2008 Subaru Impreza Review
December 28, 2007 by Alborz Fallah
Starting at $29,490, the Impreza RS sits below its more rebellious WRX brother and competes head on with the Mazda3 SP23. If you’re wondering which to pick out of the two, you’re in luck because I had the opportunity to drive the current SP23 in the same week as the RS – and the choice is easy.
The Mazda3 is one of the best selling cars in Australia so there is no reason to doubt its competence, but sales figures do not always reflect a car’s worth. The 3 has been around since 2004 and it’s now starting to show its age, besides, your neighbour, his daughter and your uncle all own one – so it’s not exactly a unique car.
But the Impreza RS wins for many reasons. The entire range has a five-star ANCAP safety rating (the Mazda manages a 4), it has all-wheel-drive (read on and I’ll explain why this is a good thing) and it has standard electronic stability control (VDC stability Control), an option on the SP23.
If we forget the technical details and the what-it-has and what-it-doesn’t-have for a second, simply taking the Impreza for a drive should convince you it’s the better car.
The downside to the Impreza is the interior. Even with the bucket seats, upgraded cloth trim (over the RX) and a new steering wheel, just like the new Lancer, from the inside, the Impreza fails to impress.
There is a heap of plastic all over the place and you get the feeling that Subaru hasn’t really done much modernising.
My test car was fitted with the $2990 Sat Nav option which takes the honour of being the first-ever useful factory-fitted sat-nav I’ve encountered.
Ride quality is a little harder than you might be used to but the sports seats do a great job of holding you in. There is adequate room inside to comfortably fit five adults for a short journey or four adults for the long haul. The front seats are relatively comfortable, but the rear seats could be better.
Here is the deal, and I want you to get this through your head: comparing the Subaru Impreza to its competitors is like comparing Bruce Lee to Jackie Chan. They are both good in their own way and some will always like one over the other because of whatever reason, but (and its a big but), Bruce Lee is the one you should pick when it comes to kicking ass.
What makes Subaru the Bruce Lee of cars is their all-wheel-drive system. If you’re not familiar with the difference between a front-wheel-drive (FWD), rear-wheel-drive (RWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD), I’ll give you a quick run down.
Nick, give it up mate, alburz is right, the safety rating alone would make me buy this car over the mazda, and the whole AWD is unneccary argument is stupid, its not that subaru are charging more for it! Its actually cheaper
Alborz, it’s pretty clear that your clutching at straws, hence starting a new point of discussion. When it rains, bring your WRX out for a traffic light grand prix. This is about the only time a WRX will even come close to an MPS3. This is Australia, the land of the drought unfortunately. For all the dry days (vast majority), you better keep it on the garage to save the embarassment lol.
Nick I think its best to agree to disagree.
For what I do on a weekend basis (mountain runs etc) I find the WRX significantly more capable than the MPS3 (which I am guessing you own).
I have driven both cars on track, they are both quick, the MPS3 is actually probably quicker in its stock form, but, the WRX is still my choice. Lets leave it at that.
Mazda6 MPS –hmmm? isn’t that awd? so i wonder if there was an internal debate by Mazda as to whether the 3MPS was to have had it also ?
There was Lcat, when I was at the mazda driver training day I asked that exact question and they told me it was a cost decision. Although I try not to mention that to Mazda fans, they don’t want to believe it :D
Interesting review Alborz. I have no problem with you coming to a different conclusion to other reviewers. If there aren’t some different opinions, I may as well only read one review of each car.
I’m not a fan of the Subbies styling, although is has grown on me since I have seen it more. I can live with the interior, but I am disappointed there’s no 6th gear. Top marks for 5 Star safety and AWD. Perhaps in 95% of driving you’ll never know it’s there, but I’d prefer to have it than not for no extra money.
But I’d be interested to know if you think the RS is worth the extra $5k over the R for identical performance?
Thanks for that info Alborz. I guess also that the fitment of AWD to the 3MPS would have pitched it squarely at the feet of WRX territory at STi prices?
