Subaru Impreza Estate (00-05) - Review

Review by Parkers on
The Impreza estate offers much the same abilities as the saloon with the added advantage of improved carrying capacity. It lacks much of the visual aggression of the four-door model, but offers an excellent blend of affordability, performance and practicality. There are no STi or other high performance versions of the estate, although the WRX should prove powerful enough for most.
4 out of 5

Performance

Available with the 2.0 litre flat four engine either turbocharged or normally aspirated. The 1.6 model was discontinued in 2003. In truth, the standard 2.0 has enough go for day to day driving, although the storming pace of the turbocharged WRX is hard to resist. The downside is of course the extra damage it does to your wallet. An automatic gearbox is optional as an alternative to the five-speed manual on the 2.0 GX only. It also features a selectable low ratio to aid towing.

4.5 out of 5

Handling

With Subaru's classic all-wheel drive set-up, Impreza doesn't have - or seem to need - any electronic traction control. It simply puts its power down without fuss or drama - and in the case of the WRX this is considerable power. The flat four engine makes a low centre of gravity which aids stability through the corners.