Tim Robson road tests and reviews the new Subaru Impreza with specs, fuel consumption and verdict at its Australian launch in Canberra.
It's one of the smallest car makers in the world, but Subaru has laid down a big marker for its future, investing more than a billion dollars in a brand new modular underbody structure that will see it through until 2025.
The fifth generation Impreza is the first car to be built on top of the company's new Subaru Global Platform, and Subaru has pulled out – almost – all the stops to reinvent its best-selling small car.
Explore the 2017 Subaru Impreza Range
Show More
As passenger car sales continue to slide, though, is it money well spent? And can the brand succeed in its ambition of shaking off its self-confessed 'conservative' tag and bring new blood to the star cluster logo?
Subaru Impreza 2017: 2.0i (AWD)
| Engine Type |
Inline 4, 2.0L |
| Fuel Type |
Unleaded Petrol |
| Fuel Efficiency |
6.6L/100km (combined) |
| Seating |
5 |
| Price From |
$11,770 - $15,730 |
| Safety Rating |
|
Verdict
The new Impreza costs no more than the old one, but packs a lot more punch for the money – at least in terms of equipment and safety spec.
The new platform that underpins the car is a technological tour de force, and heralds a brave new future for Subaru, too.
The majority of users will be perfectly happy with the power delivery of the Impreza around town, but the advent of mild turbocharging in the small car space does, however, show up the Impreza's relative lack of pace.
Do you think the new Impreza will make a blip on the Millennials' radar? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
Pricing Guides
$17,574
Based on 209 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months.
Range and Specs
| Vehicle |
Specs |
Price* |
|
2.0i (AWD)
|
2.0L, Unleaded Petrol, SPEED CONTINUOUS VARIABLE
|
$11,880 - $15,840
|
|
2.0i Premium (AWD)
|
2.0L, Unleaded Petrol, SPEED CONTINUOUS VARIABLE
|
$14,410 - $19,030
|
|
2.0i-L (AWD)
|
2.0L, Unleaded Petrol, SPEED CONTINUOUS VARIABLE
|
$13,420 - $17,710
|
Tim Robson has been involved in automotive journalism for almost two decades, after cutting his teeth on alternative forms of wheeled transport.Â
Studiously avoiding tertiary education while writing about mountain bikes in the 1990s, Tim started with Motor magazine in 2001, moving on to edit Auto Action and Motor before joining Top Gear Australia in 2010.
Tim formed his own company, 032Media, in 2014, building up a freelance business that supplies leading news outlets like CarsGuide and GoAuto, as well as Evo Australia, Motor, 4x4 Australia and The Robb Report. He's also a skilled photographer, practicing videographer, presenter and editor.
He’s also recently returned to his roots, currently editing Australia's oldest and most prestigious mountain bike magazine, Mountain Biking Australia.
Tim lives in Wollongong, NSW, and is married with three double-digit age kids… two of who are learning to drive. One’s already learned to race, with 16-year-old Max helping Tim to build and run his only car – a track-registered Honda Civic EG.
You can check out Tim’s bike collection, race car failings and more on his Insta feed or Facebook.
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as
a guide only and is based on information provided to
Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car
manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.
Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete,
current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information
without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.