I think anyone here who gives negative comments on the impreza without actually driving one has no clue and shouldnt voice there opinion!!! as i said previously i drove one for two weeks and came away extremely imprezzed!!!
Just to clarify if anything was directed at me, Im not saying the Impreza is worse then the Mazda (although Nick is correct, many reviews have SAID it is… it did win car of the year for its category from I think Drive)… in fact in many regards its better, safety being a huge one. But in relation to AWD, it really is pointless… Adam Im well aware in the wet there is some benefit however even then its very limited given the cars lack of power nor do the target market for this kind of car really push to gain such benefits (This isnt the WRX). Simply, the key features of this vehicle, its safety… would still be a key features without AWD, it would still have 5 stars it would still have ESP. One thing it would gain however, is better fuel consumption. Currently to me understanding its last in the class in this area, an area which people now more than ever are focusing on… all for the benefit of AWD or should I say lack there of given the cars primary use.
Alborz, I previously owned an STI V, and it remains one of my favourite all time cars. At the moment i do own a 3 MPS which does not spend much time on the road at all. It has an exede piggyback system, Turbo back exhaust, R Spec tyres, coilovers, no rear seats, no spare tyre, and has gone on a diet. It spends most of it’s time on the track. As a daily driver, I took delivery of a white S3 a coupe of months ago. p.s. I’ll settle on the agree to disagree part! Cheers
People seem fixated on the AWD thing. Firstly FWD isn’t crap and doesn’t automatically mean crap handling or track times. The new RenaultSport Megane F1 R26 or whatever they call it is 1.5 seconds faster around a track than the new WRX. Can’t remember which one. Doesn’t mean ALL tracks, but the suggestion of great track speed is there. And who can forget the “original” type-R and various Peugeots.
Witness: MazdaSpeed 3 MPSes lapping the Nurburgring (go find the YouTube videos).
AWD, especially on a track, does not mean that it is automatically a better handling proposition or faster.
AWD can give better safety in the wet. But you know what? For a car of modest power, I’ve never felt in danger in the wet driving a FWD. I have a Pulsar and an Accord. In normal driving conditions, which is the usage of the majority of car owners, a FWD will almost never be pushed into a dangerous situation, even in roundabouts in the wet, especially at “normal” speeds.
How fast do you need to go around corners anyway?
If you are like me and enjoy spirited driving, then you can still achieve reasonable speeds around corners in the wet in a FWD. But the question must be asked again: How fast do you need to go? Does an extra 5 or even 10kmh corner speed give you more thrills? What about the good ol’ days of fairly slow, but fun cars (like Minis or old Geminis).
No, for the average motorist FWD is fine, and for enthusiasts that know how to handle cars, FWD is just as fun for that 5% of the time when you are on the edge.
I have no problem with AWD. But to argue that it is a necessity (especially where fuel consumption is concerned) is wrong.
Subaru have pulled a clever marketing trick on the world where AWD = Safety. This is not entirely true and not entirely necessary.
As for this new Impreza, I’d certainly consider one. I haven’t driven one, but I get the impression its a great car, if a little compromised for cost saving. I’d check out the SP23 and probably a plethora of other cars in the same bracket or the one just above with all the Turbos and such.
fwd can be good in the right car!! it has to be light weight and have good top end power but not to much torque especially down low in rev range otherwise creates to much torque steer!! also nees a good rigid well set up chassis
with light wheels and good tyres!! other wise AWD is the only way to go especially with a hard hitting turbo engine..
Ive just brought a subaru impreza 2007 rs and there were only 199 made they came out with the wrx sports shifter and sti springs with wrx rims and suspension I brought this car over the lastest model due to the new one looking like a mazda 3 and i didnt like that but I love this car
Agree with Nick 100%
Totally biased review.
I test drove the new impreza RS and walked away laughing. Pig of a car. Would be embarrassed to have it in my drive way. (My ride is an VW R32….so no, I don\’t drive a Mazda.)
