Little Winter Warrior | 2018 Subaru Impreza Sport + EyeSight Review

[@rtfe83able]

I didn’t buy my new Subaru Impreza for speed. I bought it for reliability, dependability, and most for the AWD, that none of the competitors offer.

[@PRNTestDrive]

And that confirms what we suspected and talked about in our video! Sure, the WRX and STI are fun performance cars, but the majority of buyers want something dependable like this Impreza, and that's why Subaru continues to sell incredibly well in markets like ours.

[@williamjohnson650]

rtfe83able It does go 200+ km/h

[@Roosyer]

aren't " reliability" and "dependability" the same thing?

[@xcen1]

@@Roosyer I think reliability is a long term thing. Dependability is for short term, like it'll take you where you want to go without being stuck in snow.

[@reda-w4g]

@@xcen1 Bravo.

[@SameBasicRiff]

I absolutely love this car. I have a 2017 hatchback with eyesight myself. It is certainly slow but the band on the CVT is super well tuned imo and this car keeps me from getting speeding tickets or driving dumb by its nature. Perfect!

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad to hear you’re enjoying yours!

[@williamkugel]

Subarus are great cars and I agree they really put the emphasis on safety, functionality, and reliability above style. Still, even if conservative in their styling it’s not an offensive or polarizing look and it is uniquely Subaru. Thank you for doing reviews on practical and obtainable vehicles. I live in the lower 48 states but for the most part, the vehicles are similar if not identical with the exception of a few winter packages and the units on the speedo. :-) It’s great to be able to get an honest and in depth review on a vehicle. Keep up the great work!

[@PRNTestDrive]

Thanks, we appreciate that! We're always happy to film and review the more affordable vehicles, historically its those that have been more popular in terms of views for us on this channel over the more expensive stuff. There's definitely a lot of love for Subaru out there, we're glad we're getting the chance to feature some of their vehicles, especially the models the press usually avoid since they aren't 'fun'.

[@SubieandFriends]

The reason to buy an Impreza is for the amazing AWD with amazing MPG! The great safety and reliability is a bonus!

[@PRNTestDrive]

Fair enough

[@gjsidgegy]

Yay, just got my impreza!! LOVE IT!!

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad to hear it, congrats!

[@jamessimonds4458]

We have a 2018 5 door, and a 2022 sedan. Both imprezas are great dependable cars. I only wish that Subaru at minimum, is offer a 2.5. We also have a 2020 Forester. All 3 are great cars

[@PRNTestDrive]

Fair enough, glad to hear it's working out for you. Enjoy!

[@eamonob84]

I'm looking at a 2017 or 2018 Impreza as my next car. AWD, safety, and reliability are my main concerns, plus a reasonable price. I don't care about speed...and coming from my 2005 Corolla it's going to be faster anyway!

[@PRNTestDrive]

Fair enough, hope you find one that works for you!

[@janetlane3577]

Nice color paint smooth

[@PRNTestDrive]

Seems like the go-to colour for a Subaru.

[@YouDontWannaFightMe]

I find it odd that the Impreza still has a 5-speed, while the new Crosstrek gained an extra gear. Also, anyone interested in buying one of these should know that the hatchback is 7 inches shorter in length and has more cargo space than the sedan does. Because of this, I see way more hatches than sedans on the road.

[@PRNTestDrive]

That was one of the main reasons we were so disappointed with the Impreza, why offer a 5 speed when even the base model Kia Rios come with 6 gears? Feels like cost-cutting measures.

[@Simplycoburn]

Another thing to note is that the eyesite package is not available with a manual

[@TheSoapiestWanger]

I bought the 2018 base model impreza sedan with the 5 speed manual brand new. It is a great car!

[@Malik-jt8hi]

Give me a better interior and a head-up display and I’ll buy it in a heartbeat

[@PRNTestDrive]

They definitely need to do something, more tech and an inspired interior would go a long way.

[@BG-mw1ej]

A great commentary on this fun car. And it is a bit sluggish as far as getting up to speed on highway driving. A very fair assessment and a well-produced video. Thanks for this!

[@PRNTestDrive]

We always make sure we're honest and accurate when reviewing new cars, sometimes it upsets the enthusiasts, but we felt we gave this Impreza a good shake-down.

