Well Grounded

What we like:

High quality interior

Good dash ergonomics

Sure-footed handling from the AWD

What we dislike:

Lacking in power

sluggish low-end acceleration

With the new SGP platform, the centre of gravity is also 5mm lower than the previous Impreza. It may sound like a small deal, but with this much car being shifted around, especially around the bends, it does make a difference. Additionally, Subaru claims that the new platform is 70-100 percent more rigid than the old car, which is something that I had a real sense of while driving. Part of the reason for this is due to a direct body-mounted rear stabiliser.

While the suspension is still tuned for comfort, with generous-enough suspension travel, there was minimal roll around the bends. While shifting weight from one direction to another approaching another corner, there was plenty of confidence tackling a series of tight corners. The rear does however come across as light, once you do push it past its limit.

There is just a little bit of rear bias, with the power delivery split 40:60 between the front and rear wheels, giving the car a little more rear wheel push, rather than frontal bite, which you can feel, especially around the twists.

Maximum torque of 150Nm from the naturally aspirated 1.6 boxer four comes in at 3,600rpm. Unfortunately, the Lineartronic CVT transmission that the Impreza comes equipped with does not deliver the goods lower down the rev range. You will find yourself often pushing the rev counter past the 3,500rpm range to get the car to pull healthily away from traffic. Starting off, you will hear a very faint whine from the CVT, and once past 2,500rpms, things stop being slow. For those who are used to rather immediate low-end torque delivery would be quite disappointed. Strain your ears at the lights, and you will hear the faint characteristic “bru bru bru” engine note coming from the boxer. That… was how Subaru got it’s name. Ok I completely made that one up.

Lane changes are further assisted by Lane Change Assist and Blind Spot detection, which alerts drivers if there is a car in their blind spot. Night driving is further improved with Steering Responsive Headlights, which throw the beam to where you are steering to. Adding to the list of safety, is the Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, helping to prevent any reversing collisions. Starting and stopping on a steep hill are also now more friendly with Hill Start Assist, and the Hill Holder functions.

Highway cruising on the Impreza is very comfortable, and the car does well in soaking up any road undulations. Gunning down on the throttle to overtake, induces a simulated kicking down of the CVT transmission, which the car can do without.

With more Japanese manufacturers switching over to CVT transmissions for smoother ride delivery and fuel savings, the CVT does not help with the torque delivery from the 1.6. There is the 2.0 we did get to try a while ago, which was way better, delivering about 40 more horses. But it would be rather hard to justify, as it would be priced out of the segment.

The Impreza presents a mixed bag. The ride quality, excellent chassis dynamics and interior comfort makes this car a true joy to drive, yet how the power delivered does add a big dampener to something that truly could have been better. But I must say this. You still have to try the car!

Credits: