2. Looks inside

The interior is certainly not the most expensive looking part of the Impreza. Presumably there has to be a price to pay for all that performance. But it is reasonable quality and not the number one criteria for those thinking of buying an Impreza - the centrally-positioned rev counter should give you the idea. We drove the SL Saloon which features leather seats and sunroof, which brightens the interior. You’d expect and get aluminium pedals on higher specification models.
Verdict 7/10

3. Practicality

The Impreza has no worries housing four people in reasonable comfort and space. You won’t get the cupholder-fest of a people-mover but the cabin is very liveable. The saloon boot can take up to 348 litres of luggage which is less than average.
Verdict 6/10

4. Ride and Handling

Now we’re talking. Not to beat about the bush, this is the reason people buy an Impreza and the latest model doesn’t disappoint. It handles superbly using all wheel drive to grip to the road like glue with the least possible body roll. Whether you’re commuting through town or opening it up on rural roads, this is where the Impreza earns its corn – and then some. However, you will feel lumps and bumps when the road is rough and you might have to raise your voice or nod hopefully as the ambient noise increases at higher speeds.
Verdict 9/10

5. Performance

We drove the 2.5-litre engined Impreza and loved it. Put your foot down and you’ll be doing 60mph in 5.4 seconds, keep it floored and you’ll eventually hit 143mph. The 230 bhp and 236 lb per foot pulling power (reaching a peak at 3,600 rpm) mean your Impreza will not disappoint when you dab your right foot.
Verdict 9/10

6. Running Costs

Ouch. Performance car means performance running costs and an average fuel consumption of 27.4mpg is the price you pay for this juicy car. Don’t put your wallet away just yet, you’ll need to dig deep for that Group 19A car insurance and car tax band G means an annual bill of £210. You should find the resale value holds up reasonably well too. Imprezas supplied by Subaru (UK) come with a three year or 60,000 mile warranty, three year paintwork guarantee and 12 year anti-corrosion warranty. Buyers also get a three year membership of Subaru Assistance’s home and roadside repair and recovery package.
Verdict 6/10

7. Reliability

Only Jeep have a worse reliability rating than Subaru with Imprezas prone to expensive engine and drivetrain problems.
Verdict 5/10

8. Safety

The all wheel drive helps keep your Impreza planted firmly on the road. Other safety features include ABS, driver and front passenger airbags, plus three rear seat belts including Isofix child seat mountings. The whole range features a Thatcham category 1 remote alarm and immobiliser.
Verdict 6/10

9. Equipment

Air conditioning, front fog lamps and CD player come as standard for all models. The WRX saloon adds the signature bonnet air intake, rear spoiler, 17ins alloy wheels, aluminium pedals and sports seats. Go for the SL trim, which we drove and you get a leather interior, electric sunroof and heated seats.
Verdict 6/10

10. X-Factor

It’s fun! After driving the Impreza for a week most other cars seem a bit, well, ordinary. Add in those distinctive looks and you’ve got a set of wheels which look and drive like no other – without completely breaking the bank. We’ll forgive it its faults for that.
Verdict 10/10

Rivals:
You might want to consider:

Mitsubishi Evo IX
Mazda 6 MPS
Mitsubishi Lancer Sport
 

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