2024 Subaru Impreza AWD 2.0S evaluation

I’d have utterly understood if Subaru Australia had determined to not carry the new-generation Subaru Impreza to market.

The small automobile section is shrinking, and plenty of different manufacturers have pulled out or raised costs to the purpose the place the choice compact SUV of their vary makes extra sense.

That might simply have been the case right here, with the Crosstrek interesting to many extra consumers due to its added journey peak, aggro presence, and off-road modes.

Contemplating the overwhelming majority of compact crossover fashions don’t provide all-wheel drive anyway, and all different reasonably priced hatches being front-drive, the argument for the Impreza AWD nonetheless present is effectively and actually stacked towards it.

So, who is that this automobile for? Must you contemplate one? I’ll inform you my ideas on this detailed evaluation.

How does the Subaru Impreza examine?

View an in depth breakdown of the Subaru Impreza towards equally sized automobiles.

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Impreza

How a lot does the Subaru Impreza value?

There are extra reasonably priced variations of the Impreza hatch, however one examined right here is the top-of-the-range AWD 2.0S.

2024 Subaru Impreza pricing:

• 2024 Subaru Impreza 2.0L: $31,490
• 2024 Subaru Impreza 2.0R: $34,990
• 2024 Subaru Impreza 2.0S: $37,990

Costs earlier than on-road prices

To see how the Impreza compares with its rivals, use our comparability instrument.

What’s the Subaru Impreza like on the within?

The inside of the Subaru Impreza does really feel like a step up from the outgoing mannequin and could be very a lot according to among the different present Subaru fashions.

That primarily comes right down to the bigger 11.6-inch portrait-style touchscreen media system which does take pleasure of place on the dashboard. It presents wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and satellite tv for pc navigation on this spec, to not point out DAB+ and AM/FM radio.

Whereas a lot of the controls are proper there on the intense, crisp and vibrant display screen, there are nonetheless some arduous buttons in your temperature adjustment and demister, in addition to quantity and tuning dials, which I prefer to see. You do have to make use of the fan controller down on the backside of the display screen, although, in order that’s slightly bit irritating. 

Fortunately, it’s not too troublesome of a menu system to get your head round, and there are USB-A, USB-C, and auxiliary ports. This spec additionally scores a wi-fi telephone charger which is a pleasant measurement – your telephone can wiggle round slightly bit once you’re going via corners and it’ll nonetheless keep charging. Another vehicles don’t do this. 

Different options embrace heated seat buttons for the highest two grades down close to the shifter, a 12-volt port, some decent-sized cup holders, bottle holders within the doorways, and a centre console bin as effectively. 

Up entrance there are good mushy contact factors in all places, and the leather-accented seats on this top-spec mannequin really feel fairly fancy. For context, I spent a while within the 2.0R model, which has a material seat trim, and I used to be wonderful with these seats too.

If you happen to don’t desire a sunroof, you then don’t want to finish up with this spec. However I feel that it does really feel fairly good up entrance.

One factor that’s letting it down slightly bit is it nonetheless solely has a comparatively small digital display screen as a part of the instrument cluster with dials – another vehicles have massive digital screens which can be really not that straightforward to cope with.

Some individuals will nonetheless hate that there are such a lot of buttons on the steering wheel, however I discover – being a Subaru driver of years passed by – you do get used to those buttons fairly shortly. Perhaps it’s simply me. Perhaps I’m simply in tune with Subaru. 

From an area perspective, the Impreza presents sufficient for a household of 4.

With the driving force’s seat set for my place at 182cm/6ft tall, I had knee room, foot room, and slightly little bit of headroom. You simply have to look at your head if you happen to’re taller when getting out and in, and if you happen to’re planning to journey three-wide, there’s a transmission tunnel intruding into the foot house.

The again seat isn’t overly comfy, although – it’s extra like sitting on a stool than slumping in a beautiful lounge. You sit up fairly excessive and also you get a little bit of a view over what’s occurring up entrance. That is likely to be nice if you happen to’ve obtained youngsters in booster seats otherwise you’re taking adults with you. 

