2010 Subaru Impreza Review
Price
RM180,877
Installment
RM1,725/mth
2010 Subaru Impreza at a glance
Despite the controversial hatchback styling, the all-new Subaru Impreza is a higher-quality and more refined car than its predecessor. The 2010 Subaru Impreza remains easy to drive well and performs strongly with the punchy, lag-free Boxer engine.
2010 Subaru Impreza quick specs
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Class | Mid-size Family |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2010 Subaru Impreza ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
Aiming for the hatchback market dominated by the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus, Subaru has drastically transformed the Impreza into a hatchback. The end product is one decent-looking hatchback, but long-term Impreza enthusiasts may be disappointed given that the Impreza has stayed a sedan since its launch. The interior has been re-styled for a more modern, upmarket feel.
Handling
The 2010 Subaru Impreza is easy to drive well, and much credit goes to the symmetrical all-wheel drive, which brings ample traction and added composure when tackling bends. The superbly-weighted steering inspires confidence, too. But the 2010 Subaru Impreza is neither as agile nor roll-resistant as the Volkswagen Golf or Ford Focus.
Comfort
Ride quality over bumps and ruts is good, and cabin refinement has vastly improved with reductions in wind, road and engine noise at cruising speeds. With supportive seats and plenty of steering and seating adjustments, the cabin will cater to drivers of all sizes. All controls are neatly placed and clearly marked for total ease of use.
Quality + Reliability
The cheap cabin of old has been improved on somewhat, incorporating more soft-touch plastics and better finishing. But too many cabin parts still use inferior plastics that look unappealing and feel hard-to-the-touch. The material quality is way off pace compared to key rivals'. The build quality is solid and cannot be faulted though. Subaru models have an excellent reputation for staying reliable, and the 2010 Subaru Impreza should be no different.
Performance
Under the bonnet lies a 2.0-litre turbocharged Boxer engine with 247 bhp at 6000 rpm and 333 Nm at 2400 rpm. Only a dated four-speed automatic gearbox is available though, but that does little to limit the engine performance, which proves to be punchy and turbo lag-free. The strong mid-range acceleration is still present and makes overtaking a piece of cake. Aurally, the familiar but more insulated Boxer engine note continues to entertain.
Roominess
The 2010 Subaru Impreza is spacious for four, providing more rear legroom than the previous Impreza sedan can. However, the front headroom could be tight for taller occupants, and the middle rear seat is too narrow for a third passenger to get comfortable in. The boot is shallow and suffers from wheel-arch intrusion, but at least the rear seats 60:40 split-fold for additional loading capacity.
Running Costs
The 2010 Subaru Impreza is more expensive to run than comparable rivals. Servicing and repairs should be affordable, but the Subaru Impreza's appetite for petrol and relatively steep depreciation mean the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus are both cheaper to maintain.
Value for Money
Since the Ford Focus ST is not available in Malaysia, the closest competitor to the Subaru Impreza is the Volkswagen Golf GTI, which costs more and yet churns out less horsepower. Overall, however, the Golf GTI remains the clear class-leader, trumping or at least matching the 2010 Subaru Impreza in most areas. That said, the Impreza remains a fine effort from Subaru, and has raw power and pricing advantage on its side.
Equipment
The generous standard equipment list includes automatic air-conditioning system, remote keyless entry, steering-mounted cruise control switches, electric foldable door mirrors, HID headlamps, roof spoiler, and Clarion audio system with CD/USB/MP3/WMA receiver. Safety equipment includes ABS with EBD and dual front SRS airbags.
Environment
Subaru has paid less attention to being “green” compared to Volkswagen, Ford or fellow Japanese automakers. And therefore it is to no great surprise that the 2010 Subaru Impreza emits more carbon dioxide and consumes more petrol per distance relative to rivals.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Easy to drive well
Ride comfort and refinement
Punchy, lag-free Boxer engine
Sedan into hatchback?
Material quality is way off pace
Dated four-speed automatic gearbox
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