[@antirussia8194]

Subaru is what Volvo used to be - very reliable, very safe, with its very own, no-nonsense style and attitude. You want a flashy car with triple turbo 1.4 engine that does 0-60 in 4 seconds (at least until it breaks, which will happen soon)? Than Subaru is definitely not the car for you.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Well said. Volvos are getting a lot more serious about their luxury image.

[@aristheo]

Is this really the sport version? It looks like the limited one. I thought the sport had a different grill and 18 inch wheels.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Perhaps it differs for the country that you’re in.

[@Tonyx.yt.]

in italy the impreza (except for wrx sti model) is available only with hatchback (18cm shorter) and 1.6 boxer (2.0 liter only for other subaru models) and only with cvt, no manual transmission option :D and is the only simmetrical awd car sold ad resonable price the color of this car is the subaru electric blue right? looks dark but probably because there's no sun

[@PRNTestDrive]

The exact colour according to the specs sheet we got is 'Lapis Blue Pearl', it might be a non-STI specific colour. I think the hatchback is more practical, we're big fans of those body styles. Interesting that they don't offer the manual over there though, that's very surprising.

[@burninggas7715]

We want a E38 Update

[@PRNTestDrive]

Unfortunately I don't think we'll be doing a 30 month update on the 7 Series, the reality is the car has been parked and hasn't started since November. I actually just went to check on it and the battery is completely dead, none of the dome lights came on and the trunk is sealed. We're going to have to see if we can even get it boosted, but the vehicle truly hasn't done anything since our last major update.

[@burninggas7715]

It is sad, the e38 doesnt deserve that. Maybe you can do a work on or a restart/ rebuild video of the BMW.

[@PRNTestDrive]

We're hoping to be able to, the budget for that doesn't quite get us there though. We're going to see how it goes once the weather warms up, we're hoping we can boost the battery from the engine bay and get the car started without throwing a rod. There's a long list of cosmetic work that needs to be addressed, along with some mechanical things, like the gas tank and engine oil leak that are preventing us from being able to register the vehicle or get insurance on it.

[@gabriellaforce2041]

I whant to downgrade the size of my car. And the Impreza sport hatchback seems the be a good option. I actually got a Venza awd v6. I love it but for whatever reason I want to change it.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Hopefully if you go with the Impreza you'll enjoy it! We featured the 2019 last year in a different configuration also.

[@julioperez286]

Yup I have 2014 crosstrek reliable car awd symmetrical good car

[@PRNTestDrive]

The Crosstrek seems to be the popular option up here. Same time of space/options but you get the added ground clearance which ends up being more important during the winter.

[@TK.919]

Hi! I like your video, and would love to know your opinion comparing this to the AWD Mazda 3. Thank you!

[@PRNTestDrive]

We did a Showdown comparison on this exact car with the 2018 Mazda3 and chose the Mazda3 over it. Now that the new 2019 Mazda3 comes with AWD along with a completely redesigned interior and exterior there's even less reason to get the Subaru. I'd still take the Mazda!

[@golding69]

You mentioned interesting and important details that i have not seen in other reviews. I love my new pre-owned 2018 Impreza limited 5 door... i find it to be a fun, solid car... and for a bit more excitement I started on Subaru a year ago with the 2020 BRZ tS. Both cars seem to be fantastic in their own class with their own attributes.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Thanks for checking this one out! We wanted to be thorough as it was the first Subaru we've featured.

[@losreales6784]

Where I can find those headlights? I an trying to have those strip lines on the subaru, any one can recommend me a page or a place where to find those thanks

[@PRNTestDrive]

These are stock lights, so I imagine you can just order them from a Subaru dealership based on the year/model in this video.

[@manhoot]

The little soo-bar-oooo. Wow

[@PRNTestDrive]

Little indeed.

[@kl1958]

When you say a conservative interior do you mean uncomfortable or just plain and simple - ie not fancy?

[@PRNTestDrive]

Conservative as in not fancy. The interior seating is decent in terms of comfort, but the design on the inside is meant to be as accommodating as possible without going too wild with design. Some vehicles like the new Toyota Camry have very sharp/non symmetrical design which has turned off some buyers who wanted something less fussy.

