Subaru Impreza 5D 1.6i-S (A) Review
28 Aug 2013|34,719 views
Mention Subaru Impreza and the hot-shot WRX is what many people relate with the marque. But rather than being a stripper version of the high performance WRX, the Impreza deserves to stand on its own merits.
Introduced in 1992, the Impreza is Subaru's replacement for the Leone and has been offered as a sedan and a hatchback since then.
With Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive that forms the backbone of Subaru's legendary all-road, all-conditions capability, the Impreza is granted with a unique selling proposition in the global compact class characterised by front-wheel drive.
Sticking to a familiar formula, the fourth incarnation of the Impreza was unveiled at the 2011 New York Motor Show and brings a new engine as well as fresh styling inside and out. As before, it's still available in sedan and five-door guise.
Exterior
While the outgoing Impreza received quite a bit of flak for its looks, Subaru's stylists managed to bring about an all new look.
Gone is the bubbly, nondescript look of its predecessor, replaced instead by a crisply-toned appearance. The Impreza now looks more like it belongs in the Subaru family with the front end resembling some of its siblings, such as the Forester.
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There is a much more cohesive look, thanks to the latest corporate hexagonal grille, complemented by new 'hawkeye' headlamps that bring some extra athleticism to the package. Stylish front fog lights in black housings further add to the sophisticated look.
At the rear end, modern tail lamps provide a degree of neatness, which adds to the upmarket look of the latest Impreza while an integrated roof spoiler helps to enhance a sportier image that is often associated with the brand.
Measuring 4,415mm x 1,740mm x 1,465mm (L x W x H), the dimensions have been kept essentially the same, except that the new Impreza sits a tad lower than its predecessor by 15mm and its wheelbase has increased by 25mm to 2,645mm for accommodating extra rear legroom.
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Interior
Straightforward and functional would be a good way to describe the cabin design. The Impreza's all new interior is a step up over the previous generation's rather dated package.
Replacing the outgoing model's organic but bland shapes and rock hard plastics is an edgier, but still conservative look, composed of vastly improved materials. While some may find the look of the interior clean and of high quality with the dash and door sills wrapped in soft-touch trim, those looking for more flair may be a little bit disappointed.
Nonetheless, the cabin is a pleasant place to be in. The dashboard and instrument panel design, while traditional in layout, represents a new styling direction for Subaru with nice metallic-look gauges for starters, and is very practical and user-friendly with ergonomically placed controls.
As usual with Subaru, there's a strong sense of 'driver-focus' in the cockpit, thanks to the nice and sporty three-spoke steering wheel that feels good to the touch as well as snug fitting leather seats that provides ample back support.
But space is where the Impreza scores big points here. The outgoing model wasn't stingy with space but with the increased wheelbase, rear passengers can enjoy ample legroom. A revised door structure also provides increased shoulder and elbow space for better comfort on longer journeys.
Over at the back, 60:40 split seats fold flat to reveal a cargo capacity of 1,270 litres - enough to see to your shopping needs or the occasional recreational equipment.
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The Drive
Replacing the old 1.5-litre engine is a new 1.6-litre DOHC Boxer that is good for 114bhp and 150Nm of torque. This powerplant is happily married to an automatic CVT Lineartronic transmission that supersedes the old four-speed automatic.
Despite the power deficit on paper, we found the Impreza to be a generally brisk performer. Off the line, you won't experience a burst of fire like a pocket rocket because that is not the Impreza's mission. Instead, what you get is a smooth and seamless pickup that's pleasant for all occupants.
That said, though the transmission was eager to work its way into the power band, it would have been better to see a manual override function or paddle shifters for better entertainment.
On the go, we detected some mild wind noise in the cabin, but the Impreza was otherwise very quiet, approaching luxury levels of silence only known to higher end brands.
It may be no WRX, but the Impreza is engaging for an everyday drive. The car is surprisingly responsive, with a good weight from its steering and a predictable, controlled feel, although it could do with a little more feedback.
Nonetheless, the Impreza's real trump card is its permanently engaged Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which provides an added measure of traction on both wet and dry conditions, giving you that extra bout of confidence when taking a bend.
Thanks to the boxer engine, the Impreza has a low centre of gravity, and that helps to flatten out cornering, giving the car a planted, balanced feel all round. A robust structure and a firm but not punishing suspension also helps the car take bumps and ruts in stride.
Conclusion
This time around, Subaru has delivered a much better Impreza. The car delivers a comfortable and sharply styled interior, great ride and handling - all wrapped up in a modern exterior.
And against some credentialed rivals in the compact segment, the Impreza stands unique with its well-honed all-wheel drive system.
Mention Subaru Impreza and the hot-shot WRX is what many people relate with the marque. But rather than being a stripper version of the high performance WRX, the Impreza deserves to stand on its own merits.
Introduced in 1992, the Impreza is Subaru's replacement for the Leone and has been offered as a sedan and a hatchback since then.
With Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive that forms the backbone of Subaru's legendary all-road, all-conditions capability, the Impreza is granted with a unique selling proposition in the global compact class characterised by front-wheel drive.
Sticking to a familiar formula, the fourth incarnation of the Impreza was unveiled at the 2011 New York Motor Show and brings a new engine as well as fresh styling inside and out. As before, it's still available in sedan and five-door guise.
Exterior
While the outgoing Impreza received quite a bit of flak for its looks, Subaru's stylists managed to bring about an all new look.
