Subaru has reduced the entry-level price of the Impreza by almost 2.400 euros, so that the all-wheel drive is now available in the new basic equipment trend from 18.600 euros. For the price there is the 84 kW / 114 hp 1,6 liter boxer petrol and five-speed manual transmission. As an alternative to the small petrol engine, the company now also offers the 2,0 liter boxer petrol engine with 110 kW / 150 hp and six-speed gearbox, but only in conjunction with higher equipment lines. At least 21.500 euros are due for the compact. A CVT transmission is in the price list for the 1.6 series with 1.700 euros and for the two-liter version with 2.000 euros.
The five-door vehicle comes from the factory with automatic climate control, an audio system with a 6,2-inch display, height-adjustable driver's seat, seat heating for the front seats and on-board computer. The black-and-black interior, loosened up by gray and beige tones, conveys down-to-earthness and a certain robustness. The compact offers good space - no wonder, because with its length of 4,42 meters it is one of the big ones in the segment. The trunk volume (380 - 1.270 liters) is okay, but when you fold down the backrests there is a small step.
The 114 hp boxer appeals to drivers who want to be relaxed on the road and who are atrocities in traffic. From 0 to 100 km / h it takes 12,3 seconds, the top speed is reached at 185 km / h. If the horses are to act a little more lively because you want to overtake, they have to be tickled awake by shifting down. The maximum torque of 150 Nm is around 4.000 revolutions, then the boxer gets lively, but also louder. When driving relaxed, however, you don't hear much from him. So on the way, you get pretty close to the standard consumption of 6,2 liters, the on-board computer showed 7,5 liters. If you want a little more power, you can now alternatively choose the two-liter boxer with 150 hp known from the XV.
Permanent all-wheel drive is always on board the Impreza. And there is a five-year guarantee anyway. Helpers such as lane departure warning or traffic sign recognition are, however, in vain. These will only be introduced with the next generation, available from spring 2017, which will also come with a sharpened design.
Author: Elfriede Munsch / SP-X