[@kl1958]

ok thanks

[@Tonyx.yt.]

central display on the top dashboard is a japanese quirk, i admit but is usefull, some years ago i have a japanese car at home with similar, just much more simple (monocromatic lcd) information display on the top dashboard in the center, and it was easy to read

[@louisjames1062]

Tony x mostly due to cost no doubt, they don’t need two units for lhd or rhd

[@PRNTestDrive]

That definitely makes sense. It's a nice little screen, we used it when we had CarPlay Maps on the main screen and the fuel milage on the cluster, allowing us to use that third screen to display the music information.

[@brianforman1516]

I don’t think that’s a Sport model, there’s no badge on the trunk, could be a premium with optional equipment. Unless they take the sport badge off when going with a CVT.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Perhaps in the county you live in they sell it with a badge.

[@silentrefusal9911]

Ummm I think this Impreza and Nissan Versa don't cater in the same segment. It would be Nissan Sentra in this segment for compact sedans I guess.

[@PRNTestDrive]

We might have mentioned the Versa only because it's also a vehicle that still offers an antiquated 5-speed manual transmission. The fact that the Subaru is a larger vehicle class and costs more than the Versa, yet still offers such a dated transmission is why we brought it up.

[@KraziVokalz]

Nissan Versa is Compact , the Impreza is small. None of those dimensions add up... The Impreza is in a class with Nissan Sentra, Corolla, Civic, Jetta, Cruze, Elantra, Forte, Mazda 3, and Ford Focus....

[@PRNTestDrive]

Fair enough

[@sonyhk3824]

This is an attractive car with standard 4X4

[@PRNTestDrive]

We definitely think so too! It's small, practical, and relatively affordable when compared with some of the FWD vehicles in this segment.

[@sonyhk3824]

Perpetual Radio Networks, 💯%

[@ianhuth37]

AWD is not 4x4 different system completely my friend.

[@Tonyx.yt.]

hi nile, i have a question about this car, because i visit a subaru showroom today for check this car. how is the feeling of the cvt in D mode? i mean, there's "rubber" effect or with small/moderate throttle pressure the response is good? because i and my parents always we drive manual transmission and a cvt is quite different.

[@PRNTestDrive]

I really wasn't thrilled with the CVT honestly, it felt sluggish when getting onto the highways in comparison to a normal automatic. I also didn't understand the paddle shifters they included on this car, they didn't really help. The other thing we noticed is in Canada at least, only a 5 speed manual is offered instead of a 6 speed, which feels very 90s.

[@Tonyx.yt.]

i ask because there's no choice here, only cvt transmission for subaru impreza, the better trim have paddle shifters for simulate 7 speed, but the base trim dont use paddle and instead of manual mode, there's only LOW mode.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Very strange! That simulated mode doesn't do much, aside from using the paddles to test them out I never bothered with them, they made little difference.

[@Tonyx.yt.]

because subaru impreza base model is very basic, no paddle shifters, no alloy wheels, no leather steering wheel, 6.5" instead of 8" infotaiment, but with 20% lower MSRP than well loaded trim, many things are left but for equivalent of 6K CAD someone think 2 time before buy the loaded trim...

[@PRNTestDrive]

If you don't need all the bells and whistles then it's certainly a great option to have!

[@paulhenry913]

Interior needs more for the price point? Don't get that, otherwise this is a very solid and safe choice plus it its fun to drive

[@PRNTestDrive]

We felt the interior was a little dated compared to the other compact sedans we've driven this year, at the time of filming it was true, but even today after driving a lot of others we still stand by this.

[@paulhenry913]

@@PRNTestDrive The interior is as good or better than a Mazda 3 or Civic.

[@PRNTestDrive]

We actually did a Showdown episode comparing this to the Mazda3, which we feel has a much more premium interior. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooDbaYVreKybgbM Haven't had the chance to drive the newer Civic unfortunately.

[@MonkaS8000]

Title says Impreza sport but I’m not so sure it’s an Impreza sport

[@PRNTestDrive]

I’ve addressed this several times in the comments, Subaru Canada has different trim names/equipment compared to Subaru USA.

[@Voltomess]

This is not Subaru SPORT it doesn't have a sport badge on the rear and doesn't have a spoiler come on man

[@PRNTestDrive]

We don’t set the trim names, that’s Subaru’s job. This trim is the Sport, despite it not being sporty.