However what isn’t nice is there are not any directional air vents at the back of this automobile, and that could possibly be a deal-breaker for some household automobile consumers. I’d perceive if it was – however if you happen to’re okay with that, there are ISOFIX factors for the window seats and three prime tethers.

Nevertheless, there are USB-C and USB-A ports within the again (priorities, I assume?), a single map pocket, bottle holders within the doorways, and a flip-down armrest with very shallow cupholders. 

The boot is one other consideration for patrons, with simply 291 litres of cargo capability on provide with the rear seats up, that is small for this class of auto. If you happen to want extra boot house than what’s on provide right here, you need to be taking a look at a Kia Cerato or a Skoda Scala. 

There’s no electrical tailgate on any mannequin, both, which is disappointing, however you do get a space-saver spare wheel below the boot ground. There’s additionally a light-weight within the again and a few buying bag storage.

So whereas it’s not the best household hatch, Subaru has some nice alternate options, just like the Subaru WRX Sportswagon, or the Forester or Outback. However if you happen to’re single, or in a pair with no youngsters, otherwise you solely often use the again seat, this would possibly nonetheless be wonderful.

What’s below the bonnet?

For a ‘new’ hatch popping out in 2024, it’s shocking to see there isn’t a downsized turbo or petrol-electric hybrid choice supplied. The actual fact the Crosstrek will get a hybrid, and the WRX will get a turbo, would possibly imply you’ll have to buy elsewhere if you happen to’re determined for these issues in your Subie.

As an alternative, the Impreza has a non-turbo 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed four-cylinder ‘Boxer’ petrol engine producing 115kW of energy (6000rpm) and 196Nm of torque (4000rpm).

It’s mated with a repeatedly variable transmission (CVT) auto that includes eight simulated shift factors, and all-wheel drive is normal.

The official mixed cycle gasoline consumption determine is 7.5L/100km, supposedly aided by the automated begin/cease system that cuts the engine once you’re idle in visitors.

In actuality, this automobile dissatisfied me with its gasoline use. Over a mixture of real-world driving together with open highway, freeway, commuting, visitors, stop-start and concrete driving, I noticed a displayed return of 9.1 litres per 100km, which is thirsty by class requirements.

It has a 50-litre gasoline tank, and runs on 91 RON common unleaded gasoline.

How does the Subaru Impreza drive?

This era of Impreza is very similar to the outgoing mannequin to drive, and with out the context of all the pieces else that’s occurring on the planet of vehicles, that is likely to be wonderful. 

Nevertheless, different vehicles nowadays drive higher than this. It’s to not say that this drives badly; it’s simply not as polished and well-rounded as a few of its rivals on the market. 

Some issues that might not be as refined or as loveable embrace the engine and transmission mixture which, admittedly, will do the job wonderful, however it received’t excite.

It’s as if the model has tuned the throttle and the brake to really feel actually delicate to make it really feel prefer it has far more efficiency than it really does, as a result of it’s actually not a powerhouse powertrain. 

It is going to in all probability be wonderful for city drivers and people who perhaps dwell in nation areas and simply run into city and again to drop off the children in school.

However it’s not going to be one for the thrill-seekers. If you’re on the lookout for a extra thrilling Subaru driving expertise, purchase a WRX – you’ll be happier than if you happen to have been going to purchase this.

The transmission itself generally is a little bit annoying. It’s nonetheless a CVT auto and it nonetheless has that slurry motion all these transmissions can have. If you happen to’re taking off from a standstill, it could possibly bathroom down after which make a racket earlier than it will get transferring. It’s not horrible and for probably the most half you would possibly discover that it’s really a reasonably habitable driving expertise. 

There are paddle shifters if you wish to take issues into your personal fingers and shift in a handbook mode, regardless that it’s not likely handbook. It doesn’t make it far more thrilling both.

The Impreza additionally hasn’t obtained the smoothest journey. It tends to really feel the lumps and bumps of the highway floor with out essentially cushioning you from what’s occurring below the tyres.

