Road Test: Subaru Impreza 2.0i-S

The name Impreza conjures up memories of lurid four-wheel slides and box-shaped boxer engined sedans beating up on supercars in the noughties. Amongst enthusiasts, Impreza is synonymous with performance. But in case you haven’t heard Subaru has moved the Impreza name away from WRX and STI and Impreza is not performance focussed at all. I live with the Impreza 2.0i-S for a while and find out what’s in the name.

It comes well equipped

Impreza comes with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, multifunction displays, Tom Tom SATNAV that works like a SATNAV should, and a very good reverse camera. Our car came equipped with all the advanced safety equipment and one can’t help but feel that Subaru is now taking a page out of Kia’s book, employing the power to surprise.

On the road

The Impreza’s CVT gearbox is good and relatively seamless. I did feel the odd jerk here and there but that’s because I became accustomed to feeling absolutely nothing most days. The interior feels solid and upmarket and is as good as anything that the competitors are offering. The 115kW engine pulls strongly and 0-100 is claimed at 9.8 seconds.  I could feel that the chassis benefits from years of rally expertise. It’s predictable with loads of grip but I can’t help but feel that the all-wheel-drive system is wasted on our roads.  This car would shine in muddy, slippery or snowy conditions.

EyeSight and award-winning safety

The Impreza’s trump card is EyeSight and one of the reasons Impreza is Japans 2016/2017 car of the year.  The system automatically brakes and warns you of impending doom.  It works better than systems in cars that cost twice the price and in the case of an emergency will warn the driver then brake before impact. The system works in traffic as well and is for me a very good reason to consider this over other cars in this segment. It also works when reversing.  Other available options include Lane Departure Warning, Lane-Keep Assist, and Pre-Collision Throttle Management.

Adaptive Cruise control

While other systems are jerky and almost staccato in their movements, Subaru’s Adaptive Cruise Control makes cruising a pedal free and smooth exercise.  Merging with traffic is easy and when one inevitably gets cut off the car slows down predictably and without drama.  This is a major selling point in a car that costs R399 999 before options.

Verdict

Subaru’s Impreza is weighed down by its name and its heritage.  When observed in isolation it’s a good car and a solid purchase for the money. The safety features are class leading and for now, there is nothing else like this in this price range.  Don’t expect performance, for that you’d need the WRX or STI. But if you’re looking for a well-equipped sedan that’s slightly different to the norm, Impreza delivers, just not the way you were expecting.

Need to know:

• Price – R 399,000
• Power – 115 @6000rpm
• Torque –  196m @4200rpm
• 0-100km/h – 9.8 Seconds (Claimed)
• Top Speed – 208km/h (Claimed)
• Fuel Consumption – 8.7l/100km
• C02 – 165g/km