Gone is the bubbly, nondescript look of its predecessor, replaced instead by a crisply-toned appearance. The Impreza now looks more like it belongs in the Subaru family with the front end resembling some of its siblings, such as the Forester.
There is a much more cohesive look, thanks to the latest corporate hexagonal grille, complemented by new 'hawkeye' headlamps that bring some extra athleticism to the package. Stylish front fog lights in black housings further add to the sophisticated look.
At the rear end, modern tail lamps provide a degree of neatness, which adds to the upmarket look of the latest Impreza while an integrated roof spoiler helps to enhance a sportier image that is often associated with the brand.
Measuring 4,415mm x 1,740mm x 1,465mm (L x W x H), the dimensions have been kept essentially the same, except that the new Impreza sits a tad lower than its predecessor by 15mm and its wheelbase has increased by 25mm to 2,645mm for accommodating extra rear legroom.
Interior
Straightforward and functional would be a good way to describe the cabin design. The Impreza's all new interior is a step up over the previous generation's rather dated package.
Replacing the outgoing model's organic but bland shapes and rock hard plastics is an edgier, but still conservative look, composed of vastly improved materials. While some may find the look of the interior clean and of high quality with the dash and door sills wrapped in soft-touch trim, those looking for more flair may be a little bit disappointed.
Nonetheless, the cabin is a pleasant place to be in. The dashboard and instrument panel design, while traditional in layout, represents a new styling direction for Subaru with nice metallic-look gauges for starters, and is very practical and user-friendly with ergonomically placed controls.
Straightforward and functional would be a good way to describe the cabin design. The Impreza's all new interior is a step up over the previous generation's rather dated package.
Replacing the outgoing model's organic but bland shapes and rock hard plastics is an edgier, but still conservative look, composed of vastly improved materials. While some may find the look of the interior clean and of high quality with the dash and door sills wrapped in soft-touch trim, those looking for more flair may be a little bit disappointed.
Nonetheless, the cabin is a pleasant place to be in. The dashboard and instrument panel design, while traditional in layout, represents a new styling direction for Subaru with nice metallic-look gauges for starters, and is very practical and user-friendly with ergonomically placed controls.
As usual with Subaru, there's a strong sense of 'driver-focus' in the cockpit, thanks to the nice and sporty three-spoke steering wheel that feels good to the touch as well as snug fitting leather seats that provides ample back support.
But space is where the Impreza scores big points here. The outgoing model wasn't stingy with space but with the increased wheelbase, rear passengers can enjoy ample legroom. A revised door structure also provides increased shoulder and elbow space for better comfort on longer journeys.
Over at the back, 60:40 split seats fold flat to reveal a cargo capacity of 1,270 litres - enough to see to your shopping needs or the occasional recreational equipment.
The Drive
Replacing the old 1.5-litre engine is a new 1.6-litre DOHC Boxer that is good for 114bhp and 150Nm of torque. This powerplant is happily married to an automatic CVT Lineartronic transmission that supersedes the old four-speed automatic.
Despite the power deficit on paper, we found the Impreza to be a generally brisk performer. Off the line, you won't experience a burst of fire like a pocket rocket because that is not the Impreza's mission. Instead, what you get is a smooth and seamless pickup that's pleasant for all occupants.
That said, though the transmission was eager to work its way into the power band, it would have been better to see a manual override function or paddle shifters for better entertainment.
On the go, we detected some mild wind noise in the cabin, but the Impreza was otherwise very quiet, approaching luxury levels of silence only known to higher end brands.
It may be no WRX, but the Impreza is engaging for an everyday drive. The car is surprisingly responsive, with a good weight from its steering and a predictable, controlled feel, although it could do with a little more feedback.
Replacing the old 1.5-litre engine is a new 1.6-litre DOHC Boxer that is good for 114bhp and 150Nm of torque. This powerplant is happily married to an automatic CVT Lineartronic transmission that supersedes the old four-speed automatic.
Despite the power deficit on paper, we found the Impreza to be a generally brisk performer. Off the line, you won't experience a burst of fire like a pocket rocket because that is not the Impreza's mission. Instead, what you get is a smooth and seamless pickup that's pleasant for all occupants.
That said, though the transmission was eager to work its way into the power band, it would have been better to see a manual override function or paddle shifters for better entertainment.
On the go, we detected some mild wind noise in the cabin, but the Impreza was otherwise very quiet, approaching luxury levels of silence only known to higher end brands.
It may be no WRX, but the Impreza is engaging for an everyday drive. The car is surprisingly responsive, with a good weight from its steering and a predictable, controlled feel, although it could do with a little more feedback.
Nonetheless, the Impreza's real trump card is its permanently engaged Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which provides an added measure of traction on both wet and dry conditions, giving you that extra bout of confidence when taking a bend.
Thanks to the boxer engine, the Impreza has a low centre of gravity, and that helps to flatten out cornering, giving the car a planted, balanced feel all round. A robust structure and a firm but not punishing suspension also helps the car take bumps and ruts in stride.
Conclusion
This time around, Subaru has delivered a much better Impreza. The car delivers a comfortable and sharply styled interior, great ride and handling - all wrapped up in a modern exterior.
And against some credentialed rivals in the compact segment, the Impreza stands unique with its well-honed all-wheel drive system.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
Subaru Impreza 5D 1.6i-S (A)
CAT A|Petrol|12.7km/L
Horsepower
84kW (113 bhp)
Torque
150 Nm
Acceleration
12.6sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Subaru Impreza 5D
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