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

Safety

No Euro NCAP crash test score, yet, but every Impreza comes with side airbags (previously only available on WRX), dual front airbags and ABS (with electronic brakeforce distribution). There are also a number of subtle safety features like anti-raindrop wing mirrors that are said to stay cleaner and enhance visibility. Security is taken care of with a shielded doorlocks, remote central locking, deadlocks and a Thatcham Category One alarm. Thieves may like the look of the WRX STi, but it gets a satellite tracking system, which means that even if they make off with it, the Police should be able to hunt it down.

NCAP Test

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Provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe.

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4.5 out of 5

Reliability

As good as you'd expect from a car designed to compete in some of the toughest rallies around. Back in the real world, owners report few problems - even minor niggles. There's no reason to believe this model will be any different. The robust - and proven - technology is carried over from the previous car.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

No problems reported.