Great review. We have the '17 Impreza Sport 5 door in Lithium Red, CVT, ordered from the factory an hour away in Lafayette. That 150HP feels like a lot more with all 4 wheels working, and the added rigidity, and sport suspension. Total point and shoot car. Love the brakes. Active Torque Vectoring is a wonderful thing, combined with the new stiffer platform. It may not take off from a stop like a flat 6 Legacy, but it corners at speed much better.
Man for 19k its one of the best cars on the market on its category! The MPG its really good for an all wheel drive, many people drift away from AWD vehicles due to their poor MPG... I agree on the Civic design its "up on your face"!! I like the new features on the video!!! Great JOB!!!
I've had such a hard time deciding on a new car after much research and this video and many others are convincing me the Impreza is going to be my choice... wagon styling is awesome, 5 speed, 25k for everything I'd want on one... Seems so compelling compared to the other cars in its class. Good video, thank you for making reviews like this, concise and to the point.
Price one out - closer to $27k when optioned similar to what was driven for the review... Still a great pick from what I can tell the Crosstrek is due to be refreshed here soon and I may look at replacing my '15 with one of those... Good review!
The one I drove had an MSRP of 24k, nice car for the money. For under 20k base price, can't beat it. Globe platform is super-solid! Thanks for watching!
Thanks for your honest opinion on the Subaru Impreza. I'm seriously considering buying this car. The only other option is the super-dated Mitsubishi Lancer AWC.
I am hoping to make my 2017 Subaru purchase sometime this Summer. But ever since I have solidified my decision to get a Subaru I have been having an epic tug-of-war battle with myself over deciding between getting the manual transmission Impreza or the manual transmission WRX. My problem is that I want the best of both worlds which simply is not possible. I want the amazing fuel economy (28/38) of the Impreza but I EQUALLY want the much stronger HP (268hp or the 305hp) of the WRX. Putting a cold air intake on the Impreza will help ever so slightly with increasing the HP on the Impreza but I don't see it getting anywhere near 268HP without doing major modifications to the engine. Which anything beyond a cold air intake and I'll begin to reduce the MPG. And thus the battle continues... PS. Well done video by the way...
Thanks for watching man, I appreciate the kind words. You can't have your cake and eat it too! The Impreza gets amazing fuel economy, but the new direct inject engine was my only let-down. It's slugish. I'd like to drive the manual and see what it feels like. Maybe save your pennies for the globe platform WRX. It's gonna be sick!!
Adventureinlife well if you haven't pulled the trigger yet I get around 32-34 mpg highway on wrx. That's going 70-75. I've gotten it up to 40mpg going 62mph down hill. It gets higher then it's rated for. Also city is 25-27 if your driving more then 15mins.
If you haven't bought it yet, I would think about waiting for the new platform. Its in a year or two I believe. Get the WRX unless you are particularly concerned with gas consumption or need a hatch.
Dude, put a K&N Typhoon CAI on it, custom 3" cat back exhaust, do a port and polish and put larger cams like I have to my 2018 Impreza 2.0i-S (Australian spec) and it hammers. I'd say as quick as a GTI now. Costly, but not as expensive as WRX. You could also find a custom tuner for it.
You can get manual in the "sport" model as well. Subaru finally woke up: you can again get a decent car with decent options, sunroof - etc - and a manual transmission.
I'm a long time Honda loyalist and on paper the Civic hatch dominates with that new turbo/stick combo, but that rear mishmash of lines and weird overall proportions is dealbreaker. A white Impreza Sport Hatch with stick is probably what I'll be driving if the new Crosstrek doesn't come out good looking or my wife talks me into the Niro hybrid. I wonder how much Eyesight costs and if it's worth it...
I agree with regards to Civic styling, it's a little over the top. The Impreza, while not as powerful, certainly looks sleek and should be fun enough with a manual transmission.
I have a 2016 Impreza Sport Premium Hatch in the same grey color and am kind of bummed I couldn't get this new one. Don't get me wrong, I love my Subie. It doesn't have much power but is very peppy and the paddles really let it get out on highway ramps. The ride is fairly stiff, so I'd be interested in seeing how stiff the 2017 is. Anyway, I love my Impreza and I'm happy the new generation is an improvement.
The car you are testing does not have eyesight. It's missing two eyesight control buttons on the steering wheel, eyesight radials on the multifunction screen, and the two cameras above the rearview mirror are distinctly absent. Don't get me wrong man, solid review. You helped me make up my mind about which model to get. I was worried that the sport tuned suspension would hinder the ride quality. Just wanted to point it out so other viewers are aware this car does not represent the host of functionality offered with eyesight.
test drove one three weeks ago along with a focus and mazda 3 both 2.0 litres, the Subaru was nice , open inside like you mentioned, and while it has sporty looks, the fast look is totally brought down by the lack of power.....
