Subaru takes the Impreza hatchback, modifies the suspension for extra ride height, adds some protection and fog lights and ‘Hey, Presto’ you have the Subaru Impreza VX. Launched earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show, the Subaru Impreza XV is the successor to previous Impreza Sportwagon and RV models.
While not quite up to the Subaru Forester in the sand dune conquering stakes, Subaru says the Impreza XV caters for broader lifestyle and recreational pursuits than the standard Impreza. Already an icon for its sporty WRX versions, the XV gives Impreza a new dimension.
And priced from $27,490, the Impreza XV is certainly good value.
Subaru Impreza XV Overview
Some hard-core WRX enthusiasts thought the latest Subaru Impreza hatchback version was visually too conservative, but we don’t agree and for most mid-size buyers, the Subaru Impreza delivers contemporary looks and excellent practicality.
The latest Subaru Impreza scores big points for its impressive refinement. Typically Subaru, it’s beautifully built, nicely kitted and great to drive.
Subaru Impreza XV is all about extending the ‘Crossover’ concept by adding some extra ground clearance and SUV cues (such as the moulded plastic wheel arch protectors). Also included are roof rails so – for example – you now have an Impreza for the working week and an Impreza for your weekend trip down that bush trail to a favourite surfing or scuba diving location.
Subaru Impreza XV Engine
While Subaru Impeza XV scores an exhaust pipe cover (handy off-road), there are no changes under the bonnet.
Subaru’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer engine delivers 110kW at 6400 rpm and peak torque of 196Nm at 3200 rpm. In terms of rival 2.0-litre Crossover vehicles, Kia’s just-launched Sportage returns 122kW/197Nm, while Nissan’s Dualis delivers 102kW/198Nm.
Subaru Impreza 2.0-litre returns fuel consumption of 8.8l/100kms (5-speed automatic) or 8.9l/100kms (5-speed manual). C02 emissions are 208g/km (auto) or 210g/km (manual).
Car Showroom has always enjoyed Subaru’s boxer engines – we liked the strong torque of the Subaru Impreza XV and the growling exhaust note that is a Boxer trait.
Subaru Impreza XV Interior
Inside, Impreza XV scores Subaru’s excellent sports bucket seats with mocha accents – more than just an ‘add-on’, Subaru’s sports seats are the real deal (amongst the best of the Japanese brands).
Otherwise, it’s the standard Subaru Impreza RX interior – typically Subaru in its conservative looks and mostly high quality. The nice, sporty, leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel adjusts for rake and reach to provide an excellent driving position and a good view of the conventional instruments (speedo, tachometer and trip computer).
Audio in the Subaru Impreza XV has Bluetooth, iPod and USB connections – it’s a 10-speaker in-dash six-CD system. This is mounted on the center console along with controls for the climate-control air-conditioning system.
Rear seat legroom in the Subaru Impreza XV isn’t huge but is competitive with segment rivals. Installation of baby seats requires attachment of the rear straps to hooks in the rear of the luggage area – which does restrict luggage capacity.
Subaru Impreza hatchback has a luggage capacity of 301 litres with the rear seat in place or 774 litres with the rear seat folded.
Subaru Impreza XV Exterior & Styling
While the hard-core Subaru Impreza WRX lovers may disagree, we reckon the latest Impreza hatchback is a good looker. Modern, distinctive and with proportions just right, the Subaru Impreza hatchback is some of the best work of Subaru’s stylists.
We like the large glasshouse and curved hatchback tail. The compact Boxer engine provides scope for the stylish front end’s modern packaging.
Subaru Impreza XV does stand out from the rest of the Subaru Impreza lineup. For starters it boasts a 30mm higher ride height and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Subaru Impreza XV also gains a unique front grille, fog lights, new front and rear bumpers, roof rails, a rear spoiler and those moulded plastic wheel arch covers.
Subaru Impreza XV On The Road
On the road, the Subaru Impreza XV shouldn’t be expected to deliver the scintillating excitement of its WRX siblings, but it’s the usual competent performance the Impreza is known for.
What is noticeable - comparing the current Subaru Impreza to its predecessors - is the extra refinement and smooth ride. Gone is the harshness of earlier Imprezas, replaced by suppleness and low NVH.
Visibility for parking the Subaru Impreza XV is good and the 10.6 metre turning circle enabled easy negotiating of our tight CBD carpark.
Changes to the Subaru Impreza XV to cope with its increased ride height include recalibration of the anti-roll bars, spring rates and dampers as well as new rear subframe bushes. Impreza’s McPherson strut front/double wishbone rear independent suspension is well sorted and despite the extra ride height, the Subaru Impreza XV impressed over our mountain roads test route.
Subaru was at the forefront of all-wheel-drive passenger cars and its current Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system delivers driving dynamics that rival the fancy systems of German manufacturers.
Subaru Impreza XV Challenges
We only deduct points from the Subaru Impreza XV for the interior. We can’t understand why baby seat straps need to attach at the rear of the luggage compartment (restricting cargo capacity) and some of the interior plastics are a tad hard.
Subaru Impreza XV Verdict
The extra versatility of the Subaru Impreza XV is its strong suit. To the existing Impreza traits of obvious quality, all-wheel-drive dynamics and practicality, the XV adds a touch of ‘go-anywhere’.
Subaru Impreza XV Competition
Nissan’s Dualis stands as the most direct competitor. Like the Subaru Impreza XV, the Dualis blends hatchback practicality with crossover dynamics. You’ll need a bit more coin ($29,990) to score a Dualis with all-wheel-drive grip.
Both Kia Sportage and Mitsubishi ASX have just been launched – they’re both competitively priced but lean more towards compact SUVs in their styling.
Subaru Impreza XV Likes:
Subaru quality; Impreza dynamics
Subaru Impreza XV Dislikes:
Some hard interior plastics