I have an updated sp23 with stability / traction ect 6sp manual $30500 cost – it appears the Subaru only has 15″ wheels apposed to 17″ on the Mazda. My main reason for buying the Mazda sedan was the interior, the large boot, folding seats (bigger than many hatchbacks with their seats up) and reliability. It is bigger than the Subaru h/ b
The RS has 17″ wheels, and the brakes at 15″ – in diameter.
I have been reading the for and against the Sp23 and the RS. I test drove both cars, i liked the Sp23 on paper with the upgrade to the bose system and the bigger engine..but thats where it ended. The clutch was a cable clutch…it was really easy to hold in but as soon as you let it out it just jumps out and is really heavy…
The gear stick was extremly notchy, i even had trouble changing gears with it. and the Suspension especially in the back, was really jumpy and very unsure of it self.
As soon as i jumped in the RS i loved it.
The Suspension is great, clutch was soft, turn off the stereo and it is so peaceful, and maybe a bit quite, sometimes you cant even hear the engine..i started it twice a few times.
I brought it about 3 months ago and ive racked up 6000km, ive just come back from a road trip to the 12 apostles and back to sydney. and it is the best car i have ever brought without a doubt.
Whenever i see a SP23 i just laugh and say to myself that guy didn’t try the suby.
Hello,
I have driven both cars, the SP23 and the IMPREZA RS. The SP23 is quick indeed, good handling for a FWD and comfortable. I was impressed when I drove it, no doubt.
However here in northern Sweden, I have to admit the IMPREZA outdid the SP23 for me, for the fact of the extreme snow conditions we have here, and the AWD does help me , while normal FWDs squiggle about on the slippery and hilly roads.
Its also kinda nice to be able to drive away like Audi Quattros and R32s (from open parking lots), without being stuck in the snow like other hatchbacks.
Furthermore, the IMPREZA is indeed quieter, a lot quieter than the previous models and pretty smooth on acceleration.
A mate of mine had stated that it was actually quiter than the new Audi A3, after he drove it.
With extreme low temperatures at times that we have here, Im really impreZAD with this car’s handling and performance on the snow with good speeds. Have already done 4000 km, without any worries of slipping away in a ditch, especially when the roads become ’slushy’ and water logged. I do wish, though, that this car had a 6th gear, for the price tag it comes with.
I guess its all down to personal choice, and what you need in the car at the end of the day.
Max Gerrard
Riksgränsen, North Sweden.
The Impreza looks better in the flesh; otherwise pictures would render it a 1-Series knock-off. As always, it will handle like a regular Subaru, but they need more than a 4-speed auto.
Just like what Maxwell said…if you live where there is snow …you are better off with an affordable AWD.. i have test drove the ugly impreza sedan(atleast the hatch looks a bit better) and was impress with its perfomance in snow….
but if you live in a nice and sunny weather (sun/rain) i will soooooo go for the sp23.
Coming from a 2004 GX Impreza owner, I can honestly say that owning an AWD car that has less than 130kw is an absolute waste of petrol and not to mention an environment killer.
Prior to purchasing the Subaru, I read a lot of their White Papers on the benefits of AWD in cornering etc. I got sucked into the whole marketing thing.
In reality, unless you are an avid skier and hit the slopes pretty often, I would say that an AWD drive car has a lot of disadvantages:
1. Sucks more fuel as your are driving more wheels, gears, shaft.
2. Noisier drive due to the reasons described above.
3. Performance suffers also due to the reasons described above.
Do you know why the non-turbo versions feel so secure? Its because the AWD system slows acceleration down by such a significant degree that it doesn’t get a chance to slip.
Try getting behind even a really crappy car immediately after driving a lardy AWD…by crappy car I mean a non drivers fridge on wheels like a Toyota Corolla…you will feel like the Corolla has grown wings all of a sudden because it isn’t being bogged down by the AWD system.
This reviewer has lost a lot of credibility in my books by selling the strenght’s of AWD without balancing this with the associated disadvantages.
You don’t need AWD unless you have a hyper speed engine. Its chasis balance and suspension tuning that play an important role in a vehicle’s handling ability.