Update: Yesterday I finally test drove a white Impreza sport hatch 5sp and I have mixed feelings... It looks good on paper, but in person I really really liked the design inside and out, overall fit and finish, solid quality, and stable sure-footed handling. Ergonomics, sight-lines, and comfort were good too. That solidness did feel heavy and it lacked power - as most reviewers complain about. Official 0-60 times are actually slower than my old Fit 5sp. I didn't realize the EPA ratings were so much lower for the manual (22/30) and road noise was louder than my wife expected. I really didn't expect the very notchy feeling gear shifts - so I didn't even notice the rev-hang issue. I realize it's a new car, but in my experience, they don't get that much smoother over time. Guess I've been spoiled with Honda's slick shifting gearboxes all these years. The new Crosstrek should be out in June and if its anything like the previous one I tested, that suspension should make it pretty quiet and the CVT should return better mpgs - although I'm still hoping the 6sp manual will be more efficient than the 5sp in the Impreza. We also test drove a Kia Niro FE right after and while the design, fit/finish weren't nearly as nice, the driving dynamics were pretty nice for a hybrid - at least in sport mode.
Hard to compare a Honda shifter to ANYTHING. I love the Honda Fit sport, especially the first-gen. Seems like benchmarks happened 10 years ago - automakers have too many regulations now - cars weight more, have more airbags, electronics, etc.. All this shit dilutes the experience. I think the globe platform is solid and reiterating what you said, has great sight-lines and comfort. But in today's world, there will never be another Honda Fit manual or similar..... That's why vintage cars are getting so expensive
Yeah I'm gonna miss my Fit Sport. I just wish it were a little bigger, safer, and more comfortable on the hwy. Well the newest one does have a nice 6sp and all those new turbo Civics can be had with a manual, but we've already agreed the hatch is too fugly. I actually don't mind the sedan and coupe (wife hates em though), but we really need the utility of a hatchback. I'm still holding out hope that the new Crosstrek will be quieter and better on gas with the 6sp or (gulp) the CVT. It'll mainly be my wife's car. I'm keepin my old, but still reliable and fun 5sp Prelude SH...
We just bought a new one for my brother. Cheapest possible configuration: manual. It’s probably the best value out there for a certain segment of driver: utility, rugged, awd, etc. The new platform provides better seats, better ride/handling and yes, is much more taut. if you’re into driving dynamics, I would scrap all of this Asian stuff and buy a VW Golf or better yet, get a 3 series BMW with the N52 engine. Much better driver’s cars. But if a reliable workhorse is needed that does everything pretty well, for 19,124, and awd!!!, it’s a no brainer.
good review but you neglected to mention high service costs and $1000 windscreen replacement due to having to recalibrate the eyesight equipment, ultimately a let down mainly due to the engine being an extremely underpowered unit
It could definitely use 30 more hp. Any windshield with heads-up display or any driver assistance functions suck to replace. Although, if it ever saved your life, you might sing a different tune. Thanks for the kind words, I appreciate it.
Wondering if Subaru has really really done away with the head gasket leak for good. I would really really stay away from any Subaru unless they offer a 10 year warranty on the engine. Thank you and thumbed up your review; not the car though. And those fake 5 spoke alloy wheel is a huge turnoff.
After 7 recalls, 5 warranty repairs > should have been more - not everything was fixed, carbon buildup was a issue already at 3 years old and 60.000 km :( , rattles everywhere, CVT just sucks (dealer refuses to change fluid on it ever ... the only good was the handling, AWD and brakes and steering. I have 2017 Sport technology package, leather seats... never again Subaru (PS this is my second one, previous 2008 Impreza hatch)
I absolutely LOVE my Impreza sport. Seriously an awesome ride
I test drove one yesterday and loved it. A huge improvement over the older models and definitely better than any in its class.
Great review.
We have the '17 Impreza Sport 5 door in Lithium Red, CVT, ordered from the factory an hour away in Lafayette.
That 150HP feels like a lot more with all 4 wheels working, and the added rigidity, and sport suspension. Total point and shoot car. Love the brakes. Active Torque Vectoring is a wonderful thing, combined with the new stiffer platform. It may not take off from a stop like a flat 6 Legacy, but it corners at speed much better.
Thanks for watching! Ya, I love the car, Globe Platform is awesome. Can't wait for the WRX...
Man for 19k its one of the best cars on the market on its category! The MPG its really good for an all wheel drive, many people drift away from AWD vehicles due to their poor MPG... I agree on the Civic design its "up on your face"!!
I like the new features on the video!!! Great JOB!!!
I've had such a hard time deciding on a new car after much research and this video and many others are convincing me the Impreza is going to be my choice... wagon styling is awesome, 5 speed, 25k for everything I'd want on one... Seems so compelling compared to the other cars in its class. Good video, thank you for making reviews like this, concise and to the point.
