2022 Subaru Impreza, XV 2.0i base models axed in Australia, as prices rise

The price of entry into a new 2022 Subaru Impreza small car or XV small SUV has risen by up to $2700, following the axing of the entry-level models – though possibly life-saving active safety technology is now standard across the range.

The most affordable Impreza and XV variants – badged 2.0i, with no suffix – have disappeared from Subaru Australia's website, pushing the price of the cheapest Impreza to $26,490 (up $2500), and the base XV to $32,390 (up $2700), both plus on-road costs.

The deletion of the base models means all Impreza and XV variants are fitted with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) – previously not fitted to the 2.0i models, despite being standard on nearly every other small car and SUV on sale in Australia.

Forming part of Subaru's 'EyeSight' active safety suite, the Impreza and XV 2.0i also lacked lane-keep assist, lane departure alert and adaptive cruise control – features included as standard with the new 'base' models, the 2.0i-L grades.

However, other key active safety systems including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, AEB in reverse, and automatic high beam functionality are still restricted to higher grades.

In 2021, the Impreza 2.0i accounted for approximately 18 per cent of total Impreza sales (about 650 of 3640 vehicles sold), while about 13 per cent of XV SUVs sold were 2.0i grades (around 1210 of 9340 vehicles).

"In line with Subaru Corporation’s ‘Towards Zero’ commitment of zero fatal accidents in a Subaru vehicle by 2030, and in recognition of features that are becoming increasingly standard across the segments, the MY22 Impreza and XV line-up has been updated to include Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist technology as standard across all variants," a Subaru Australia spokesperson said in a statement.

"As a result, the Impreza 2.0i-L AWD and the XV 2.0i-L AWD will be repositioned as the new entry level variants of the revised range."

Prices across the Impreza range have risen by $500 for Model Year 2022 – now priced from $26,490 plus on-road costs for the 2.0i-L sedan – or $26,490 for the 2.0-L hatch – while the XV is up $400 to $500, from $32,390 plus on-road costs for the 2.0i-L.

The price rises are attributed to "increasing costs associated with production", according to a Subaru Australia spokesperson, with no new standard features added.

The Impreza 2.0i-L previously cost $2000 more than the base 2.0i, while the XV 2.0i-L was previously offered for a $2300 premium over its entry-level 2.0i variant.

Note: All prices listed above exclude on-road costs.