If you were refering to the WRX then I would say different story but we are talking about a sub 200NM torque vehicle here.
…….don’t hate. I just bought one…… well atleast its good in snow…
All the Mazda supporters must be city and expressway drivers as the Mazda has only 110 mm ground clearance – not enough for country roads or many Sydney rapid change of grade driveways. The Subaru has 155 mm which is abit over 6 inches on the old scale and this was proven adequate by early Holdens and Falcons before everyone thought you needed a truck to drive on country roads. The standard Subaru R has 16inch wheels and 205 mm wide tires to give it much better road grip than the Mazda.
Magani
I was just dreaming of a RWD “R”. It would get more power to the tar and be a lot of fun to throw around! Has anyone ever done it???
Ive driven the new imprezza and at first was not impressed, went back a second time and gave it a bit more of a caneing, and drove it like I owned it rather than had borrowed it.
It has grown on me and reckon I will buy it.
I do 35,000 country miles per year and have always driven SUV’s including Toyota and Ford.
The only thing I am concerned about is it feels close to the road after what I have driven, But thought it handled pretty well on the gravel as well as on the bitumen?
Any other ladies out there doing country miles with one?
Olive
If so what do you think?
Subaru in Brisbane is lucky enough to be situated right next to Mt Cootha. For me it was the toss up between the Mazda and the Subaru – The test drive in the RS meant taking it up the mountain. I was sold and didnt even go for the Mazda test drive.
This is a great car, after a month of driving, couldn’t be happier. Having never owned an all wheel drive car, I will never go back. You can’t move off the road, the rain means nothing. Hopefully a year or two and a payrise or two! and I’ll see myself in a WRX
A few years ago I owned both a Peugeot 205GTI (FWD) and Lancia Delta Integrale (AWD). Contrasting cars of a similar size but both great fun. The Pug was beautifully balanced and simply phenomenal for it’s time but by comparison, the Integrale came into a class of it’s own for grip and performance.
My current car is the Renault Megane R26 and I know that without any doubt, it can be coaxed through winding tarmac much, much faster than either of the above. The magic that Renault have worked with the R26 completely redefines FWD.
For all you pro Mazda3 fans……have you actually sat in one? If you think the Impreza 08 is plastiky with cheap seating, you wouldn’t want to put your behind on the brick seating in the Mazda3! PS…plastic is easy to clean and maintain………no more vac for the doors!!Woohoo.
I test drove both the SP23 and the Impreza RS (both auto) today and have called a pretty dead even heat. The RS to me is the better car in terms of external styling whereas the Mazda, although slick, seems tired given that I see countless numbers on the road. Interior styling went to Mazda hands down.
The Mazda had a lot of pick up and felt like a smooth drive. The Subie seemed more stable and held the road better. My wife said she felt safer in the Subie. However, the tired 2 litre engine of the Subie is annoying. If it was a 2.5 litre or even a 2.3 litre, there’d be no contest. However, it is a VERY hard decision.
Interesting discussion. It’s amusing to see how heated people can get. I had a GT Forester for 10 years and hated letting it go at over 200k. My increasing age, health problems and less money than I used to have, meant I had to buy a smaller car and it had to be an automatic. (I’ve always hated automatics!)
While I agree AWD is rarely important in day-to-day driving, it saved my arse at least three times in the past 10 years so I test drove an auto Imprezza. Very comfortable. Despite being over 6ft, I found it was like sitting in an armchair — and about as mobile. But what the heck, I’m too old to go racing around so I bought one.
Fast forward a couple of months. I was wrong. The Imprezza can be a very spirited little creature. Turbo it ain’t, but now I’ve learned how to flick from Auto to Sports to Manual shift, I’m finding it the perfect combination. Auto for the dull days when I wish I hadn’t had to get out of bed, Sports for burning off uppity Mazdas and Manual for winding mountain roads.
Sure, it’s a compromise. Name me a car that isn’t.
