A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.1/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.8
Comfort & Interior
4.2
Running Costs
3.6
Practicality
4.3
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a reliable family car that won’t break the bank? The Subaru Impreza delivers exactly that with its reputation for dependability and all weather capability. This compact family saloon and hatchback combines practicality with Subaru’s renowned build quality, making it an appealing choice for those seeking something different from mainstream options. The Impreza stands out in the crowded family car market with its standard all wheel drive system, something you won’t find on rivals like the Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra. Whether you choose the four door saloon or five door hatchback, you get excellent safety credentials and surprisingly good fuel economy for an all wheel drive car. The boxer engine provides smooth power delivery while the spacious interior offers genuine comfort for five adults. Running costs are reasonable for the class, with insurance groups that won’t shock and fuel consumption that’s competitive despite the added traction. The Impreza might not be the most exciting choice, but it’s one of the most sensible if you value reliability, safety and year round confidence above flashy styling.
What's the Subaru Impreza Like to Drive?
The Subaru Impreza focuses on smooth, reliable performance rather than outright excitement. The 2.0-litre naturally aspirated boxer engine produces around 156 horsepower, providing adequate power for most driving situations. It feels comfortable around town and has enough grunt for safe motorway overtaking. The CVT automatic transmission keeps things smooth and relaxed, though it can feel sluggish when you need quick acceleration.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
2.0L 4-cylinder boxer
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Power Output
156 bhp
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0-60 mph
10.5 seconds
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MPG Combined
37 - 40 mpg
- Boot Space
- 340 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Subaru Impreza: Comfort & Features
Open the door and the Impreza reveals a spacious, practical interior that prioritises function over flash. The dashboard design is clean and straightforward, with well-placed controls that are easy to use while driving. Materials feel robust rather than luxurious, but everything fits together solidly. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, keeping you connected on the move.
A consistently rewarding choice, the Impreza delivers reliable all-wheel drive and surprising practicality. Its enduring appeal lies in a robust build and genuine usability, a true testament to Subaru’s engineering.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Subaru Impreza?
The Impreza sits in the middle ground for running costs, with some areas more expensive than mainstream rivals but others more affordable. Fuel economy ranges from 37 to 40 MPG in real-world driving, which is reasonable but not class-leading. The all-wheel drive system does impact fuel consumption compared to front-wheel drive alternatives. Insurance groups are moderate, typically falling in groups 15 to 20.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Subaru Impreza
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Honda Jazz
|
Toyota Yaris
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £22,000 | £19,500 | £20,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 2.0L boxer 156hp | 1.5L hybrid 109hp | 1.5L hybrid 116hp |
| Power | 156 bhp | 109 bhp | 116 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 10.5 seconds | 10.7 seconds | 9.7 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 38 mpg | 62 mpg | 58 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 340 litres | 304 litres | 286 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | All-wheel drive, CVT auto, High safety rating | Hybrid efficiency, Magic seats, Reliability | Hybrid power, Low emissions, Build quality |
Is the Subaru Impreza Practical for Everyday Use?
For a compact family car, the Subaru Impreza delivers excellent practicality. The 340-litre boot easily handles the weekly shopping or holiday luggage for a family of four. The rear seats fold down to expand cargo space when you need to carry larger items. Inside, you’ll find plenty of storage compartments for phones, bottles, and everyday items.
We’ve had our Impreza for three years now and it’s been absolutely faultless. The all-wheel drive gives us confidence in winter weather, and the build quality is superb. It may not be the most exciting car, but it does everything we need perfectly.
The Subaru Impreza stands out in the family car market by offering standard all-wheel drive, exceptional build quality, and a five-star safety rating. It wraps these practical benefits in a spacious, comfortable package that’s designed for everyday life. While it may not be the most stylish or efficient car in its class, it excels where it matters most: reliability and peace of mind.