2017 Subaru Impreza 2.0 Sport - REVIEW - new look, new tech, new attitude

[@whitewaterkayaker]

Recently bought a 2019 Impreza Sport Hatch with Eyesight, Harmon Kardon, and moonroof options here in the U.S. and love it. Car also has rear cross traffic alert with auto stop. My only wish is that there was a larger engine option, but other than that, I have zero complaints with the vehicle. Traded in my 2017 Accord Sport Special Edition and am so glad I did. This is a great vehicle with little compromise.

[@OzNix05]

Informative review, a bit different to the Aussie ones I've seen (I'm in Australia). But gotta say, a Kiwi saying Subaru is as bad as an American saying Mazda or Nissan!

[@djclarke4569]

Oh yes you do...

[@djclarke4569]

I pick mine up in a couple of days, Aussie in Auckland.

[@Phrancis5]

Yesterday I finally test drove a (USDM) white 2017 Impreza sport hatch 5sp and I have mixed feelings... It looks good on paper, but in person I really really liked the design inside and out, overall fit and finish, solid quality, and stable sure-footed handling. Ergonomics, sight-lines, and comfort were good too. That solidness did feel heavy and it lacked power - as most reviewers complain about. Official 0-60 times are actually slower than my old Fit 5sp. I didn't realize the EPA ratings were so much lower for the manual (22/30) and road noise was louder than my wife expected. I really didn't expect the very notchy feeling gear shifts - so I didn't even notice the rev-hang issue. I realize it's a new car, but in my experience, they don't get that much smoother over time. Guess I've been spoiled with Honda's slick shifting gearboxes all these years. The new Crosstrek should be out in June and if its anything like the previous one I tested, that suspension should make it pretty quiet and the CVT should return better mpgs - although I'm still hoping the 6sp manual will be more efficient than the 5sp in the Impreza. We also test drove a Kia Niro FE right after and while the design, fit/finish weren't nearly as nice, the driving dynamics were pretty nice for a hybrid - at least in sport mode. (yes its a fwd hybrid, but price and all other practical aspects are similar)

[@Bondmaster007]

Those front and back lights YES. Subaru have got it right....Again... cant wait to see the WRX/STI version....Great review

[@Bondmaster007]

Blue with gold rims and yellow rally stickers... LOL that bad?

[@Bondmaster007]

Keep up your reviews.. rely on your word to tell people and friends about new vehicle purchases

[@robvanduren761]

Maybe the best thing about Subaru is they are a genuine built in Japan car. If they put a decent (real) automatic transmission or 6 speed manual in it they would sell a lot more.

[@mnls7878]

Τhose front and back lights YES. Subaru have got it right....Again... cant wait to see the WRX/STI version. .. exactly the same comment for me too.........

[@soroako4142]

Bloody Kiwis and their pronunciations! That was one of the most informative - and fair - car reviews I've ever watched. Much, much better than the more usual "look at me" internet heroes. I was impressed and have subscribed.I can only think of two aspects which you didn't cover that I'm interested in.[A] - Tow bar - more for a bike rack / car park defence rather than actual towing![B] - Air-conditioning performance.I've had a look at both the hatch and sedan models and whilst I think the sedan looks better I'd rather the versatility of the hatch. You mentioned the lack of rear parking sensors. I'd much rather have a reverse camera than the sensors [I have both on my current car] as the camera view is more much informative and is a godsend when reversing out of a car park. The lack lustre acceleration is not a concern to me, neither is the CVT. Once rolling the car seems to have more than adequate performance for city and highway driving. Sure, an extra 20Kw and a sub 8 second 0-100 would be nice but I would seldom need - or use - that extra oomph!

[@fatboydrop]

Thanks for another top review Blu. 30k is a pretty awesome price considering the features. I'm not a fan though of the CVT or the 0-100 figure. I guess that's not important for someone considering buying a car like this anyway.

[@madrx2]

Good to hear! I wonder when a low boost bolt on turbo kit will be available. ;)

[@paultaylor5626]

I saw one of these in a Wingers showroom and like it in person. All round Subaru are delivering a good quality package right across their range. Are you sure about the platform covering all models? I though only Impreza, WRX/STI and Forrester shared this platform while the legacy and Outback a completely different chassis. Regardless, I think Subaru offer great value for money and really are the only Japanese car that engineers with the driver experience in mind. I'd say this would be a fantastic second car for any family.

[@bosse641]

yes, better looking this model. ....nothing lacking in looks imo. ....will be interesting to see this one in WRX.

[@ParasiteQueen1]

I miss the WRC inspired subarus of the late 90s. Everything today seems like a Camry and Fusion had a baby.

[@mannyechaluce3814]

with Down Syndrome who is a midget

[@robvanduren761]

Did you complete the test on the rubber gearbox Levorg Blue ?

[@A_guan]

I'm picking between this, civic hatch and mazda 3 hatch. Which in your opinion is the most refined and has the most features and handles the best while having all those requirements I mentioned?

[@A_guan]

Also does the civic or impreza offer the best cvt? If you floor it, it'll seen like it'll have those simulated gears but during casual acceleration which (if they do) uses the simulated gears better in lower rpms

[@CraigsDIY]

LOL at the shots in Auckland traffic. Who needs an Impreza when a 900cc Vitz is overpowered in this country now. Sigh. Have a thumbs up anyway.

[@johnledbetter7618]

"SuBAHRoo"

[@booAHHHH]

didn't know what the fuck he was saying

[@shardnz]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ2bqXl5gadko5o

[@minimalist_monk]

Sawbaroo

[@HoofHearted2DAY]

Arghh man you say it like that lol I woulda thought Kiwis said it like us Aussies "Sooooo ba roooo" - my stepdad's Kiwi so this is surprising to me 😂

[@nixniho8357]

extra car

[@davidalexander5186]

Only in NZ do they call it zu baaaru

[@shardnz]

And in Japan too! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ2bqXl5gadko5o

[@carlosvega622]

very disappointed impreza