Subaru Impreza (2014 – 2018) Review
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Subaru Impreza (2014 – 2018) At A Glance
Safe and predictable handling. Impressive grip levels. Good sized boot. Decent standard equipment.
Only one engine choice. High emissions. Drab interior.
The credit crunch was bad news for Subaru. A poor exchange rate with the Japanese Yen meant increased prices and poor sales – so the Impreza hatchback was dropped from the UK line up. Now that the economy has picked up it is back on sale – though the range is limited to one engine and one trim level.
All models get a 114PS 1.6-litre petrol. In typical Subaru style it is a boxer engine linked to full-time all-wheel drive. It’s a proper all-wheel drive system, complete with a low-range transmission boxr for particularly treacherous conditions. Subaru doesn’t offer a front-wheel drive version.
That narrows the appeal of the Impreza of course – but Subaru doesn’t expect the Impreza to be bought by typical family hatchback customers. Instead it’s aimed at the rural buyer who needs to get to and from work year-round in all weathers – and it does a very good job, with tremendous levels of grip and traction.
It’s very hard to get the Impreza stuck thanks to the massive amount of traction afforded by the all-wheel drive system and on-board computers. The ride quality is good, even over rough surfaces – plus you’ll even manage some light off-roading – gravel tracks and muddy farmyards can be tackled with ease.
Unfortunately the Impreza is a bit of a one-trick pony. It’s a capable car, but the cabin is drab and there’s nothing remarkable about the looks or price. Furthermore, official fuel economy is poor at 44.1mpg and CO2 emissions are high at 147g/km.
On the plus side, standard equipment is good. Even entry-level models get automatic lights and wipers, cruise control, alloy wheels, Bluetooth and USB connectivity. Even so, the appeal of the Impreza is limited. If you really want rugged, all-seasons capability in a family hatch it's a decent choice – but for everyone else there are better alternatives.
Reviews for Subaru Impreza (2014 – 2018)'s top 3 rivals
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Subaru Impreza (2014 – 2018) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.6 to 1.6 Lineartronic
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 27–41 mpg
Subaru only offers one engine in the Impreza – a 1.6-litre four-cylinder boxer. Unlike most similar smaller engines, it doesn't have a turbocharger so peak power is only 114PS with torque of 115Nm. That means it's far from the most powerful engine around and acceleration from 0-62mph takes a pedestrian 12.3 seconds. Sadly that leisurely performance doesn’t equate to good fuel economy either, which is unimpressive at 44.1mpg while emissions are 147g/km.
Fortunately Subaru models tend to come close to matching their official figures in real world driving, plus there are some more benefits to the boxer layout. The unusual design means the engine effectively lays on its side, which gives a lower centre of gravity and improves handling.
This is helped even further by a standard-fit, full-time all-wheel drive system and impressive suspension. Traction is excellent – it’s very difficult to get the Impreza out of shape, which makes it the ideal car for rural drivers who have to contend with poor road conditions, such as ice, mud and snow.
The transmission has a selectable low-range, which is designed for steeper hills or particularly slippery surfaces. Ground clearance isn’t great though – this isn’t so much an off-roader as a very capable hatchback. If that’s what you need from a car, there isn’t much on sale to touch the Impreza aside from the larger Skoda Octavia Scout
Ride quality is very good – rough surfaces are dealt with comfortably and quietly, but it’s not all good news. There’s noticeable wind noise and the engine sounds gruff when worked hard – and you’ll have to work it hard to extract any useful acceleration from it. Furthermore the steering could do with a bit more weight and the gear change could be slicker.
Drivers who want an automatic can choose Subaru’s CVT transmission, which is smooth and quiet at low speeds and copes well when accelerating gently. However it gets very loud when pushed hard – when overtaking, for example – but this is typical of all CVT automatic gearboxes. The CVT auto has no selectable low range mode.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 | 44 mpg | 12.3 s | 147 g/km |
| 1.6 Lineartronic | 46 mpg | 12.6 s | 140 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Subaru Impreza (2014 – 2018)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
79%
Real MPG
27–41 mpg
MPGs submitted
12
Subaru Impreza (2014 – 2018) interior
- Boot space is 380–1270 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4415 mm |
| Width | - |
| Height | 1465 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2645 mm |
The Impreza might be a capable hatchback, but it’s also one of the dullest when it comes to its cabin. The quality seems much improved over old Subaru models, with a soft-touch dashboard covering among the changes, but there’s a lot of grey plastic and a general lack of flair or character.
Most of the controls are simple enough to work, but the buttons, dials and switches all feel on the crude side. One embellishment is a multi-function display, but it’s among the smallest colour screens available in a car, which doesn’t do it any favours. Thankfully there’s nothing to confuse – the controls are all easy enough to get to grips with.
Space isn’t too bad. Adults will fit in the back row with a bit of space to spare, while the boot offers a decent capacity of 380 litres, expandable to 1270 litres with seats folded. That’s more than you get with a Ford Focus and is the same as you'll find in the Volkswagen Golf.
Standard equipment is good – all models get 16-inch alloy wheels , reversing camera, auto lights, auto wipers and heated front seats. The options list is fairly small and buyers can only specify leather seats and a Pioneer navigation system, the latter of which is probably best avoided – an aftermarket navigation system is cheaper and more user-friendly.
Standard Equipment:
Impreza RC is the only trim level. It comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, electric windows front and rear, heated front seats, parking camera, hill start assist, automatic lights, automatic wipers, dual zone climate control, USB/AUX connection, steering wheel mounted audio controls, cruise control and tyre pressure monitoring.