I appreciate the comment, thanks so much for watching. Really is a great car.
Great video man. Honestly a very comprehensive review.
Price one out - closer to $27k when optioned similar to what was driven for the review... Still a great pick from what I can tell the Crosstrek is due to be refreshed here soon and I may look at replacing my '15 with one of those... Good review!
The one I drove had an MSRP of 24k, nice car for the money. For under 20k base price, can't beat it. Globe platform is super-solid!
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for your honest opinion on the Subaru Impreza. I'm seriously considering buying this car. The only other option is the super-dated Mitsubishi Lancer AWC.
I am hoping to make my 2017 Subaru purchase sometime this Summer. But ever since I have solidified my decision to get a Subaru I have been having an epic tug-of-war battle with myself over deciding between getting the manual transmission Impreza or the manual transmission WRX.
My problem is that I want the best of both worlds which simply is not possible. I want the amazing fuel economy (28/38) of the Impreza but I EQUALLY want the much stronger HP (268hp or the 305hp) of the WRX. Putting a cold air intake on the Impreza will help ever so slightly with increasing the HP on the Impreza but I don't see it getting anywhere near 268HP without doing major modifications to the engine. Which anything beyond a cold air intake and I'll begin to reduce the MPG. And thus the battle continues...
PS. Well done video by the way...
Thanks for watching man, I appreciate the kind words. You can't have your cake and eat it too! The Impreza gets amazing fuel economy, but the new direct inject engine was my only let-down. It's slugish. I'd like to drive the manual and see what it feels like. Maybe save your pennies for the globe platform WRX. It's gonna be sick!!
Adventureinlife well if you haven't pulled the trigger yet I get around 32-34 mpg highway on wrx. That's going 70-75. I've gotten it up to 40mpg going 62mph down hill. It gets higher then it's rated for. Also city is 25-27 if your driving more then 15mins.
If you haven't bought it yet, I would think about waiting for the new platform. Its in a year or two I believe.
Get the WRX unless you are particularly concerned with gas consumption or need a hatch.
Dude, put a K&N Typhoon CAI on it, custom 3" cat back exhaust, do a port and polish and put larger cams like I have to my 2018 Impreza 2.0i-S (Australian spec) and it hammers. I'd say as quick as a GTI now. Costly, but not as expensive as WRX. You could also find a custom tuner for it.
Awesome Review, I really like this car in the sport edition
Thanks for watching man, greatly appreciated!
You can get manual in the "sport" model as well. Subaru finally woke up: you can again get a decent car with decent options, sunroof - etc - and a manual transmission.
Great Review......am in a lease right now( not Subaru) and thinking seriously about this as my next lease😬
Test drive an Outback
Great review! Thanks
I'm a long time Honda loyalist and on paper the Civic hatch dominates with that new turbo/stick combo, but that rear mishmash of lines and weird overall proportions is dealbreaker. A white Impreza Sport Hatch with stick is probably what I'll be driving if the new Crosstrek doesn't come out good looking or my wife talks me into the Niro hybrid. I wonder how much Eyesight costs and if it's worth it...
I agree with regards to Civic styling, it's a little over the top. The Impreza, while not as powerful, certainly looks sleek and should be fun enough with a manual transmission.
I have a 2016 Impreza Sport Premium Hatch in the same grey color and am kind of bummed I couldn't get this new one. Don't get me wrong, I love my Subie. It doesn't have much power but is very peppy and the paddles really let it get out on highway ramps. The ride is fairly stiff, so I'd be interested in seeing how stiff the 2017 is. Anyway, I love my Impreza and I'm happy the new generation is an improvement.
The globe platform is awesome. I agree, it's a little down on power.
The car you are testing does not have eyesight. It's missing two eyesight control buttons on the steering wheel, eyesight radials on the multifunction screen, and the two cameras above the rearview mirror are distinctly absent.
Don't get me wrong man, solid review. You helped me make up my mind about which model to get. I was worried that the sport tuned suspension would hinder the ride quality. Just wanted to point it out so other viewers are aware this car does not represent the host of functionality offered with eyesight.
Ya, I saw blind-side assist and assumed it had eyesight. Thanks for watching, I appreciate it!
Dude Guy power sucks.
Joe Citizen l
Great review. .....a very nice little car that. ...sure am looking forward to the new WRX.
Ya, the new WRX is gonna be sick for sure.
test drove one three weeks ago along with a focus and mazda 3 both 2.0 litres, the Subaru was nice , open inside like you mentioned, and while it has sporty looks, the fast look is totally brought down by the lack of power.....
Ya, I agree. The WRX version of this Globe Chassis will be sick!
Im on year 2 of mine. Overall great. Only negative is power. This car would be perfect with 2.5 litre(also manual option). I avg 36mpg mostly highway.
