7-day Test
Model: 2006 Subaru Impreza 2.0R Hatch
RRP: $30,440
Price as tested: $32,440 (automatic)
Road tester: David Dowsey
Date tested: Feb 2006
Distance covered: 308km
While its wilder siblings fly off into the distance with the lion's share of the headlines, the rest of the Impreza range often get lost in the roar. It's a shame really because the whole family -- which includes five different models (2.0i, RV, 2.0R, WRX and WRX STi) and two body styles (sedan and hatch) -- each offer their own rewards.
The updated MY2006 Impreza features styling and engine upgrades across the board. In deference to Subaru's parent company -- Fuji Heavy Industries' -- aviation background the Impreza features a new-style �corporate face'. The stylised aeroplane three-piece grille is here to stay too and will gradually be grafted on to the entire Subaru range.
The other big news is the dropping of the old RS model and its 2.5-litre engine. In its place is the new mid-range 2.0R model which is expected to sell in the greatest numbers.
The new 2.0-litre boxer engine develops 118kW and 186Nm -- a tad more power over the 2.5 unit but crucially torque is down by 37Nm. And you can feel it. It's a peaky little engine that loves revs but just when you think things are getting interesting it runs out of breath.
The four-speed auto saps power too. Subaru quotes a lethargic 11.6secs to 100km/h -- nearly 3.0secs adrift of the manual version. The auto allows the engine to rev but in normal mode won't hold peak power and for overtaking or hill climbing the car can feel a little underwhelming. Downshifting is advisable to fill the power �hole' in the midrange.
As on all Impreza models Subaru's draw card is its accomplished all-wheel drive system. In the 2.0R it endows the car with fine handling, instilling confidence during cornering at speed and it's reassuringly grippy in the wet.
The rear hatch is a practical option and with clever packing can accommodate a mountain bike and a couple of overnight bags. But with the rear wheel arches encroaching on space it isn't cavernous so be warned.
The interior is pleasing on the eye and comfortable -- we especially liked the leather-covered steering wheel and shapely seats. But there are some major oversights in the cabin and it is here that the car really looses ground on its competitors.
There are no steering wheel-mounted controls for a start so engaging cruise control means leaning forward to press the control's button on the dash, then playing with the fussy controls on the column stalk.
It's a similar situation for the audio controls. These days this just doesn't cut it. It's a safety hindrance too, because it requires the driver to take their eyes off the road.
The 2.0R also lacks some basic features like a trip computer, curtain airbags and a full-sized spare wheel -- unfortunately this practice is gaining momentum.
What it does have are 60/40 split-fold seats to optimise rear storage space, DataDot and immobiliser security, CD player, cruise control, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, rear wiper and spoiler, roof rails, body kit, twin front airbags and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS.
Due to the heavy AWD system the Impreza weighs in at a portly 1398kg so fuel economy is not first rate. CarPoint averaged a little over 10lt/100km on freeway cycle. Premium unleaded is recommended too so these considerations need to be factored into the car's running costs.