I think this discussion is such a fascinating one because of the differing ways each car us presented – Battles within Battles if you catch my drift (no PUN intended)
AWD Vs FWD
RS 2.0L Vs SP23 2.3L
RS 5 Sp v SP23 6 speed
NCAP Rating 5 vs 4
Cheap Plast-icky interior Vs Mazda quality
There is one thing that has not been mentioned (that I can tell) that wins me over each and every time. Vision through the front windscreen. Hard to describe what it means to be quality but I know when I found it.
Focus, Corolla, Mazda, Lancer, Astra and Golf DONT HAVE IT.
Along with the qualities talk about adnauseum, the Impreza HAS IT and wins in my book. Can any Impreza owners better describe the front windscreen vision factor? It just seems like you can see more.
I own a RS -12 months now.
Apart from the AWD which is brilliant – it has a great re sale value.
Yes the interior is average, but I do not live in mine. The luggage space is small, but I didn’t order a semi trailer.
It goes like the clappers when I need it to and the sportshift is a bonus.
It’s a great drive and cheap to tun.
Sid
Very interesting blog – the discussion more than the main article.
I am unfortunately – in a toss right now. The options being: Subaru R , Lancer ES , Mazda 3 neo, Focus CL.
Honing down to Subaru, Mazda or Lancer.
How is the REAL fuel efficiency of Impreza??
Ravith,
I just went through the same process.
When comparing those base models (Mazda, Lancer or Subaru), the Suby R wins hands down. Just comparing features and performance and safety is enough to show that. The slight extra price for the Suby R is worth it.
Mazda3 is now dated with a new model due within the next 6 months so don’t be sucked into the Mazda dealer sales. The dealers will throw anything at you to move the current stock below retail.
The new shape CJ Lancer on-road handling is nasty. Take one for a drive (you will see what I mean) and then avoid them.
Drive the Suby R and you will not be disappointed.
Mazda will never match a Subaru! Subaru has awd and a boxer engine. Boxer engines handle better because they have a lower center of gravity.
I’ve noticed in the last month Subaru have dropped the prices or included extra equipment on the Impreza range (R comes with alloys and starts at $22,990, etc).
I’m looking at a few options to replace my incredibly unreliable Holden Astra SRI 2.2. The Impreza RS appeals as I end up on plenty of unsealed roads and find the average modern FWD car (especially if equipped with electro-mechanical steering as opposed to hydraulic) can not comfortably drive on them. I don’t need an SUV as ground clearance isn’t a problem (I coped with the Astra’s 102mm), just better stability and confidence inspiring handling and steering feel on both mountain roads and gravel tracks.
I am disappointed the current Impreza RS only comes with the 2.0 when in the US and Canada the non-WRX Imprezas only come with the 2.5 engine from the Forester etc. It is also a bit rough accepting the low-rent Subi interior when for the same money you can get a VW Golf, but I think I will actually utilise the AWD. We shall see!
Long time reader first time poster.
After reading reviews, notwithstanding caradvice.com’s review of the Imprezza RS and at the sametime forced by the breakdown of my old forester 97 model (bloody mechanics) I went out and purchased a Imprezza RS in Oct 08.
Now I was a little hesitant but then again for $30k what else is there in the market that has AWD and isn’t a piece of crap? Really there isn’t that much to choose from, apart from other Subuaru’s and they at the time were quite a bit more (they weren’t doing drive away deals on Foresters).
Now i guess i’m a little biased, for one reason or another my entire family, my in laws combined, all own Subaru vehicles. Sure they’ve had others makes, but for one reason or another over the last 10 years they’ve all purchased, and kept purchasing Subarus. I guess understand why now. They go and go (nay a problem, except with a dodgy mechanic), they are as stable as a fricken rock (no slip sliding whatsoever) and when you need it they have a bit of grunt.
Back to the story, so after purchasing Lucky (name so for the period of terrible luck I was going through, damn mechanics). The RS, looks fine inside. Yeah its got a plastic console but for $30k so does pretty much everything else. Personally I find the interior quality to be much better then a Holden or Ford. If you want to talk about sterile design, plastic galore then by all means we can engage in a bit of cockney word play.
