I've had my WRX for nearly 2 years, and have made several modifications; some styling mods to change to the more eye-pleasing STI headlamps, grille, sideskirts and scoop, and an aftermarket exhaust, engine remap, air filter and strut brace. I'm still loving it.
Acceleration is nothing ... Read review
Advantages: Quick; easy to get STI performance and beyond with simple modifications, generally good dealers too. Disadvantages: Sworn enemy of Ken Livingstone and Gordon Brown (Fuel and congestion charge)
I've had my WRX for nearly 2 years, and have made several modifications; some styling mods to change to the more eye-pleasing STI headlamps, grille, sideskirts and scoop, and an aftermarket exhaust, engine remap, air filter and strut brace. I'm still loving it.
Acceleration is nothing short of brutal. My friend who owns a bike and another with an RX8 were both amazed by the savage kick in the back it gives you when you put your foot ... ...in their rep-mobiles who think the car's all show, no go; the Impreza is all about acceleration rather than top end speed. Whilst the WRX came as standard with 215bhp in UK form, you can easily liberate between 270 and 280bhp simply by replacing the factory exhaust, air filter and having a remap - so for an extra, say £1200 you're looking at potential STI beating performance or keeping up with a lower end Evo but for far less outlay!
I've had my WRX for nearly 2 years, and have made several modifications; some styling mods to change to the more eye-pleasing STI headlamps, grille, sideskirts and scoop, and an aftermarket exhaust, engine remap, air filter and strut brace. I'm still loving it.
Acceleration is nothing short of brutal. My friend who owns a bike and another with an RX8 were both amazed by the savage kick in the back it gives you when you put your foot to the floor., and you can seriously embarrass most people in their rep-mobiles who think the car's all show, no go; the Impreza is all about acceleration rather than top end speed. Whilst the WRX came as standard with 215bhp in UK form, you can easily liberate between 270 and 280bhp simply by replacing the factory exhaust, air filter and having a remap - so for an extra, say £1200 you're looking at potential STI beating performance or keeping up with a lower end Evo but for far less outlay!
The main problems is: a) Still accelerating, and not realising you're already travelling at 100mph and having to reign yourself in! b) Fuel consumption (although with the remap, long distance consumption has improved) - still be prepared to only get around 200-250 miles on a tank depending on how sensibly you drive it (you won't!).
My only qualms about the car are the fuel usage, the cost of the tyres (damn expensive at around £90 per corner) and the body roll. Despite very quick straight line acceleration and cornering, the car would benefit from lower and stiffer suspension as standard. There's a lot more roll than my old '96 SS2 Celica, but that said it rides much higher. You can still chuck it into corners quickly but it would inspire more confidence if there was less roll - I know it's set up to be a rally car, but really - who drives theirs off road?!
The standard brake pads and discs are just about acceptable but if I go for more power I shall definitely be looking to swap to some better items. The average driver who's never driven one before will find themselves having to brake more progressively, as you don't get much pedal response with light touches; they will also probably find the clutch heavy, especially at low speeds and when cold.
The standard headlights are also apalling and benefit greatly from an aftermarket HID conversion, but altogether it's a great value for money car and chavs can't afford to run these, hence most people who drive them are decent people who are enjoying a nice car (despite what other people may think!).
Advantages: Performance, Handling, Cult-car appeal, value for money Disadvantages: Fuel Consumption
...second to none. A Subaru mechanic told me that nothing goes wrong with them. Clutches do tend to wear out, and can cost about £500 to replace with a decent nonSubaru clutch. 1st and 2nd gears can be stripped on older models if driven hard. The interior of the car is similar to 1970s Datsuns, however everything is adequate, and the seats are supportive and comfortable.
Ride and Handling, This is superb with pinpoint handling, immense grip, poise ... ...They are a very comfortable car to drive, very quiet and smooth, good for motorway cruising, as well as country lane bruising.
Running costs, Servicing is every 7500 miles, and can cost upto £300 for a 30000 mile service. Mine does 33mpg at a steady 70mph, but averages 23 mpg with mixed driving. Insurance can be quite reasonable, down to £400 if you are lucky. Mine is £600 per year. They hold their value fairly well. Tyres are about £500 to replace, ...
