What small all-wheel drive hatchback should I buy?

Small all-wheel drive hatchbacks are rare in Australia, as only a comparatively tiny number of people live in the sort of environments that require the added traction and surety that AWD provides. Also, most Australian consumers seeking AWD tend to go for smaller SUVs, since they are easier to get in and out of, offer a higher seating position and generally enjoy better resale values. On the flipside, SUVs cost more to buy and run, are not as stable at increased speeds due to their higher centre of gravity and are larger to manoeuvre in tighter parking spots than a small hatchback. The Subaru Impreza remains the least expensive small AWD hatchback you can buy new, as well as the sole mainstream-branded model starting at under $30,000. However, while the latest-generation Impreza launched in 2016 it's a huge improvement over previous iterations (with service intervals finally extended to 12 months/12,500km), there are a few more compelling alternatives in small crossovers – that is, the in-between segment between small cars and SUVs; they boast a few extra centimetres of ground clearance without the bulk. Note only a few crossovers offer AWD as an option. A recent stint in the new Impreza-derived XV 2.0L Hybrid revealed it to be a powerful and economical crossover with excellent handling and road-holding capabilities. The same applies to the Mazda3-based CX-30 AWD, the Toyota C-HR 1.2L-turbo AWD and Volkswagen T-Roc 140TSI 4Motion - though none are as frugal as the Subaru. If you're not sold on the idea of an crossover AWD and prefer a small AWD hatchback, then your only other option is to stretch to premium European hatchbacks like the Mercedes-Benz A250 4Matic, BMW M135i xDrive, Audi A3 quattro and Volkswagen Golf R. But all generally cost upwards of $60,000 drive-away - and that's before some of the more desirable options fitted. Finally, unless you are travelling hundreds of kilometres ever week, there is probably no benefit choosing diesel over petrol, as the former fuel is dirtier for the environment and not as quiet and refined as the latter. Additionally, diesels are falling out of favour with buyers due to their harmful emissions, and most companies are switching to petrol/electric hybrids as a solution. Again, this means the Subaru XV Hybrid AWD. A long response we know, Jan, but we hope this helps.

Subaru Impreza 2008: Good price range

It would depend on which variant it is, but it’s very low kilometres for its age, which would go in its favour. I would suggest a price of $8,000 - $10,000.

What car should I buy?

The Camry wins on reliability and fuel consumption, but carries the highest price; the Subaru is the least expensive but has the highest fuel consumption ad the lowest resale, while the Kia sits in the middle. The Kia is good value-for-money. If fuel consumption is your priority go for the Camry, if not go for the Kia.

Subaru Impreza 2017: What's a good replacement?

One to try is the Ford Focus; it has a rear view camera, GPS, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and fits within your budget.

What is the cheapest Subaru?

The cheapest new Subaru is the Impreza 2.0i 4D Sedan listed at $22,690. For more info on the latest models, check out our pricing and specs page, and you'll find all Subaru reviews and news here.

Subaru Impreza 2011: Fitting out exhaust, custom lights and body kit

I wouldn’t buy them without doing some homework to make sure they would suit your car. Find a Subaru specialist mechanic, one who can advise on performance options, and check with them.

Subaru Impreza 2010: Can the RS fit a Holden LS1 engine?

It won’t fit without a lot of engineering. If you seriously want to do it you will need to talk to a qualified engineer recognised by Vicroads, and have a large amount of money at your disposal.

You are here

Subaru Impreza 2015 Problems

No car is perfect, but we've gathered everything relating to the Subaru Impreza 2015 reliability here to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Subaru Australia recalls more than 121,000 vehicles: Forester, XV, Impreza, and WRX models impacted

4 Mar 2019 · by Andrew Chesterton

Subaru has launched a major 121,754-vehicle recall to fix a potential fault which can cause the brake lights to fail (though the brakes themselves will still work), with every Forester, WRX, Impreza ...

Subaru Impreza 2015: High cost of cutting new keys

Answered by CarsGuide 9 May 2016

This is not the first time we've heard of this problem, although the Subaru costs seem high. Company spokesman David Rowley responds: "We will be contacting the customer directly, due to the extenuating circumstances, to try to get a fair and reasonable outcome. We're also evaluating the creation of an emergency kit of these components to lower the customer costs on the rare occasion that such an event occurs."

Used Subaru Impreza review: 2000-2015

19 Jan 2016 · by Ewan Kennedy

Ewan Kennedy reviews the Subaru Impreza from 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 as a used buy.

Sticking to manufacturer's service schedule

Answered by CarsGuide 24 Aug 2015

Unfortunately, to keep the warranty in force you need to service to a maker's schedule. But we agree the Subaru numbers are far too low.

Subaru Impreza 2015: Services required too frequently?

Answered by CarsGuide 6 Jul 2015

David Rowley of Subaru Australia replies: "Road conditions, weather, atmospheric conditions and vehicle usage practices vary from country to county and, as such, owners are advised to confer with their local Subaru dealer for the maintenance schedule for their vehicle. For this reason, the maintenance schedule for Australian specification Subaru vehicles may be different to those generically set out in the owner's manual".

Thoughts on the WRX?

Answered by CarsGuide 9 Mar 2015

If you need an auto the WRX is the right choice for a performance compact car.

Search from Over 8,000 questions Over 8,000 questions answered by CarsGuide

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

Complete Guide to Subaru
Impreza

Reviews, price, specs and more

Reviews

Family
Family focused reviews and advice for everything family car related.
Adventure
Off-road for beginners and the experienced, plus camper trailers, caravans and motorhomes
Tradies
Utes, commercial vehicles and tow tests

Buying guides

Our experts pick the top models
- Commerical
- Sedan
- Convertible
- SUV
- Coupe
- Sport
- Hatchback
- Ute
- People mover
- Wagon