Published
on 8
Jun 2023
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All rights reserved.
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New
Impreza lags behind rivals in many ways, but at least better than
driving a small truck.
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Interesting, switching
back and forth between this page and the page of the last generation
Impreza, you will find the new car is barely changed. The body shape,
the doors and windows are almost the same as before. Dig deeper into
the spec. sheets, you will find its underpinnings are much the same,
too. I suppose most other car makers would call such a mild update as a
mid-cycle facelift instead of a generation change. Especially these
days, any generation change less than a switchover from ICE to
electrified power would be seen as conservative, let alone something so
mild.
It goes without saying the “new” Impreza sticks on the existing
platform. Not just that, it keeps the hardpoints unchanged so that key
dimensions like wheelbase and width are carried over. The sheet metal
might be all-new, but they are barely reshaped a little, as are the
head- and tail-lights. Subaru's sales projection is so pessimistic that
it decided to axe
the slower selling 4-door sedan body and leaves only the 5-door hatch –
do you remember the original Impreza offered 2, 3 and 5-door bodies?
For the same reason, the 5-speed manual option is ditched, leaving CVT
as the only choice – and that must be a big blow to keen drivers,
considering
how bad the CVT is.
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Not
even 2.5 RS could be called as exciting...
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Disappointingly, the 2.0-liter boxer engine is carried over intact. It
produces an
unremarkable 152 hp and 145 lbft, taking more than 9 seconds to go from
rest to 60 mph. In contrast, its rivals' 1.5 or 1.6 turbo engines are
way more powerful yet returning better fuel economy. In Japan, the
2.0-liter model can be optioned with mild hybrid
assistance. Its ISG offers 13.6 hp but, strangely, the engine is down
by 9
hp,
so performance is broadly unchanged. While rivals offer really frugal
full hybrid or plug-in hybrid options, the Subaru has none, leaving us
doubting its commitment to the future.
Better news is the
return of 2.5-liter boxer option in the all-important US market,
something missed out in the last 2
generations. Unfortunately, while the 2.5-liter car is called RS and
equipped with extra body kits, its
performance is hardly rally sport. Its 182 hp and 178 lbft output
sounds not too bad, but the car gets heavier and its CVT is tuned for
fuel economy, therefore 0-60 mph takes an unremarkable 8.2 seconds.
Remember, 15 years ago a 2.5-liter Impreza Mk3 already managed 7.6
seconds. Back then it was considered as
a pocket rocket. Today, cars on the market get quicker, but the Subaru
is
an exception. No Impreza could be called exciting anymore. Slow
aside, you have to put up with the CVT’s droning character under harder
acceleration.
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Practicality
is still its major selling point.
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With boxer engine, permanent all-wheel drive and multi-link suspension,
the Impreza should not disappoint in ride and handling. To some extent,
yes, its long-travel suspension rides well on rough surfaces. Its
10-percent stiffer chassis cuts noise and harshness in cruising. Its
body roll is reasonably well contained, but not tight enough to
encourage you to hustle it. Its steering is slow and numb, while
turn-in is not as responsive as the RS badge would have you believed.
The
Impreza just lacks the extra edge that makes a Mazda 3, a Civic or some
European hatchbacks appealing to keen drivers. For everyday driving, it
is perfectly fine, but if you recall the Impreza’s rallying history,
you will be disappointed. This Impreza is oriented to comfort, with
little consideration to please keen drivers.
Nevertheless, if you look for practicality more than excitement or
sophistication, the Impreza might be worth considering. Firstly, it is
reasonably priced, which must thanks to the little investment it made.
Secondly, Subaru is traditionally tough to run, so you can expect the
barely updated Impreza will be extremely reliable. Thirdly, its
touchscreen has large icons and supplemented with some physical
switches so that old-school motorists will feel at home. Lastly but not
least, you get 4WD standard, which is useful if you live in snowbelt or
rural area. The Impreza is undesirable and lags behind other compact
family cars in many ways, but at least it is better than driving a
small truck.
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Verdict:  |
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