Subaru Impreza 2.0i-S AWD 2017 Long-term review - 4

If you contemplate car models which are perennial favourites with Australian buyers, the Subaru Impreza should spring to mind.

Now in its fifth generation, the Impreza is a mature all-rounder, delivering all the best features of a small car, in a robust and practical package. Yet despite the Impreza’s box-ticking abilities, in terms of sales, some Subaru stablemates – namely the Forester and second generation XV – are giving it grief.

The Subaru Impreza 2.0i-S hatch is the range topping Impreza model. Not that it’s a very complex line up. Like its sister car, the small SUV-styled XV the Impreza is offered in one engine and transmission configuration.

Subaru’s take-it-or-leave-it combo is a 2.0-litre boxer petrol engine, delivering an adequate 115kW/196Nm, driving all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT) automatic transmission and Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system (S-AWD)
The CVT seems to be the transmission ‘du jour’ for Subaru as it is also fitted to the Forester and XV. As a rule, I’m not a fan of CVTs, but much of my disdain has sprung from regular driving which is atypical of most daily commutes.

My drive route involves long winding hills with significant inclines. Apply a decent amount of throttle on a hill in a CVT-equipped vehicle and it will whine disconcertingly while it is put under load. Paddle shifters at least make the sensation more bearable, by attempting to mirror a conventional shift, but there’s no disguising a CVT punishing itself.

Of late, there have been some CVTs which have been less objectionable, the Honda CR-V is one which springs to mind. I’ve also discovered - since Ken Gratton and I undertook the great transmission comparison - CVTs do have their place.

During my week with our long-term Subaru Impreza, my schedule involved significantly less hilly driving and more city and around town commuting. Thus I made an interesting observation: If you drive the Impreza in a moderate fashion, with sensible throttle application and minimal overtaking, then a CVT becomes a lot less noticeable.

Drivers of CVTs have likely already had this lightbulb moment. Less right foot action equals reduced fuel consumption and a less whiny transmission. And if you’re using the right foot less, then you don’t need an engine with extra punch - so the mid-range Impreza’s 2.0-litre boxer engine makes sense.

One observation I did notice was that on start-up the engine did have a tendency to ‘flare’ noisily. Interestingly this was the same in an identical Impreza driven by a customer of mine, but was not observed in an XV fitted with the same engine.

Subaru says its drivers aren’t looking for better performance from their engines and, after a week of driving with my conservative hat on, I can see that point. Paired with the CVT, the big benefit is fuel economy and, while my week didn’t extend to concerted hypermiling, I was pleased to see an average fuel usage of just 8.0L/100km after 450km.

In rural areas, the Subaru’s legendary all-wheel drive system is well suited to gravel roads. Impreza drivers also benefit from Subaru’s active torque vectoring which offers improved steering response and better turn-in into corners. The result is a car which is engaging to pilot, but obviously not a performance machine.

Stickered at under $30,000 (plus on-road costs), the Subaru Impreza 2.0i-S does represent good buying. Its specification includes leather upholstery, premium cabin and Subaru EyeSight technology (a fantastic suite of driver assistance tools including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and lane departure warning).

The Subaru Vision Assist package also includes blind spot monitoring, high beam assist, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert and reverse emergency braking. This is an exceptional amount of kit at such an affordable price point.

Subaru has greatly improved the integration of its information and entertainment screens too. A large 8-inch touchscreen controls most of the main infotainment functions, while a high level centre screen delivers information on drive modes and EyeSight where the passenger can see the driver assistance technology in operation.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as standard fitment, with CarPlay working smoothly. It’s not always so trouble-free so worth noting when it works well. I’ve previously tested the Impreza against the new Holden Astra, and found myself feeling the same pragmatic leanings during my week with the long termer.

The cabin is nicely finished with some good quality materials and touches of detail, while improvements to the Impreza’s build quality have delivered a vehicle which is quieter on-road.

Yes, the engine and CVT are not compelling from a ‘driver’s car’ perspective, but they do the job for 90 per cent of commuting small car buyers.

Those buyers will appreciate the comprehensive suite of technology, the detail, the finish and the fuel economy gains to be had from the Impreza. As such, I’m confident the Subaru Impreza will continue to deliver for its owners. I wouldn’t buy an Impreza for myself, as I’m not nearly sensible enough, but owners who do buy with their head over their heart should be very comfortable with their purchase.

Long-Term Tests
motoring.com.au aims to make your vehicle buying decisions easier. Our Editorial section does this via our mix of news, international and local new model 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 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 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)
CO2: 163g (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

More Reading:
>> Subaru Impreza long term introduction
>> Subaru Impreza long term update #1
>> Subaru Impreza long term update #2
>> Subaru Impreza v Holden Astra