Subaru Impreza 2007-2011 used car review
The Subaru Impreza offers hatchback versatility paired with the rally-bred all-wheel-drive for handling and safety.
The Subaru Impreza offers hatchback versatility paired with the rally-bred all-wheel-drive for handling and safety. It does use more fuel than other small cars.
The third-generation Impreza brought significant changes to Subaru’s small hatchback. Previous Imprezas were available in sedan and wagon shapes. This time the first shape to launch is a more traditional hatchback which drops the brand’s unusual frameless doors for a more conventional style.
Inside and out
Soft and rounded, non-performance versions of the Impreza look surprisingly conservative. The front features a grille with a metallic strip, bridging the modern projector-style headlamps. At the rear, clear plastic lights have a piece of chrome between them across the middle of the hatch. Our 2007 review vehicle features 16-inch alloy wheels.
The interior has a similar soft, rounded theme. The instruments are three large, blue, easy-to-read dials and there’s a small display at the top of the dashboard that shows time and data from the trip computer. The most prominent feature is a large touchscreen infotainment system. The navigation it includes will not work in New Zealand, and you will need a band expander to receive local stations. Below this are simple dials for controlling the climate control air conditioning
The steering wheel is tilt adjustable only and has no adjustment for movement in and out to suit shorter drivers. The front seats are roomy, but not particularly supportive. The rear seats are a little tight on legroom, and while the back is flat, the base is sculpted to provide more leg support for window passengers, but less for the person in the middle. A large rear hatch makes it easy to load large items into the back of the Impreza.
The boot is massive at 538 litres, bigger than a Mazda Axela by more than 150 litres. It is enough for two large and two small suitcases. With the rear seats folded almost flat the space expands to 1257 litres.
On the road
Many people will know the Impreza for its prominent WRX version, powered by a turbocharged engine. Most are powered by non-turbocharged options, in 1.5-litre and 2-litre sizes. New Zealand-new cars were fitted with 2 and 2.5-litre engines. Our 2008 review vehicle featured the 2-litre four-cylinder unit which produces 110kW and 196Nm. It's a healthy amount of power for a small hatch, and it performs very well. Overtaking is not a problem even with passengers on board. A feature working against it is its four-speed automatic transmission. It is smooth and can be shifted manually. However, it can't make as much of the engine's performance as a transmission with more ratios will. A five-speed manual is also an option.
Both the steering and the brakes feel very responsive. Grip in all conditions is excellent, thanks to the all-wheel drive system. Many cars claim to be all-wheel drive, but only shift power to all four wheels when the car’s electronic systems calculate it is required. The system fitted to this Impreza provides constant power to all wheels all the time, so delivery is smooth with improved grip and handling. If you regularly drive on roads with ice or gravel patches, this system will give you more confidence.
This Impreza will tow 1,200kg of braked trailer and 650kg unbraked, better than most other small hatchbacks.
Reversing cameras are optional on the Impreza. We don’t feel they are a must-have on this car. Visibility all round is excellent thanks to big windows that stretch almost entirely to the back of the car.
Safety
Third-generation Subaru Imprezas (2007-2011) are rated a maximum five stars under the Used Car Safety Rating system, based on real world crash results. Our Impreza was fitted with driver and passenger airbags, traction control and emergency brake assist. Electronic stability control is optional and is identified by a ‘VDC Off’ button, below and to the right of the steering wheel. New Zealand-new Imprezas received a five-star ANCAP rating, but feature a high level of standard safety features. This includes electronic stability control, side and curtain airbags.
If you want to carry three people in the rear seat, be aware that the centre seatbelt is a lap belt. This will not provide as much protection as a full seatbelt. There are ISOFIX attachment points and child-seat tether points in the two outer seats.
Reliability
This generation Impreza is considered well built, and more reliable than the model it replaced. In particular, the framed doors are more durable than the frameless ones they replaced. It is the last version of the Impreza with a cambelt rather than a timing chain. This will need to be replaced regularly.
One is oil seepage from around the engine's rocker covers, A minor yet relatively complicated repair. The other is ‘binding’ in the all-wheel drive system. This will present itself as an unwillingness to make tight turns and noise from under the car when trying to do so. There is no evidence these are common issues yet.
Since Subarus are popular for visiting ski fields and snowy areas both here, and in Japan where our used import review vehicle came from, check under the car for signs of corrosion. Subaru’s corrosion protection is usually very good but watch for discolouring and bubbling of metal surfaces around the suspension and rear differential. If you see this, avoid the vehicle.
Cost of ownership
The 2-litre engine requires a service every six months or at 10,000km, whichever comes first. A Subaru dealer quoted us $368 for a standard service. The cambelt needs to be replaced every 100,000km at a cost of $1,200 to $1,500.
RightCar estimates that over 14,000km of driving a year, a 2-litre Impreza will cost $2,240 to feed. That's high for the class and is down to the weight of, and extra power required by, the all-wheel drive system. The 60-litre fuel tank will cost $120 to fill at $2 a litre. You should be able to travel 685km before the fuel light comes on.
A vehicle licence for a 2008 Subaru Impreza costs $85.59 a year, with the car in the cheapest ACC levy group.
Trade Me Insurance estimates insurance for a car valued at $8,800 will cost $50.28* per month. This is a few dollars higher than the Mazda Atenza and Toyota Corolla.
Buyers' guide
Similar 2007-2011 Subaru Imprezas are available on Trade Me from $7,500 to $16,990. Turbocharged versions, including the S-GT and WRX, can fetch far more. Sedans - called the Anesis - are available - but they're rare compared to the hatchbacks.
While the standard models were produced from 2007-2011, the WRX version continued in this shape for another three years.
Variants
All Imprezas featured climate control air conditioning, keyless entry and start, and projector headlamps.
2007-2008:
15S – Powered by the 1.5-litre engine. Available in front or all-wheel drive, with a four-speed automatic or manual transmission. Steel wheels standard.
20S – Basically the same as the 15S. Available with a 2-litre engine and four-speed automatic only. Alloy wheels standard.
S-GT – Powered by a 2-litre turbocharged engine. Sports seats, body kit and suspension are standard.
Late 2008-2011:
In 2008, the basic models were renamed 'i'. A sports package was introduced which added sports seats and a body kit. An L or Limited page adds a leather steering wheel, transmission shift and part-leather seats.
Timeline
- 2007 Hatchback version launched
- 2008 Sedan version launched
- 2008 Minor facelift and specification changes
- 2011 Standard models replaced by new generation
- 2014 WRX version replaced
Details
2008 Subaru Impreza 20S
$7,995 to $14,600 for models that have travelled 70,000 to 120,000km
2-litre four-cylinder, 110kW/196Nm (claimed)
Four-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Five-star Used Car Safety Rating
10,000km or Six months
Space saver
8-litres per 100km (claimed)
Regular
4415mm
1740mm
1475mm
650kg (unbraked), 1200kg (braked
10.6m
This review covers the Subaru Impreza for model years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.
Review vehicle supplied by City Motor Group, Penrose.
*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km to 20,000km a year. We estimate with no option add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.
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