Subaru Impreza Saloon (05-08) - Review

Review by Dan Harrison on
Last Updated: 05 July 2007
This new Impreza sticks to what the model's been doing since 1993: bringing power to the people. You get supercar thrills for high street prices; few cars can match the bangs-per-buck. And bangs in the new model are bigger than ever: all engines have a power increase, 0-60mph times have come down and there's sharper acceleration on the top STi. But the most obvious changes are visual: a new front and rear end treatment gives Impreza a more distinctive look and there are high intensity headlamps and 3-D rear lights. The Spec D version tones down the visual aggression slightly while still delivering the maximum Impreza driving experience. The Richard Burns commemorative special edition RB320 boasts extra equipment, the full Prodrive Performance engine upgrades and a rock-hard suspension set-up that rattles fillings as well as supercar drivers.
3.5 out of 5

Other Subaru reviews

3.5 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£16,225 - £30,202

Used price range:

£3,648 - £14,564

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Stunning performance from top WRX and STi versions, superb handling, four-wheel drive

Thirsty engines, uncomfortable for passengers, cheap feeling interior, lacklustre standard models

This new Impreza sticks to what the model's been doing since 1993: bringing power to the people. You get supercar thrills for high street prices; few cars can match the bangs-per-buck. And bangs in the new model are bigger than ever: all engines have a power increase, 0-60mph times have come down and there's sharper acceleration on the top STi. But the most obvious changes are visual: a new front and rear end treatment gives Impreza a more distinctive look and there are high intensity headlamps and 3-D rear lights. The Spec D version tones down the visual aggression slightly while still delivering the maximum Impreza driving experience. The Richard Burns commemorative special edition RB320 boasts extra equipment, the full Prodrive Performance engine upgrades and a rock-hard suspension set-up that rattles fillings as well as supercar drivers.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    4.5 out of 5

    "The range starts with a 2.0-litre non-turbocharged engine with 160bhp. There's enough power to worry..."

  • Handling

    5 out of 5

    "Subaru has been honing the Impreza's handling - both for the road and the rally track - since 1993..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    3 out of 5

    "The downside to all that performance is that it's not particularly comfortable, especially for..."

  • Practicality

    4 out of 5

    "Impreza's big advantage over its two-door coupe rivals: mad enough for the track, but civilised..."

  • Equipment

    4.5 out of 5

    "2.0R Sport has ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, dual front airbags, side airbags, colour..."

  • Behind the wheel

    3.5 out of 5

    "All cars have a highly adjustable driving position and a good view of the road ahead; although rear..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    3.5 out of 5

    "Insurance isn't cheap: you're looking at groups 19 and 20 for the WRX and WRX STi. Although service..."

  • Green credentials

    1.5 out of 5

    "Impreza performs badly on the eco front. With an average of 239 g/km CO2 across the line-up, its..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    3.5 out of 5

    "No Euro NCAP crash test score, yet, but every Impreza comes with side airbags (previously only..."

  • Reliability

    4.5 out of 5

    "As good as you'd expect from a car designed to compete in some of the toughest rallies around. Back..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    4 out of 5

    "Franchise dealer coverage is currently a little patchy, but Subaru are working on providing a wider..."

  • Buying used

    2.5 out of 5

    "In time will become a popular used buy; just as previous generations of Imprezas have. Beware of..."

  • Selling

    4 out of 5

    "Imprezas that are most in demand are WRX and STi models. Cars that sell the quickest and attract the..."

Gallery

  • Interior Subaru Impreza Saloon (05-08)
  • Exterior Subaru Impreza Saloon (05-08)
  • Exterior Subaru Impreza Saloon (05-08)
  • Exterior Subaru Impreza Saloon (05-08)

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Owners' reviews