Subaru Impreza (2014 – 2018) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4415 mm |
| Width | - |
| Height | 1465 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2645 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1295–1320 kg |
| Boot Space | 380–1270 L |
| Warranty | 5 years / 100000 miles |
| Servicing | 12000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £18,995–£20,495 |
| Insurance Groups | 14 |
| Road Tax Bands | E–F |
| Official MPG | 44.1–46.3 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6i RC 5dr | £18,995 | 44.1 mpg | 12.3 s |
| 1.6i RC Lineartronic 5dr | £20,495 | 46.3 mpg | 12.6 s |
Model History
March 2014
New Impreza coming to the UK
Subaru UK is to bring the Impreza back to the UK, with the latest model going on sale throughout the network from 1 May.
The new model will be limited to one, non-turbo engine and one trim level with a choice of transmissions. The new 1.6-litre Impreza RC will be priced from £17,495 (on-the-road) for five-speed manual models and from £18,995 for models fitted with Subaru’s Lineartronic transmission. The Impreza will be the only car in the C-segment to offer All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard on every model,
The new model will be sold in the UK with a 1.6-litre Boxer petrol engine, producing 114PS and 150Nm of torque for eager throttle response. The engine features separate cooling circuits for the cylinder block and cylinder head, allowing it to warm-up more quickly to reduce friction and improve fuel economy. An Active Valve Control System helps keep engine friction even lower by reducing the oil pump relief pressure. A maintenance-free chain-type camshaft drive belt further improves efficiency. The 1.6-litre engine in the Impreza complies with Euro 5 emissions standards.
The new model will be available with a choice of five-speed manual or chain-driven Lineartronic (CVT) transmissions. The Lineartronic transmission further improves the environmental performance of the Impreza, while wide ratio coverage and a six-speed manual-shift mode ensure decisive performance and a smooth drive.
The Impreza features a new Auto Start Stop system, boosting fuel savings in congested traffic. A special starter motor and ‘In-rush Current Reduction’ (ICR) ensure the Auto Start Stop is as unobtrusive as possible to vehicle occupants. The ICR stabilises the power supply when the engine cuts out when stationary, ensuring that the dashboard instruments and displays don’t flicker. When equipped with Lineartronic, Auto Start Stop reignites the engine in just 0.2 seconds.
Fitted with the 1.6-litre Boxer engine and manual transmission, the new Impreza will accelerate from 0-60mph in 12.3 seconds, and on to a top speed of 114mph. The Impreza returns fuel economy of 44.1mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 147g/km, improving to 46.3mpg and 140g/km when fitted with Lineartronic.
Manual-transmission models feature a centre differential incorporating a viscous limited-slip differential (LSD), with a basic 50/50 per cent front/rear torque split. To improve traction on low-grip surfaces, this system can detect any slip in front or rear wheels and adjust the torque distribution to the front or rear accordingly.
Lineartronic models, fitted with an electronically-controlled Multi-Plate Transfer clutch, control and distribute torque to the rear wheels. A 60/40 front/rear torque split can be adjusted, with more torque sent to the rear wheels if the system detects slipping front wheels.
The UK model will come in RC specification which includes automatic on/off headlamps and rain-sensing windscreen wipers, front fog lamps, power-folding heated door mirrors with LED turn signals, windscreen wiper de-icer system, 16-inch alloy wheels, tyre repair kit and daytime running lights.
For occupant comfort, every Impreza is equipped with dual-zone air-conditioning, rear passenger heating and ventilation ducts, six-way manually-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, 60/40 split-fold rear seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, two 12V power outlets, USB and aux-in jacks, and a reversing camera.
Optional equipment to upgrade further includes leather seating and a Pioneer satellite navigation system. Three exterior colours will be available: Satin White, Ice Silver and Quartz Blue.
What to watch out for
Report of 2016 (16 month old) Subaru Impreza 1.6 using 1 litre of oil in 3,000 miles and at 24,000 miles requiring a full sert of replacement brake discs and pads.
13-09-2018:Report of front brake discs of 2016/66 Subaru Impreza 1.6 prematurely corroding and showeing visible scoring. Car had sat at the dealer's from being registered in October 2016 until purchased in February 2017 so that could be how the rust ate into the discs.
15-02-2019:Report of various problems with Octgober 2016 Subaru Impreza 1.6, purchased in February 2017. 18 (eighteen) miles on odo when purchased. Since then, the front discs and pads corroded after 13,000 miles and 18 months. Subaru UK who honoured a warranty claim and discs and pads were renewed free of charge. In December 2018, the (TPMS) started to play-up, alerting owner to low tyre pressure when all tyres were at the correct pressure (not unusual with valve based TPMS systems). In Febryary 2019 owner trieds to open the bonnet and the cable snapped due to corrosion. Now, rear discs are covered with rust and pit marks with the car shuddering on braking. Discs, pads and a rusted bonnet cable have been replaced under warranty at no cost to owner.
22-03-2019:Intermittent fault with the TPMS warning light (from 18 monthsd old) continues. Auto start/stop dashboard light flashing continuously (from about 20,000 miles and 28 months) and now, problems engaging reverse gear which has been problematic after about 1 year but only reported by me after 20,000 miles. Car going back to distant dealer for repairs in April 2019. All entries 7-4-2018, 13-9-2018, 15-2-2019 and 22-3-2019 concern the same car.
13-05-2019:Report of car alarm going off repeatedly in 2019 Subaru Forester. "Super-helpful" mechanic at local Subaru dealer suggested that owner look to see if anything metallic had fallen into the cup holder in the central console. Turned out to be a 2p coin. Maybe the same problem might be solved by the same solution with Subaru Imprezas.
