Impreza is definitely the most popular model of the Japanese manufacturer Subaru, not only because of many successful achievements in its motorsport history but also because it was always an affordable and multifunctional family vehicle. The same thing goes for the latest edition of the Impreza, the 2017-spec fifth generation of the popular car. It introduces a new Subaru Global Platform, on which many new generations of Subaru vehicles would be built. Same as the previous generations of the Impreza, the fifth-gen car comes as a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback.

AT A GLANCE

Upsides:

• Safety equipment
• Pleasant feeling inside
• Fun to drive

Downsides:

• 1.6L engine is not enough

Design (4/5)

The new Impreza comes with a revised design language, showing a recognizable hexagonal grille, which has been the brand’s signature for years. The athletic stance of a more sculptural, longer and wider body is accentuated by prominent wheel arches and flowing lines. The larger dimensions resulted in the roomier cabin. On the other hand, its lower height helps improve aerodynamics. The car also has a redesigned interior, which offers more comfort and pleasant surrounding for enjoyable rides.

Engine, drivetrain, and performance (4/5)

As before, every Impreza is equipped with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard. Together with boxer engines, it is a core of new Subaru Global Platform. Customers in Singapore can choose between two 4-cylinder engines – 2.0L and 1.6L. A revised two-liter engine gains direct fuel injection and other enhancements to boost both performance and drivability. The power is increased to 156 hp. The engine is connected to Lineartronic CVT gearbox with 7-speed manual mode which features steering wheel paddle shifters. The other engine delivers 114 hp and uses the same Lineartronic CVT gearbox. Such a combination accelerates to 100 km/h in 12.4 seconds, compared to 9.8 seconds for the stronger engine.

Trim levels (4/5)

Each of four version of new Impreza is available in eight colors. The trim levels for every model are the same. Some of the features are Keyless access with Push-button start system, Cruise control, Dual-zone automatic AC system, Rear-vision camera and so on. The all-new Impreza also comes with a sunroof as a standard equipment. The new 6.3-inch full-color LCD multifunctional display at the top of the instrumental panel provides all the information that driver or passengers need.

Safety (4/5)

The list of safety equipment is the proof that Impreza is one of the safest cars in the segment. Starting with preventive safety which includes steering responsive Headlights, High Beam Assist and Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection, the list continues with seven SRS airbags, whiplash-mitigating front seats and locking tongue seatbelts. While constructing a car, engineers put the engine lower than ever to have the lowest possible center of gravity but also to prevent engine/gearbox from intruding into the cabin in case of a front-end collision.

Conclusion: 4.0/5.0

Subaru Impreza is the main representative of Subaru’s core technologies (Boxer engine, Symmetrical All-wheel Drive, Lineartronic) united in the all-new Subaru Global Platform. It represents the future of Subaru by showing some core values which characterized Subaru cars for decades. The new Impreza is fun to drive, it also offers all comfort which family users need and provides maximum safety. For day-to-day usage with no special sporting wishes, the 1.6L Impreza is enough; while for demanding customers, the 2.0L is perfect. Others would look for magic letters WRX or STI.