Car Reviews

Honest John Reviews Subaru

Subaru Impreza (2006 – 2007) Review

Subaru Impreza (2006 – 2007) At A Glance

4/5

+Rewarding to drive, especially on country roads. Solidly screwed together. Likely to prove reliable if it's like all previous Imprezas.

-Cabin feels decidedly ordinary and isn't that roomy. Running costs are high.

On average it achieves 93% of the official MPG figure

Reviews for Subaru Impreza (2006 – 2007)'s top 3 rivals

Mitsubishi Lancer
2/5
Comes as saloon and a five-door Sportback. Competent and handles reasonably well. Ralliart is good fun.
Kia Magentis
3/5
Thoroughly competent large front-drive saloon with diesel engine and low price.
Chevrolet Cruze
4/5
Good value for money. Also comes with a six-speed automatic. Decent VCDi diesels. Driver and passenger...

Subaru Impreza (2006 – 2007) models and specs

Dimensions
Length 4465 mm
Width 1695–1740 mm
Height 1440–1485 mm
Wheelbase 2525 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1310–1360 kg
Boot Space 356–1266 L
Warranty 3 years / 60000 miles
Servicing 12000 miles
Costs
List Price £12,522–£16,752
Insurance Groups -
Road Tax Bands I–K
Official MPG 31.4–35.8 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall -

On sale until May 2007

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.5R Sports Wagon £12,522 35.8 mpg 13.7 s
2.0 RX Sports Wagon £16,752 31.4 mpg 8.8 s
2.0 RX Sports Wagon Auto £16,752 - -
Saloon
Version List Price MPG 0-62
2.0 RX 4dr £16,252 31.4 mpg 8.8 s
2.0 RX 4dr Auto £16,252 - -

On sale until April 2006

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
2.0R AWD Sports Wagon £16,225 31.4 mpg -
2.0R Sport AWD Sports Wagon £16,725 31.4 mpg -
2.0R Sport AWD Sports Wagon Auto £16,725 - -
Saloon
Version List Price MPG 0-62
2.0R Sport AWD 4dr £16,225 31.4 mpg -
2.0R Sport AWD 4dr Auto £16,225 - -

Model History

January 2006

Impreza got new Subaru 'face' seen on concept cars like the Tribeca, and also a new engine line-up. Entry level £16,200 2.0R got new 160PS 4-cam non turbo boxer engine giving 130mph and 0-60 in 8.5 seconds.

October 2006

105PS 1.5 quad cam flat-four 4WD 1.5R Sports Wagon at very reasonable £12,495. Has dual range transfer box with high/low ratio, alloy wheels, climate control aircon, radio/cassette/CD player, front and rear electric windows, driver, passenger and side airbags. 105lb ft torque at 3,200rpm. 15" aloy wheels with 195/60 tyres. Two Isofix mountings in rear seat. 12 year no perforation warranty. Beats 1.6 versions of Fiat Sedici and Suzuki SX4 by virtue of low range box.

What to watch out for

01-01-0001:

For economy reasons, the alternator does not start recharging the battery until the engine is fully to temperature, resulting in flat batteries for cars driven short distances from cold. The answer is to switch on the side lights or headlights creating a need for power that clutches the alternator on so it recharges the battery.