- Doors and Seats
4 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
2.5i, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
112kW, 223Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 8.9L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4WD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
3 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
2002 Subaru Impreza RS review: Heart transplant, no side-effects
The engine from the Liberty turns the mid-size Impreza RS into a match for Europeans costing much more.
Good: Good balance of strong performance and great dynamics. As capable as some more expensive Euros. Excellent build quality. Sticks to the bitumen like you wouldn't believe. High resale values.
Bad: Low-rent interior. Driver's seat good for short stints. Clutch thump under pressure. Relatively high levels of engine and road noise. Tight rear seat.
Verdict: More than just a poor boy's WRX.
Stars: 3.5 (out of 5).
Subaru's new Impreza RS sedan fills a gap in the range between the boy-racer WRX and the relatively sedate 2.0-litre version.
The 160kW force-fed 2.0 WRX may be an exhilarating drive, but you have to be besotted to own one – annual insurance premiums of $3000-$7000 are the price of infamy and a poor crash rate/theft history.
The base 2.0 Impreza is a classy mid-sizer, but its naturally aspirated 92kW four is several horses short of the rest of the car's abilities.
Subaru has squeezed the Liberty's 2.5 litre four, minus a couple of kilowatts at 112, into the RS. In some respects, this parts-bin special is the sweetest drive in the model line-up.
At $32,990, the RS's premium over the 2.0 Impreza RX is minimal – less than $2500. Air-conditioning is standard, along with a WRX-style Momo leather wheel, sports seats and interior, plus some exterior add-ons.
The RS wheel-tyre combination – 16 alloys with 205/50 Michelins – is less aggressive than the WRX.
Anti-lock brakes, now with electronic force distribution, are also standard, along with cruise control and an in-dash CD player.
The 2.5 has a linear power delivery, but its greatest attraction is a class-leading 223Nm of torque at 3600rpm. The 2.0 struggles at times with the Impreza's high kilo count, but the 2.5 has no such difficulty and possesses exceptionally strong pulling power and responsiveness, particularly in the higher gears.
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Above 4000rpm, it also has sufficient urge to be a satisfying sports drive. The 2.5 makes the right noises, and goes hard at the top end; its tractable nature allows you to tap decent performance without having to wring its neck.
The RS is more than two seconds adrift of the WRX in a straight line drag, but its 0-100kmh time of 9.3 seconds is still pretty quick.
Like Subaru's other boxer engines, the 2.5 sounds busy, but is smooth and unstressed. Its characteristic thrum at highway speeds is more intrusive than the average four cylinder; add excessive tyre noise on most bitumen surfaces and the RS is less quiet and refined than a $30,000 sedan should be in cruise mode.
A 60-litre WRX tank (10 litres more than standard Impreza) is fitted to the RS.
The five-speed manual gearbox runs very low final drive gearing for this capacity. At 100kmh the engine is turning over at 2900rpm – a workrate more commonly generated by a 1.5 at the same speed. It flatters the 2.5's performance, but again does little for cabin quietness.
The shift action is better than the standard Impreza, meaty and precise.
When the 2.5 is revving hard and changes are quick, the clutch still engages with a thump.
Subaru's all-wheel-drive system, a taut, rigid body and finely tuned independent suspension deliver near idiot-proof dynamics on bitumen and dirt. The RS features WRX-style aluminium lower suspension arms at the front, but is calibrated as per the standard Impreza, with slightly upgraded springs to cope with the extra weight of the 2.5.
The RS is relentlessly stable on rough roads and at high speeds, beautifully balanced in corners, and has an excess of grip. Body roll is minimal.
The 16-inch wheels and 50 aspect ratio tyres give the RS a ride which is closer to WRX than standard; it is a touch lumpy in the rough at low speeds, but compliance improves on the open road.
Steering feel and responsiveness are also appreciably superior at higher speeds and when involved in a bit of enthusiastic bend swinging; the wider tyres add more weight to the wheel, but it has a slightly dull, unresponsive quality just off centre.
The brakes are excellent. Light pressures only are required in most situations; there's plenty of feel, progression and, when necessary, power.
The WRX sports seats are not for everyone. Given its all-round abilities, the RS would be better served with a less hard, uncompromising pew. It provides great support when cornering, and is height adjustable, but the hips and thighs, clamped firmly in substantial cushion bolsters, start to protest after a couple of hours.
The driving position is typical Japanese mid-size sedan, with a height-adjustable wheel and clear vision around the car. The dash is the same – simple and efficient, with only the minimal number of buttons required and basic, clear instruments.
Fit and finish inside are A-grade Japanese but, like the rest of the Impreza range, the RS's wall-to-wall dull grey plastics and tacky synthetic upholstery don't sit well with Subaru's premium pricetags.
Side impact protection has been improved on 2002 Imprezas, with additional strengthening of pillars, sills and doors. Two front airbags are standard.
The RS back seat is contoured for two, deep, reasonably comfortable and supportive. It is relatively tight for leg room, though, and occupants sit under glass.
Three lap-sash belts are fitted, but the two integrated head restraints, like those on the front seats, are useless.
Boot space is class average, but the floor is uneven and the hook-style bootlid hinges may restrict capacity. A small porthole allows long objects to be carried; a space-saver spare is under the floor.
The Impreza RS is expensive, but the extra performance kick of the 2.5 and great dynamics hoist it above the $25,000 mid-size sedan pack.
As a drive, and in the quality of its engineering, the Subaru is more accurately compared with $35,000-$50,000 Euro tackle such as the Alfa 147, Audi A3, BMW 3 Series and VW Bora. It also holds its own against such pricey Japanese hardware as the Lexus IS200.
In this company, the Impreza RS shapes up as sharp value indeed.
Vital signs
Engine: 2.5-litre 16-valve fuel-injected horizontally opposed four-cylinder.
Power: 112kW at 5600rpm (average).
Performance: 0-100 kmh in 9.3 seconds (quickish).
Brakes: Discs with ABS (excellent).
Economy: 8.1 litres/100km highway (average); 13.6 city (slightly thirsty).
Prices: Recommended retail – $32,990. Street price – $750 off.
Main options: Four-speed auto $1,950.
Warranty: Three years/unlimited kilometres (above average).
Retained value: 68 percent after three years (Impreza GX hatch and WRX sedan; best in class with VW Golf).
Safety rating: Not yet tested.
Alternatives:
Alfa 147 2.0 – $38,500
Audi A3 1.8 turbo – $44,950
BMW 318 Ti – $46,900
Holden Astra Sri 2.2 – $28,065
Lexus IS200 – $51,490
Mazda Astina SP20 – $28,890
VW Bora 2.0 – $36,850
Volvo S40 2.0 – $39,950
Prices correct at publication date.