Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Subaru Impreza review - Interior, design and technology

The Impreza’s interior lacks a wow factor but is built to last, while there’s a generous level of standard equipment

Interior, design and technology rating

4.0

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

Although this fifth-generation Impreza looks more stylish than its drab and dowdy predecessor, the styling is a tad generic, falling somewhere between a Vauxhall Astra, Peugeot 308 and Ford Focus.

It’s an inoffensive look, but thanks to its niche position within the five-door hatchback segment, some exclusivity is guaranteed. Colour options are limited, with only six hues to choose from, although automatic LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels and a roof spoiler are standard across the range.

Advertisement - Article continues below

On the inside, the Impreza is leagues ahead of Subaru models of old, with a higher quality finish and a nicer range of materials than before. European rivals remain just ahead, but there’s an overriding feeling that the cabin is built to last and designed to cope with the demands of a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Everything feels reassuringly solid, while the conventional layout is a breath of fresh air in an industry where form can often overrule function. Thanks to the six-way adjustable driver’s seat, finding a comfortable driving position isn’t a problem, while heated seats are fitted as standard.

Indeed, Subaru has adopted a ‘kitchen sink’ approach to equipment, fitting the Impreza with just about everything as standard. This includes dual-zone climate control, steering wheel controls, a reversing camera and cruise control, with the only difference between the 1.6 and 2.0 models being the addition of paddle-shifters on the larger engined model.

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

It’s a shame, then, that Subaru has chosen to omit sat-nav from the list of equipment. The company argues that many drivers would prefer to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for navigation. And while this might be true, it would have been better to give customers a choice.

The eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system looks the part, but is too laggy and unresponsive to match the best units on the market. At least the Impreza offers DAB radio, Bluetooth and two USB ports.

There’s also an additional high-mounted display that shows additional driving information, climate control settings, the outside temperature and a clock.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,513 off RRP*Used from £5,500
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,915Avg. savings £1,882 off RRP*Used from £18,900
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

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

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,261 off RRP*Used from £13,383
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering
Opinion - Shanghai Auto Show

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering

This new brand of cars might have battery tech on their side, but European buyers want much more than that
Opinion
25 Apr 2025
New electric car MoT tests could be coming to the UK
Tesla Model X on two-post inspection ramp

New electric car MoT tests could be coming to the UK

New technology and driver assistance systems require changes to annual testing, says EC
News
25 Apr 2025
Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible
Opinion - £10k used cars

Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible

Phil McNamara discovers that it’s harder than ever to find a good-value car at the affordable end of the market
Opinion
24 Apr 2025