Definitely a step above a Toyota who’s designs are just weak (and talk about plastics), a bit more exciting then a Nissan. Against Honda, well Honda are good but then again your paying $5-10k more. Against the Mazda 3, well I’d say I’d prefer the cabin over the Mazda 3, it feels taller, wider, and not so claustrophobic. The quality, well I just feel better in the Subaru and the seats against the wooden pews of the Mazda….
So yes it could be better but its functional, looks great at night with the red glow (far better effect the Mazda 3). The wife reckons the cup holder should be up in front of the vents like the forester but personally i like them down next to the handbrake. Definitely don’t have to worry about a ton of coke spilling all over the place. Stereo is a bit weak, can be played loud but with many bodies in the car, it seems to lose detail and fidelity. probably will get it replaced one of these days. 3.5mm jack in the centre console is quite handy though.
Best of all the seats. I found the seats on many other makes to be harder, lacking support. The RS’s seats just cup your ass up and well hold you like a baby. To be frank it was the seats that did it for me, the moment i sat in it i knew i’d buy the car. I just can’t stand to be uncomfortable, and thus so far so good, on the long journeys up to the mountains it seems to be working. Definitely not feeling fatigued by the seats or the driving position.
The engine will disappoint you for the first 4,000km, you’ll get to about 1,000Km and be wondering “is that it”, a bit annoyed that whenever you want a bit of oomph you’ve got to stick it 2nd, that 3rd doesn’t seem to be all that effective unless you’ve got the rev’s up high (like 4000rpm), which your not meant to do until you’ve got past 5,000km.
So soon after hitting 5,000km and the first service the car’s behaviour changed completely. Its almost like owning a new car. Now i got the auto (i sit in a bit of traffic so no point destroying my leg on the clutch) and thus noticed that I no longer need sports mode. Car just leaps when ever you put a little pressure on and its just so much more quicker.
sure the auto can forget, fairly rarely, to pick the right gear but “sports” (ha) mode allows you to choose the gear and hey the auto seems to do the right thing most of the time. Far superior to the old imprezza’s, and much better then any other 4 gear auto i’ve driven.
I really think Subaru needs run 5000km on the clocks before they sell an Imprezza, they’d be selling them like hot cakes.
Lastly the handling. Now i’ve driven many a car, holdens, Nissan silly car (a Silvia), Subarus (liberty’s, foresters, imprezza’s) etc and they all had body roll. Things would slide around the cabin depending on speed and angle of turn, and yet irrespective of what I throw at the car I, my belongs, the thousands of toys that litter my vehicle, seem to do nothing, it is like the universe is turning around me and the car is staying absolutely straight.
Suspension, well its pretty good. I reckon to have good suspension is not to even notice or remember that you’ve a teeth rattling trip, or journey. It soaks it up.
Brakes are also quite effective, with much progression.
Perhaps Subaru need to run obstacle outside of every dealership.
So that’s with the good. The bad, well its a bit small. The boot is a bit of a squeeze with the pram and, well if you’ve got a baby seat, and want to go somewhere, with the pram and luggage, well you’ll be playing tetris for about 30 minutes whilst you load the car. A little annoying.
Petrol wise, well on long trips you can squeeze nearly 460-80km out of the tank, very impressive. During the week going to work, you might be lucky to get 360-400km out of it.
That said, when you’ve got it on the Woodford bends, in 2nd, sun shining brightly and doing the legal speed limit of 80kmph then you’ll find with your Imprezza RS that things ain’t so bad. especially for $30k
people, seriously, no oppence.
its about the driver, not a car!
if u’re shit at driving and u’re driving one of the fastest car that can beat anyone but you can’t handle yourself, you’re just talking full bs!
the way to keep a car at its best performance, not hurting any gears and engine, as a real pro driver, any car can beat you guys.
trust me! i’m driving a 6 years car and i can kill a GTR easy!
you guys talk trash…btw, my car is a corolla…
Dear All
We have both Mazda 3 (MAXX) 06 and Impreza (RX) 09, so no bias.
