The latest-generation Subaru Impreza has impressed us here at CarAdvice, so we decided to add one to our long-term fleet. The main reason being the Impreza continues to fare well when put up against class companions.
Earlier in the year, we pitted the slightly cheaper Impreza 2.0i-L up against the Honda Civic VTi-S and the Toyota Corolla Ascent, with the Impreza coming away victorious in that bout because it proved the best all-round value-for-money option.
Just recently in our small-car comparison – though it was the hatch variant – the Impreza again impressed with its value proposition and its all-wheel-drive underpinnings.
Understandably, we wanted to spend a little more time with the Subaru small car, to see whether it lives up to its promise of being a solid option for those of us shopping in this part of the market.
The model in question is the 2017 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Premium, underpinned by an all-new platform that will serve as the backbone of next-generation Subarus until 2025. The carmaker says that as little as five per cent of parts are carried over from the previous gen.
The 2.0i Premium can be had for $26,290 before on-road costs (or $29,980 drive-away, according to the brand), meaning it sits just below the top-rung 2.0i-S at $28,990 plus on-roads. The entry point for the range is $22,400 for the base 2.0i and $24,490 for the 2.0i-L, and the hatch version of each variant commands a $200 premium over its respective sedan counterpart.
Powering all models is a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder ‘boxer’ horizontally opposed petrol engine producing 115kW of power and 196Nm of torque. Power is delivered through a CVT automatic transmission and, in true Subaru fashion, to all four wheels.
Like the 2.0-L, the Premium gets an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, climate control, high-quality cloth seats, daytime running lights, tyre-pressure monitoring and Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist system. Though, the $1800 step up from the 2.0i-L gets you an electric sunroof and factory-fitted satellite navigation.
Not only is the latest-gen Impreza a well-packaged thing, it’s also more affordable to own and run than its predecessor. The previous-generation Impreza was criticised for its frequent and expensive service intervals.
It used to require maintenance every six months or 12,500km, but that has been revised to every 12 months/12,500km, with servicing costs being a claimed $918.86 cheaper for the first three years of ownership.
Why did we choose the 2.0i Premium? Well, we think it’s the sweet spot in the range.
Taking a step down into the 2.0i-L might mean you’re having to do away with some of the features that buyers might have their eye on, like a sunroof and proprietary navigation, for only an additional $1800. Whereas the additional $2700 needed to jump to the top-spec 2.0i-S might be hard to justify.
Over the coming weeks we’ll dive deeper into all the areas that matter to a buyer, so stay tuned for the next instalment.
2017 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Premium
- Price: from $26,290 plus on-road costs
- Engine: 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol
- Power: 115kW at 6000rpm
- Torque: 196Nm at 4000–5500rpm
- Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel drive
- Claimed fuel use: 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres
- Weight: 1381 kilograms (tare mass)
- Seating: Five
- Boot space: 460 litres
- Country of origin: Japan
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