Holden Astra v Subaru Impreza 2017 Comparison

Safe, sporty hatches for around 30 grand
Mazda's MX-5 has proved safety and sporty character need not be mutually exclusive. But as capable as Mazda's diminutive sport car is, it can't stand in for a small family car – a car for the transportation of both kids and groceries.

We've recently tested Honda's Civic RS and Hyundai's Elantra SR Turbo, and came away with a favourable impression of the two small sedans.

But what about hatches of the same ilk? There's no shortage of five-door models encompassing these virtues, but we settled on a couple of models that are slightly outside the mainstream for this two-car test.

Why are we comparing them?
Holden faces an uphill battle rebuilding the Astra nameplate after the untimely demise of the Opel brand in Australia, making the sporty Astra RS-V tested something of an outsider. But the RS-V offers class-leading engine output at this price point.

Better known for its turbocharged WRX models, Subaru wants driving enthusiasts on a budget to place the 2.0i-S variant of the new Impreza on their shopping list. Naturally-aspirated Imprezas can be underwhelming, however.

Can Euro cachet (and on-paper performance) deliver a black eye to the eminently practical choice, the Impreza? Or is the Subaru simply too capable to ignore?

Who will they appeal to?
Families on a budget – but desiring something interesting to drive – will be drawn to these two cars, and presumably others like the Ford Focus Sport. To be frank, the Impreza has a ready-made sales base from among its brand-loyal followers, whereas the connection between the Holden brand and the Astra model name has become tenuous in recent years.

Prospective buyers for the Astra are willing to take a (small) gamble, based on Holden's (and GM's?) on-going support for the small car in the range. Impreza ownership is a pragmatic choice, Astra owners are more likely to buy from the heart.

How much do they cost?
Priced at $29,190, the Impreza holds an advantage of nearly $2000 over the Astra, which arrived with the optional Innovations Pack for a further $3990. That includes sunroof, adaptive cruise control and adaptive LED headlights, all of which are standard in the Impreza.

The two cars are pitched quite close for warranty and service intervals – three years/100,000km warranty coverage for the Astra and three years/unlimited kilometres for the Impreza. Long the Achilles heel of Subaru products, the service interval for the new Impreza is 12 months/12,500km, versus nine months/15,000km for the Astra, which amounts to swings and roundabouts.

What do they do well?
The Subaru is roomier and better packaged than the Astra. It also boasts better fit and finish. The Boxer engine allows a lower cowl height for a slightly more commanding view of the road, and the Impreza's brightly lit, colourful displays are informative and easy to use.

The Astra is the more enjoyable to drive, delivering performance that leaves the Impreza far behind in its wake. Steering is more communicative in the Astra too. The Holden's seats are better shaped and the semi-satin finish brightwork and piano gloss black décor combine for a classier, understated look.

What could they do better?
Neither car came with rear vents for the passengers. Soft materials in the Astra's cabin rubbed together and squeaked, plus they looked unfinished in some areas, and the door pull was lightly fastened, squeaking while closing.

While the Astra was easily the driver's car in this test, it could learn something from the Subaru's ride/handling balance. The Holden's ride was unforgiving, although by no means a deal breaker necessarily.

A generally quiet drivetrain, the Impreza's Boxer/CVT combo supplies pretty low performance, yet the fuel economy is nowhere near the Astra's. And the Subaru CVT screams hysterically as engine revs climb.

Which wins, and why?
The Gratton family has owned both Astra and Impreza in the past, so this is almost a 'sentimental favourite' judgement. Personally, I'd slam the Holden sales person on price and take the Astra for its performance, dynamics, fuel economy, looks and seats.

But based on what the majority of buyers are likely to want, the Impreza wins by a country mile. It wins for value, build quality, ease of use, ride/handling balance and respectable driveability.

2017 Holden Astra RS-V pricing and specifications:
Price: $35,730 (as tested, plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 147kW/280Nm (300Nm overboost)
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.3L/100km (ADR Combined) / 7.6L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 146g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star (ANCAP)

2017 Subaru Impreza 2.0i-S pricing and specifications:
Price: $29,190 (as tested, plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 115kW/196Nm
Transmission: Continuously variable
Fuel: 7.2L/100km (ADR Combined) / 8.7L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 163g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

Performance (as tested):
Holden Astra RS-V:
0-60km/h: 3.7sec
0-100km/h: 7.3 sec

Subaru Impreza 2.0i-S:
0-60km/h: 5.8sec
0-100km/h: 11.4sec