None of them is better over the other. Let me point out pros and cons – the only fair way to compare.
MAZDA3
Pros:
Better interior style (design, finish and functionality). Examples: better plastic, door trims, much more functional glove box, middle compartment, etc.
This car is great in the city while driving in traffic. Active-matic is comfortable and still gives the zoom-zoom when used in the semi manual mode.
Longer wheel base gives extra stability.
More consistent torque across the rev range.
Some external features look more stylish. I like mud flaps – should be compulsory in all cars in Australia.
Cons:
Poor visibility looking back, when reversing.
Since the boot and engine bay are deep, there is a little less leg room inside.
Lower ground clearance.
Since it has long wheel base and FWD, the rear is dragged behind. Sometimes the rear wheels would go their own way on the corners, touching road kerbs.
IMPREZA RX
Pros:
To take full advantage of AWD and its capability, manual is the way to go. Then, it is a far more interesting car to drive then Mazda.
Safety is a big plus, including inherent stability with the boxer engine sitting low. That engine – working nicely so nicely. Sometimes you want to turn the radio off and listen to the engine.
Superior, strong pickup at 3000 rpm.
Cons:
Heavier due to AWD. The torque dies off outside the optimum 3000rpm.
On a bad-mood-day looks cheaper than Mazda; plastics can be annoying, no mud flaps.
With manual version, the gear box can be stubborn when trying to put the reverse gear in.
PERSONAL PREFERENCE
Mazda3 – red colour and tinted windows look great.
Impreza – grey or black look far better. These colours blend with interior plastic well, so the plastic is much less annoying.
Dear All
We have both Mazda 3 (MAXX) 06 and Impreza (RX) 09, so no bias.
None of them is better over the other. Let me point out pros and cons – the only fair way to compare.
MAZDA3
Pros:
Better interior style (design, finish and functionality). Examples: better plastic, door trims, much more functional glove box, middle compartment, etc.
This car is great in the city while driving in traffic. Active-matic is comfortable and still gives the zoom-zoom when used in the semi manual mode.
Longer wheel base gives extra stability.
More consistent torque across the rev range.
Some external features look more stylish. I like mud flaps – should be compulsory in all cars in Australia.
Cons:
Poor visibility looking back, when reversing.
Since the boot and engine bay are deep, there is a little less leg room inside.
Lower ground clearance.
Since it has long wheel base and FWD, the rear is dragged behind. Sometimes the rear wheels would go their own way on the corners, touching road kerbs.
IMPREZA RX
Pros:
To take full advantage of AWD and its capability, manual is the way to go. Then, it is a far more interesting car to drive then Mazda.
Safety is a big plus, including inherent stability with the boxer engine sitting low. That engine – working nicely so nicely. Sometimes you want to turn the radio off and listen to the engine.
Superior, strong pickup at 3000 rpm.
Cons:
Heavier due to AWD. The torque dies off outside the optimum 3000rpm.
On a bad-mood-day looks cheaper than Mazda; plastics can be annoying, no mud flaps.
With manual version, the gear box can be stubborn when trying to put the reverse gear in.
PERSONAL PREFERENCE”
Mazda3 – red colour and tinted windows look great.
Impreza – grey or black look far better. These colours blend with interior plastic well, so the plastic is much less annoying.
Very balanced opinion, Catch. You sound like no-ego-to-the-point guy.
I might add, as I am biased, that hill assist feature of Impreza wins my heart over Mazda.
Hey,
I have read numerous reviews, blogs, opinions, etc on the Mazda and the Impreza. I ‘was’ well and truly leaning towards the 3, however the more I have read, the more I am becoming ’sold’ on the Impreza. Obviously am still going to test drive both – but definately leaning towards the Impreza.
I saw pictures of the Impreza and HATED it, however I’ve seen two of them in the last 48 hours on the road, and they actually look really cool.
The AWD system is selling me bigtime. Wish I could afford a WRX – maybe in my next life. Until then…..