Likewise, the dealing with is okay, with steering that’s responsive sufficient and has a good motion, however can exhibit some understeer (the place the nostril doesn’t flip as a lot as you may want it to) once you push it a bit tougher.

There’s a good bit of noise coming into the cabin from below the bonnet, and there’s additionally fairly a little bit of highway noise intrusion. 

Talking of intrusion, the lane-keeping tech isn’t too dangerous on this automobile because it doesn’t intervene till it thinks it actually must step in, which is sweet.

Nevertheless, the driving force monitoring digicam system is overbearing, and actually insists that you just preserve your eyes on the prize, even once you’re simply adjusting the stereo or checking if there’s visitors coming from different instructions.

There’s no hiding it – the brand new Impreza isn’t a class-leader in any approach in terms of the drive.

However if you happen to dwell in a rural space, and encounter rougher roads or gravel tracks, the peace-of-mind from the AWD system could possibly be the rationale you select it. I can perceive that.

What do you get?

The 2024 Subaru Impreza vary has three fashions out there, and this 2.0S is the top-spec model.

Impreza 2.0L highlights:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• House-saver spare
• Rear privateness glass
• Automated LED headlights
• Energy-folding exterior mirrors
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Black tricot material upholstery
• Keyless entry and begin
• Twin-zone local weather management
• Paddle shifters
• 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• DAB+ digital radio
• Wi-fi telephone charger
• 4.2-inch instrument cluster display screen
• 1 x 12V outlet
• Entrance USB-A (x1) and USB-C (x1) charging ports
• 6-speaker sound system

2.0R provides:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Steering-responsive headlights
• Entrance cornering lights
• Entrance LED fog lights
• Heated exterior mirrors
• ‘Premium’ material upholstery
• Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
• Aluminium pedals
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Heated entrance seats
• 8-way energy driver’s seat with lumbar help
• Rear USB-A (x1) and USB-C (x1) charging ports

2.0S provides:

• Energy sunroof
• Leather-based-accented upholstery
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system

Is the Subaru Impreza protected?

There’s no ANCAP ranking for the current-gen Impreza, nevertheless there’s a lengthy listing of normal security gear and expertise throughout the vary.

Normal security gear consists of:

• Driver monitoring system
  • Facial recognition
  • Drowsiness warning
• EyeSight Driver Help
• Adaptive cruise management
• Autonomous emergency braking
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Bicycle owner detection
• Autonomous emergency steering
• Emergency lane-keep help
• Lane-centring
• Lane-keep help
• Main car departure alert
• Clever pace limiter
• Velocity signal recognition
• Subaru Imaginative and prescient Help
• Blind-spot monitoring
• EyeSight Help Monitor
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Reverse autonomous emergency braking
• Rear parking sensors
• Entrance aspect radar

2.0R and a couple of.0S provides:

• Automated high-beam
• Encompass-view digicam with entrance and aspect views

The Impreza is slightly automobile however it has lots of airbags – 9 airbags in truth, comprising twin entrance, twin entrance aspect, curtains, driver’s knee, far aspect, and entrance passenger seat cushion airbags.

How a lot does the Subaru Impreza value to run?

Like most different manufacturers, Subaru backs the Impreza with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.

The Japanese model additionally presents 5 years/75,000 kilometres of capped-price servicing, with intervals of 12 months or 15,000km.

That’s good, however the prices are comparatively excessive. The primary 5 companies are capped at $346.25, $473.47, $420.60, $771.74 and $361.13 respectively.

Which means a median annual service is near $475, or practically twice the quantity it prices to take care of a Toyota Corolla… You additionally get one 12 months of roadside help included.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Subaru Impreza

I feel the Subaru Impreza nonetheless has an element to play in Australia’s shrinking small-car section however it’s actually not as compelling because it could possibly be.

However if you would like a brand-new hatchback, and also you want all-wheel drive, that is mainly the one alternative you’ve obtained. A minimum of in 2.0S spec it has just a few bells and whistles.

Click on the photographs for the total gallery

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