Want a quirky, yet fun little hatchback? Look no further than your closest Subaru showroom. While several automakers have started to jump on the hatchback wagon, none of them are quite as unique as the 2018 Subaru Impreza five-door. Yes its styling does help it look a little different, but what really sets it apart is its standard all-wheel drive. Not everyone needs a crossover, when you can choose the more fun to drive, Impreza. While Subaru has managed to stay true to its roots for years, should you give the Impreza a test drive before you sign on the dotted line for a Honda Civic or Mazda3? Yes.
The Subaru Impreza was completely redesigned for the 2017 model year. The biggest change besides the new styling is that the new Impreza now rides on a new platform. The Impreza is also longer and wider than the model it replaces. Plus its styling now looks a bit more sculpted than before, but the jury’s still out on if the new Impreza actually looks better than the outgoing model. From the front its longer hood is also lower, giving the Impreza a more planted, sportier look. At the rear the styling is a bit less distinctive with wider taillights that don’t really stand out.
Needs more power
Under the hood the 2.0L four-cylinder boxer engine carries over from the old Impreza, but it gets a slight horsepower bump from 148 to 152 horsepower, while its 145 lb-ft. of torque stays the same. The bigger change is that the four-cylinder engine is now more fuel efficient. The five-door is rated at 27/37 mpg if you choose a non-Sport version with the CVT or 27/35 mpg if you choose the Sport. A five-speed manual is also available and its rated at 27/37 mpg.
Even though the 2.0L four-cylinder did get a few extra horsepower, the Impreza still feels underpowered and its CVT isn’t very exciting. If you need a sportier powertrain, you’re going to need to head over to your local Honda or Mazda dealer.
Thanks to its new platform, the Impreza now has a larger interior and is a bit more fun to drive. Enter a curve and the Impreza’s stays flat without much body roll. It’s steering is light, with adequate feedback, although the Civic’s steering is a tad bit better.
Comfortable and spacious interior
Inside the Impreza’s interior is comfortable and its outward visibility is excellent. In the front the Impreza offers more legroom than the Civic and Mazda3. Even though rear passengers have a little bit less space than in the Civic and Mazda 3, the interior is still spacious and comfortable.
Should you buy it?
The Impreza five-door is a comfortable, practical hatchback. It’s the only model in its class that even offers all-wheel drive, which sets it apart if you need it. It’s not as sport or exciting as the Honda Civic or Mazda3 hatchbacks, but Subaru doesn’t seem to care about that. The Impreza five-door hatchback is a competent hatchback that is much better than its predecessor. It handles better, the interior is quieter and it even gets better gas mileage than the old model. Now if only Subaru would bring back the WRX hatchback.
Pricing for the 2018 Impreza five-door starts at $18,995 and you can choose from four trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport or Limited.