2017 Subaru Impreza: Which spec is best

The new-generation Subaru Impreza is a small hatch/sedan combination that offers both practicality and driver enjoyment. It’s roomy, well equipped with sophisticated active safety technology including automatic braking as standard equipment in most models. All Impreza variants are all-wheel-drive and feature the same powertrain consisting of a 115kW/196Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and constant variable transmission (CVT) auto.

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Variants

The Subaru Impreza has four specification levels each with a sedan and hatch version, with the hatch costing an extra $200. Each has roomy a boot with the sedan holding a capacious 460 litres and the hatch 345 litres.

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The range starts at $22,400 with the Impreza 2.0I which comes standard with cruise control, 6.2-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, hills start assist, electronic parking brake, alloy wheels, daytime running lights, cloth seats and 17-inch alloy wheels.

By spending around $2000 more on the Impreza 2.0I-L brings plenty more kit including Subaru’s EyeSight active safety suite which includes adaptive cruise control auto emergency braking that works at city and highway speeds and a lane departure warning. It also comes with a bigger 8.0-inch touchscreen, two multi-function displays on the instrument panel, premium cloth seat trim, leather steering wheel and gear stick, dual-zone climate-control and power door mirrors.

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Spending more again for an Impreza 2.0I Premium gets you a powered sunroof and satellite navigation.

Sitting at the top of the range, the Impreza 2.0I-S features part-leather seat trim, power adjustable driver’s seat, auto windscreen wipers, LED auto headlights, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assistance, rear cross-traffic alert enhance safety, sportier exterior trim, torque vectoring for better control and 18-inch wheels.

• Impreza 2.0I sedan - $22,400
• Impreza 2.0I hatch - $22,600
• Impreza 2.0I-L sedan - $24,490
• Impreza 2.0I-L hatch - $24,690
• Impreza 2.0I Premium sedan - $26,290
• Impreza 2.0I Premium hatch - $26,490
• Impreza 2.0I-S sedan - $28,990
• Impreza 2.0I-S hatch - $29,190

Our pick

You get a lot for your money with any Impreza and while the 2.0i-S is the most expensive it represents great value with the kind of overall equipment package not seen in many cars well beyond its price range. As well as the luxury trim and extra safety features it also handles better than the other models. Hatch or sedan is fine.

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