Subaru Impreza Sports Wagon (05-08) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Perhaps unfairly viewed as the poor relation to the Impreza saloon, the Sports Wagon estate isn't quite as glamorous as the rally-inspired STi. However, it still represents good value, particularly with the WRX, and the non-turbo 2.0R models. New for the 2007 model year is an entry-level 1.5-litre model that aims to offer Subaru's rally heritage and all-wheel drive traction for a few hundred pounds more than the cheapest five-door Ford Focus. Although all versions are good to drive and are well equipped, despite regular revisions and refreshes the Impreza is feeling its age on the inside, with an abundance of hard plastics and old-fashioned angular designs.
3.5 out of 5

Other Subaru reviews

3 out of 5

Running costs

With four-wheel drive and no diesel version available with this incarnation of the Impreza (expect a diesel on the next-generation model), fuel consumption is pretty high. Even the 103bhp 1.5-litre version achieves 35.8mpg in everyday driving - the sort of consumption expected now of 2.0-litre cars in the class above. However, residual values are fairly strong for a small family car, and there is plenty of equipment included for the money. However, insurance premiums will be relatively high at group 14 for the 2.0-litre model and group 19 for the 2.5-litre WRX.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

Every 12 months or 12,000 miles (following initial 1000-mile oil change).

Warranty

Three years/60,000 miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£215.00 - £460.00

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

2 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
    184
  • J
  • K
  • L
    244
  • M

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

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

Emissions summary

Impreza is quite a polluting model. With an average of 216 g/km CO2 across the range, its emissions are a touch high for a medium-sized estate. 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 not very frugal, averaging 31 mpg.

Find the exact engine and CO2