GaryWilde 18.01.2001 (22.01.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Subaru Impreza 2.0
Advantages: Outsprint almost anything, looks the business Disadvantages: Pricey to insure, guzzles petrol
Wow! You haven’t lived until you have had a ride in one of these beasts! Take a look from the outside, and they look the most gorgeous of cars. The rear spoiler just finishes off the car nicely. Step inside, and the body hugging Recaro style seats look the part. This in itself is enough – but turn on the engine. There is one almighty, fierce grown, which is nothing compared to what is to come.
Put you foot down, and it just flies. Regardless of ...
scoobyman 29.09.2000
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Review of Subaru Impreza 2.0
Advantages: Value for money, fast, most rounded package Disadvantages: Beinging to look old with the new model out now
...bought a EVO6, Grey Import Subaru, Audi S3, BMW M3, VW Golf GTI Turbo, and many other fast cars. I drove them all, but I still chose a UK spec. Subaru Impreza Turbo again!!
I'm dissapointed with the new Impreza, and don't know what to buy next!!! :( ...
andytang 24.02.2001
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Subaru Impreza 2.0
Advantages: Its an Imprezza! - just look at it, and put your foot down Disadvantages: Manual suits the car more so than auto
I have to admit to being a little surprised when I first got in one of these cars. From the outside, it is a super car – please invest in a rear spoiler, and a decent set of alloys. It makes the car look miles better (as I have said in other Imprezza reviews). For the money, it is a super car.
Usually, the smaller cars don’t really suit automatics. In fact, there are very few cars where I actually like the automatic transmission. It always tends ... ...put your foot down is often infuriating. However, in this car, the lag was hardly there. It really did loose hardly any of its power in the transition from manual to automatic. A super little car is you like automatics. Personally, I would stick with the manual version though – it’s far more fun! ...
scoobyman 29.09.2000
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Subaru Impreza 2.0
Advantages: Probably the most fun on the roads Disadvantages: Smaller drivers will not be able to enjoy this car
This car everything that a lover of driving requires. Not for us the gentle cornering of a executive car. The Impreza makes every corner a joy to take. The AWD (all wheel drive) allows for road holding that only velcro tyres could make better.
The power of the Impreza is inspiring, you never feel that you have nothing left, this car delivers in all environments.
if there is a flaw it is in the size of driver. You will need to be at least 5 foot ...
the_hen 28.07.2000
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Subaru Impreza 2.0
Comfort
Fuel consumption
Looks
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Advantages: Performance, handling, image and torque. Disadvantages: lack of interior comforts, styling (love or hate)
If speed is your thing then their are few choices that make sense on Britains roads. Sure there are alot of machines out there that absolutley fly when its sunny and dry but you could probably count on one hand the cars that can cope with average climate of pouring rain with brief periods of freezing ice and snow.
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Advantages: Fast. Handling AND Ride. Performance to £ Value Ratio. Disadvantages: Fuel Consumption. Depreciation. Not Everyone's Cup of Tea!
paradoxically, be a much sounder financial investment.
The score of 123 - 72.35% is bang on the money for the Impreza WRX STi, my formula has indeed proven itself wiser than I!
Putting that score into perspective are the following cars based on identical scoring criteria:
ALFA ROMEO 147 1.9JTD Lusso (5 Dr) - 67.8%
BMW 320d SE Convertible - 78.8%
FIAT PUNTO GRANDE SPORTING 130 Mjet - 75.9%
HONDA ACCORD i-CTDi Saloon - 80.0%
HONDA CIVIC 1.8i VTEC SE - 78.2%
HONDA CIVIC 1.8i VTEC S i-SHIFT - 68.8%
HONDA CIVIC IMA SE - 73.5%
HONDA JAZZ 1.4 SE CVT-7 (Automatic) - 74.7%
SUBARUIMPREZA WRX STi - 72.35%
SUBARU OUTBACK 2.0D RE - 85.3%
SAAB 9-3 TiD Vector - 68.2%
SAAB 9-3 TiD Linear CONVERTIBLE (2007 Mondel) - 74.1%
VAUXHALL ASTRA TWINTOP 1.9 CDTi DESIGN - 78.8%
VAUXHALL VXR8 - 84.1 %
VAUXHALL MONARO VXR - 71.1%
VW PASSAT TDi 140 ...