Update: Yesterday I finally test drove a white Impreza sport hatch 5sp and I have mixed feelings... It looks good on paper, but in person I really really liked the design inside and out, overall fit and finish, solid quality, and stable sure-footed handling. Ergonomics, sight-lines, and comfort were good too. That solidness did feel heavy and it lacked power - as most reviewers complain about. Official 0-60 times are actually slower than my old Fit 5sp. I didn't realize the EPA ratings were so much lower for the manual (22/30) and road noise was louder than my wife expected. I really didn't expect the very notchy feeling gear shifts - so I didn't even notice the rev-hang issue. I realize it's a new car, but in my experience, they don't get that much smoother over time. Guess I've been spoiled with Honda's slick shifting gearboxes all these years.
The new Crosstrek should be out in June and if its anything like the previous one I tested, that suspension should make it pretty quiet and the CVT should return better mpgs - although I'm still hoping the 6sp manual will be more efficient than the 5sp in the Impreza. We also test drove a Kia Niro FE right after and while the design, fit/finish weren't nearly as nice, the driving dynamics were pretty nice for a hybrid - at least in sport mode.
Hard to compare a Honda shifter to ANYTHING. I love the Honda Fit sport, especially the first-gen. Seems like benchmarks happened 10 years ago - automakers have too many regulations now - cars weight more, have more airbags, electronics, etc.. All this shit dilutes the experience. I think the globe platform is solid and reiterating what you said, has great sight-lines and comfort. But in today's world, there will never be another Honda Fit manual or similar..... That's why vintage cars are getting so expensive
Yeah I'm gonna miss my Fit Sport. I just wish it were a little bigger, safer, and more comfortable on the hwy. Well the newest one does have a nice 6sp and all those new turbo Civics can be had with a manual, but we've already agreed the hatch is too fugly. I actually don't mind the sedan and coupe (wife hates em though), but we really need the utility of a hatchback. I'm still holding out hope that the new Crosstrek will be quieter and better on gas with the 6sp or (gulp) the CVT. It'll mainly be my wife's car. I'm keepin my old, but still reliable and fun 5sp Prelude SH...
I really really think you like this car, really.
Great car!
This hatchback will be the ultimate if it lived up to its name Sport. Adding a little more horsepower and torque, at least 30.
love it
Why didn't put an outback engine in there?
Where has this guy been most cars in this range are around 40mpg and have been for years. I know the Cruze is non-diesel model.
We just bought a new one for my brother. Cheapest possible configuration: manual. It’s probably the best value out there for a certain segment of driver: utility, rugged, awd, etc. The new platform provides better seats, better ride/handling and yes, is much more taut. if you’re into driving dynamics, I would scrap all of this Asian stuff and buy a VW Golf or better yet, get a 3 series BMW with the N52 engine. Much better driver’s cars. But if a reliable workhorse is needed that does everything pretty well, for 19,124, and awd!!!, it’s a no brainer.
So you are saying Subaru is going to put the WRX powertrain in the Impreza?
Nice review but stop saying really really so many times. Loses its effect after the second time.
good review but you neglected to mention high service costs and $1000 windscreen replacement due to having to recalibrate the eyesight equipment, ultimately a let down mainly due to the engine being an extremely underpowered unit
It could definitely use 30 more hp. Any windshield with heads-up display or any driver assistance functions suck to replace. Although, if it ever saved your life, you might sing a different tune. Thanks for the kind words, I appreciate it.
I agree on the underpower. Subaru should give it the option of selecting the 3.6R engine that the Legacy has. Hopefully in the future
Which would you for? This or the civic equivalent?
I prefer the styling and AWD of the Impreza. Although, the civic has 180hp!
Is the engine 2.0 turbo petrol flat four ? How much hp ? AWD ?
It's an NA motor, flat-four, 152hp, AWD. Not fast, but gets the job done.
It's 152 hp
Wondering if Subaru has really really done away with the head gasket leak for good. I would really really stay away from any Subaru unless they offer a 10 year warranty on the engine. Thank you and thumbed up your review; not the car though. And those fake 5 spoke alloy wheel is a huge turnoff.
Ya, they've certainly had their issues with headgaskets!
Do some research will ya? They fixed that problem in 2011.
After 7 recalls, 5 warranty repairs > should have been more - not everything was fixed, carbon buildup was a issue already at 3 years old and 60.000 km :( , rattles everywhere, CVT just sucks (dealer refuses to change fluid on it ever ... the only good was the handling, AWD and brakes and steering. I have 2017 Sport technology package, leather seats... never again Subaru (PS this is my second one, previous 2008 Impreza hatch)
Test drove it. - power is really poor.
Golf is way more fun
Manual is on base and sport not premium ;)
Right. My bad.
Too much beard.
40 Block Studios no such thing...