[@mlutteral]

trims are equipped different in canada and the US

[@mlutteral]

in canada there's no sport badge, and the spolier comes with the highest trim, the 'sport-tech', that includes also heated wheel drive, gps , 8 harmon-kardon speakers, leather seats, and some other goodies

[@senoucisenouci5605]

How is it in snow?

[@PRNTestDrive]

It worked out well, the right tires also make a big difference. With Subaru we've had excellent success with Toyo Observe winter tires.

[@unclejohn7060]

STEVE MOYER'S SUBARU(READING ,PA) THE BEST! I WANT A 6-CYLINDER(LOADED) 2021 MODEL SO GET READY!

[@PRNTestDrive]

We'll send them an invoice for this advertisement.

[@louisjames1062]

The problem I have with that car is it looks identical to the new lada Vesta... not a good look here in eu

[@PRNTestDrive]

We ended up cutting this from the video because we accidentally filmed in 720p, but we find the design to be the generic definition of what a 'car' is, if you asked an 8 year old to draw a car, this would be it. The rear end is Corolla-like, and has some styling queues from other vehicles as well. It doesn't really try to be too flashy though, which is something I think Subaru owners are looking for. It's conservative and functional.

[@louisjames1062]

Perpetual Radio Networks agreed. It’s a good general Car, but everything I dislike about Cars and what a lot of Cars have become. This car is the white goods of Cars. There is zero passion/coolness or flare in this type of car. But as you say, this will attract some market share due to its blandness. A good blend of safety and refinement is a hard act to pull off, Saab for me did that best before gm killed it off. Good review though as always.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Thanks! Saab was definitely an interesting company, we're hoping to be able to feature some of their older models!

[@oldfart668]

New subaru impreza? love it!

[@PRNTestDrive]

It was fun to be able to try this one out! Lots of Subarus out here in Quebec.

[@danielnormandeau2393]

Ultimate winter hodrod!

[@PRNTestDrive]

It definitely makes easy work of the snow we get up here.

[@ianhuth37]

Did you get rid of your BMW???

[@PRNTestDrive]

The 7 Series is still sitting in one of the garages, we did mention in another comment that it honestly hasn't been driven since our last TestDrive Garage episode on the car, and the battery has gone flat, we checked yesterday. We're hoping to be able to do something with it come spring.

[@saideepakb]

He sounds like Chef John from FoodWishes.com

[@PRNTestDrive]

I hope that’s a good thing?

[@saideepakb]

@@PRNTestDrive yes!!

[@robertstocks3757]

Subaru impretzle

[@PRNTestDrive]

Lol

gogo!

[@PRNTestDrive]

gadget subaru

[@stopdropandroll]

THESE IMPRETZLES ARE MAKING ME THIRSTY!

[@PRNTestDrive]

🥵🥵

[@DmitryAl]

150 лошадей считается спорт🤣

[@PRNTestDrive]

Fair enough

[@gabexvideos7363]

0-60 11 seg -.-

[@PRNTestDrive]

It's definitely not a fast car, but I think people buying this specific model aren't looking for speed.

[@gabexvideos7363]

In my country i could buy an Octavia with the same money and is thousand times faster

[@pressphotog8854]

This is NOT an Impreza SPORT. It is a regular Impreza. It is pathetic that you don't even know what car you are talking about.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Based on your profile picture I assume you’re in the United States. Since your comment was so polite, I’ll educate you a bit. Manufacturers often sell different trims in different countries. We talked about this about a month ago when we featured the 2019 Kia Forte, the US models had different features and kit compared to the trim we had here in Canada. So before getting all red about our video, relax and realize that the Ontario plates on this vehicle means we’re a Canadian Show, featuring a Canadian vehicle, and what’s sold here as the Sport trim may vary from what’s sold in the United States. I hope that clears things up for you, and that you’ll understand that I do in fact know exactly what I’m talking about, and not just some angry il-informed keyboard warrior on the Internet.

[@mlutteral]

"It is pathetic that you don't even know what car you are talking about". Oh, the irony is exquisite, and the stupidity is infinite. This IS an Impreza SPORT, and you are a dumb 'murikan. Spoiler alert: there are other countries outside the united states.