What's the difference?
For over thirty years, the Subaru Impreza has been an icon on Australian roads.
If you’re a member of the ‘PlayStation generation’ like me, there’s a very good chance you slapped P plates on one as your first car.
For Subaru the Impreza is more than that. Along with its WRX performance variant, it's the car which put Subaru on the map, raising it from a relatively unknown Japanese automaker to a global household name.
Things change, though, and despite 30-plus years of history as a beloved nameplate, the Impreza has gone from a best-seller to tumbling down the sales charts as buyers shuffle into small SUVs rather than hatchbacks or small sedans.
The question we’re looking to answer today is what this new-generation Impreza has to offer in 2024, and whether it is still worth a look.
Read on to see what we found.
Electric cars are becoming more affordable, but cheap doesn't always mean good. As more manufacturers chase buyers looking for an accessible entry into EV ownership, the challenge is no longer simply getting the price down. It's finding an electric car that offers enough range, practicality and everyday usability without making too many compromises along the way.
That's what the updated MG4 Essence 64 is promising. But does it deliver?
The 2024 Impreza delivers on all the key things which have made the nameplate so well regarded for the last 30-odd years.
The issue is, buyer expectations have moved on. Hatchbacks need to do more than ever to compete with small SUVs, and with today’s fuel prices it’s far more valuable to offer hybrid rather than all-wheel drive.
This is why, despite the sixth-generation Impreza being a tidy high-tech offering with an admirable commitment to safety, I think it will ultimately continue to shrink its market share. This Impreza really is one for the fans.
The MG4 Essence 64 makes a strong case for itself as a value-focused EV, balancing a competitive price with useful range, a good level of equipment and engaging driving dynamics.
It's not perfect but it does enough well to remain a compelling option for buyers looking for an affordable EV that's easy to live with.