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

Running costs

Insurance isn't cheap: you're looking at groups 19 and 20 for the WRX and WRX STi. Although service intervals are average for a high performance car, Subaru parts and labour rates tend to be lower than those offered by other premium brands.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

2.0 every 12,000 miles; 2.5 every 10,000 miles. Plus initial oil change at 1000 miles.

Warranty

Three years/60,000 miles

Road tax (12 months)

£270.00 - £475.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

1.5 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
    207
  • L
  • M
    292

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

Impreza performs badly on the eco front. With an average of 239 g/km CO2 across the line-up, its emissions are a little high for a sports saloon. It's worth noting that the line-up does not feature any diesel models, which typically produce less carbon dioxide than petrol engines with similar power outputs. The range is quite thirsty, averaging 28 mpg.

Find the exact engine and CO2