing car’s, yet the cheap and brittle plastics simply aren’t up to scratch.

Build quality is fine and at only £12,495 for the base 1.5R, it’s good value, especially with a standard kit list that includes climate control, electric windows and six airbags. The key question, though, is what’s the Impreza like from behind the wheel?

Sitting on an all-new platform with a wider track and lower placed engine, the latest model still has Subaru’s acclaimed handling abilities. There’s more roll in corners, due in part to the taller body shape, but grip is good and the Impreza feels stable.

The ride quality is excellent, too, soaking up bumps and rough surfaces well. Our biggest gripe is with the light steering. It lacks feedback, which makes the driving experience somewhat detached.

The 1.5-litre engine has been tweaked to give more torque at low speeds, but it’s still sluggish and has to be worked hard to get decent pace. It’s better on the motorway, where it easily keeps up with traffic.

Without the performance of a turbo­­charged engine, there’s little to recommend the Impreza. Its lacklustre design and drab cabin are disappointing, and while it’s a capable driver’s car, there are better rivals available.

RIVAL: Kia Cee’d 1.6 GS
It doesn’t have the all-wheel-drive set-up of the Subaru, but the Kia is cheaper, quicker and more economical. This, combined with a neat design and upmarket cabin, makes it one of our class favourites. Add the seven-year warranty, and it’s a near unbeatable package.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,233 off RRP*Used from £15,297
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,675 off RRP*
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,879 off RRP*Used from £15,720
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £8,094 off RRP*Used from £13,290
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

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
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
You can run an electric car with nowhere at home to charge it, honest
Opinion - ease of EV ownership

You can run an electric car with nowhere at home to charge it, honest

Chris Rosamond explains why ultra-fast charging could convince you to make the switch to driving an EV
Opinion
17 Apr 2025