Subaru Impreza 2.0i-S AWD 2017 Long-term review - 1

When Subaru introduced its fifth-generation Impreza last September, it marked the first time in 27 years the small hatch and sedan range had benefitted from an all-new platform. It was a foundation necessary to make the Impreza better and more contemporary than the outgoing range; and this is one broad assertion we’re keen to hone in on over the course of a long-term test.

Like any long-term test vehicle, the Impreza will do duty with our entire Melbourne-based road test crew over a three-month period. We’ll take turns in spending a week with the car, living with it as we normally would, and finding pros and cons as ‘normal’ owners would. For me, this means commuting and running to the shops.

Our Impreza – a high-grade 2.0i-S AWD in Ice Silver metallic (the paint a no-cost option at Subaru) – arrived with just 30km on the odometer. I spent the week running the car in across my usual 90km commute, finding fuel economy impressive straight off the bat at 8.0L/100km.

We’ve covered much of the Impreza’s dynamic and performance abilities in previous reviews, so I’ll refrain from doubling up. But I will say that in spite of smooth, linear progress from the four-cylinder petrol and continuously variable transmission combo, I found the CVT’s step-off action rather coarse, especially when coinciding with the abrupt action of the idle-stop system.

It’s the only real interruption to what is otherwise fluid, and quiet progress. Tyre and mechanical noise is generally well attenuated, save for a little ‘Boxer clatter’ under wider throttle openings. Wind and ambient noise is otherwise imperceptible, the only exception coming when the heavens open.

Rain noise taps with a staccato rhythm through the B-pillar region and is accompanied by a loud thrum across the windscreen. It gives the impression the windscreen glass is thinner, or perhaps more taut than in rival models, and is at such high volume the audio system is almost rendered useless.

Which is a shame because Subaru’s updated Starlink infotainment array and iPhone app offers decent audio quality (excusing AM reception) for a vehicle in this price range. The system itself is relatively straightforward to master, with the most typically-used functions available via the steering wheel, meaning you can keep your eyes on the road.

In commuting, I found the Impreza’s ride and handling to be very well sorted. With my routes offering few irregularities or potholes to upset the chassis, I’ll leave further dissemination on this matter to subsequent updates. Suffice to say, if you’re going to spend most of your life driving to and from work in an urban environment, I don’t think you’ll find much to complain about.

Most will also find the appropriation of cabin space well metered. Front and rear seat spaces are generously set to accommodate adults, with plenty of leg and head room for a car of this size. Cargo space is likewise liberal at 345 litres - 24 more than the outgoing model.

One final brickbat for the Subaru Impreza at this stage speaks to the performance of the LED low-beam headlights. Country drivers – or those like myself living on the periphery of suburbia - will struggle to find their way without street lights, especially when the traffic won’t allow the use of high-beam.

Subaru isn’t alone in this area, and I’d urge anyone considering a new car with LED headlights to insist on an overnight test drive before committing to purchase. If headlight performance is a critical element of your buying decision, I’d strongly recommend the new Holden Astra with its optional IntelliLux LED Matrix arrangement.

Long-Term Tests
motoring.com.au aims to make your choice of vehicle easier. Our Editorial section does this via our mix of news, international and local launch reviews, as well as our seven-day tests.

From time to time we also take the opportunity to spend even longer with a vehicle. These longer-term tests can be as short as a couple of weeks, but more recently we’ve settled on a three-month period as indicative of ‘normal’ ownership.

Long-term tests give our staff writers and contributors a chance to get to know a car as an owner would. While the car is with us, we pay for fuel, the servicing, and generally use and live with the car as a new owner would.

We believe long-term tests give car buyers a deeper insight into the vehicle on test, but also the qualities behind the brand and nameplate. The extended period also allows us to touch base with the dealer networks in question.

It comes as no surprise that manufacturers tend to have a love-hate relationship with long-term tests. Three months is plenty long enough to fall out of love with the latest and greatest, and start to nit-pick — just like real owners do.

2017 Subaru Impreza 2.0i-S AWD pricing and specifications:
Price: $29,190 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 115kW/196Nm
Transmission: Continuously variable
Fuel: 7.2L/100km (ADR Combined) / 8.0L/100km (as tested, see story)
CO2: 163g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

Related reading:
>> Subaru Impreza International Launch Review
>> Subaru Impreza Australian Launch Review
>> Subaru Impreza v Holden Astra Comparison Test