Subaru Impreza 2.0 S-GT Review: To hatch or not to hatch?

What we like:

Surefooted handling from all-wheel drive. Extra power and torque over the WRX.

What we dislike:

Plasticky interior. Automatic transmission only has 4 speeds.

But if you think it doesn’t have the handling finesse of a sporty car, well, I’ll have to disagree with that thought. Simply because (a) it has permanent All-Wheel Drive, and (b) the slightly stiffer suspension does its job well enough.

It feels the most sorted among the whole Impreza range, and I can bet with you it’s due to the proper power to weight ratio (the S-GT has 18bhp and 13Nm more than the WRX, and is also 5kg lighter). Although the S-GT doesn’t feel as hardcore as the previous generation WRX, but in a twist of the plot, Subaru’s engineer gave it the ability to provide respectable handling characteristic and at the same time comfort level that just feels right even as a family car.

While the S-GT is an eager handler – with the pronounced and well-weighted steering – it is marred down most of the time by the tyre. The factory-fitted Yokohama Advan A10 tyre squeals and complains easily, and when pushed, breaks away the driving fun the S-GT is endowed with. Plus, better stopping power could be much appreciated too.

Currently, the strongest competition the Subaru Impreza S-GT has is in the form of Volkswagen’s Golf GT Sport.

Like the S-GT, the GT also has the same story line, although the only difference is that the GT has a 1,390cc super and turbo-charged powerplant (versus the S-GT’s 1,994cc turbocharged unit) and a 6-speed DSG ‘box (versus the S-GT’s 4-speeder). The S-GT has a 211mm length advantage and a 42mm longer wheelbase - but the GT makes up for it by being 19mm wider and 38mm higher. And with Volkswagen being the smart bunch at playing around with cabin space, gives a much spacious cabin than the S-GT’s.

The GT is nippy and lively, but somehow the S-GT’s performance towards the upper end of the power band feels better. And this is where the bigger engine - which leads to better power and torque - has the upper hand.

Then you might argue that although the GT loses out in performance, its smaller engine capacity makes it more economical and cheaper come insurance and road tax renewal time. True - but with a $12,800 difference in price tag the GT has over the S-GT, who makes the better sense?

So, like I’ve mentioned at the beginning of this review – if you’re a married man, don’t be sullied by the prospect of losing all the driving fun. It can still be had, and a car like the S-GT is one example. With the combination of practicality and equal grunt, getting one of this, well, ensures you won’t age so fast.

Credits: Story & pictures by Azfar Hashim