Opinions on Subby Impreza

[JohnBu]

I wouldn't buy it for the money.

Due to AWD & weight, the performance is below par.

AWD doesn't mean better handling too..

performed quite poorly in swerving maneuver test, I was quite suprised.

anyway with ESP these days, FWD can be perform as well as AWD..

in the wet AWD will have more traction, but then again the Sub won't have enough power to use the advantages of AWD..

having said that, the AWD in the WRX gives it a distinct advantage against turbo FWD vehicles.

Golf or Mazda 3 for me.

[JohnBu]

Friend bought a SP25 auto with tint & aftermarket parking sensors.

$33,800 drive away.

Does the RS offer a decent automatic with more than 4 gears?

[Calibrated]

personally, for a new car, i wouldnt be looking at anything other than a Golf VI. maybe a cruze, but your wife doesnt want a sedan.

[gman]

If you were up for spending the $$$$'s, I would get a 2nd hand R32 Golf V...

V6 power, AWD, VW quality and they are a great thing to drive...2nd hand they might be a little more, but remember the biggest depreciation would have already been taken by someone else...

[rjastra]

Have a look at a Golf VI 90TSi with DSG and the Comfort pack. That would give you similar performance and equipment to the Subaru

The impreza only has a 4 speed auto. That explains the performance/economy issues it has.
Mazda 3 has a 5 speed, golf has a 7 speed auto.

[USC]

Does the 7 speed auto on the Golf work well or does it keep hunting for gears? Also, is it CVT or just traditional Auto?

The 118TSI Golf VI wouldnt be too bad. Have you looked at the Civic hatch? They are not too bad either...havent seen many on the road though...

Re: Silver bits....Almost every manufacturer is having those in their cars...Looks reaaaaally cheap in my opinion...WTF are they thinking?? Its like everything is being painted with cheap silver spray cans and no clear on to protect either. My mondeo XR5 has them on the exterior.... front bumper, around the fogs and on the rear bumper. Got paint chips everywhere on them...I got them re-sprayed in 2pak silver and clear coat and they seem to get less chips now...but still, I hate silver bits

[Vectracious]

Does the 7 speed auto on the Golf work well or does it keep hunting for gears? Also, is it CVT or just traditional Auto?

Its a DSG - and lots of reports have said the 7 speed DSG in the new Octavia is a bit ordinary. Haven't read anything about it in the Golf. Maybe calibrated differently? (although prob not).

[USC]

ah yeh..thats right...DSG! does DSG have variable gear ratios?

[Apex]

New Impreza is good, nice looking car, not to bad value.

If I had given up the will to live and saw a car as a means to go from A to B but still wanted something nice looking with good spec I would get a Kia Cerato and de-badge it, lots of kit for the money and they looks oh so sexy, much better than a Holden Cruise (much, much better) and cheaper than a Lancer or Impreza that both have lower spec.

[imay]

If I had given up the will to live and saw a car as a means to go from A to B but still wanted something nice looking with good spec I would get a Kia Cerato and de-badge it, lots of kit for the money and they looks oh so sexy, much better than a Holden Cruise (much, much better) and cheaper than a Lancer or Impreza that both have lower spec.

I hear where you are coming from . . . just can't bring myself to buying Korean. Perhaps later in life when I can get a beige cardigan to match.
But, you are quite right, the Cerato is very well equipped for the money, it's just that it's . . . it's . . . well it's terrible! Drive one, and you will see what I mean.
Even the Impreza in auto was disappointing when I put the foot down. 40-60 was a bit sad, much better 60-80. Haven't had a chance (yet) to give one a decent push. This is why I am after opinions BEFORE my wife decides what she wants based on color and "looks nice". There is every chance she would like the Cerato based on looks alone, which is why we won't be stopping off at the local Kia showroom to see one!