2017 Subaru Impreza: Small package packs big punch [First Look]

LA JOLLA, Calif. — I’ll be honest, the 2017 Subaru Impreza isn’t much to look at. It’s not unattractive, it’s just nothing special.

On the surface.

Dig a little deeper, and you have a car that is not only affordable but also uniquely positioned to attract the coveted Millennial crowd.

At a base level, Impreza has a $19,215 price tag. Sure, that’s for the sedan with a manual transmission, base audio system and cloth seats. However, it also includes all-wheel drive, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control and a rearview camera. Yes, you’ll add $500 if you want the hatchback and $1,000 if you want the continuously variable transmission, but when you look at the competition, $20,715 is a still a steal. Mazda3 ($19,730), Honda Civic ($19,575) and Hyundai Elantra ($17,985) don’t even offer AWD as an option, and though the Ford Focus does have an AWD model ($36,995), it’s a highly stylized performance model for almost twice the price.

Another great thing about the all-new Impreza is the fact that you can add a lot of high-tech options, and the car is still relatively affordable, topping out at $29,260 for the 5-Door Limited trim with the “all-in” high-end package option.

For 2017 Subaru streamlined the trims for Impreza, and both sedan and hatchback will have just 4 trim options.

• 2.0 i ($19,215): 5-speed manual standard, 6.5-inch infotainment display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, rearview camera, 16-inch wheels.
• 2.0i Premium ($22,015): standard CVT, tonneau cover, 6-speaker audio system, Starlink connected services, auto on/off headlights, roof rails (5-door).
• 2.0i Sport ($22,815): 5-speed manual standard, leather steering wheel and shifter, turn signal mirrors, 8-inch infotainment display, sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless access, push-button start, LED daytime running lights.
• 2.0i Limited ($24,915): standard CVT, 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat, leather seats, fog lights, chrome exterior door handles, 17-inch alloy wheels.

Though the exterior façade will be different on sedan vs. hatchback, the interior styling and option packaging will be the same regardless of which vehicle you select.

During the press preview, I was able to get behind the wheel of a 2.0i Premium 5-Door and a Limited Sedan, and I found them both to be quiet, competent and easy to drive. Both were equipped with the continuously variable transmission, as the 5-speed manual is unavailable at this time.

Both models come equipped with a 2.0-liter Boxer engine with direct injection, delivering 152 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque.

Whether we were on the highway or twisty mountain bits, the Impreza handled really well. It had a nice ability to pass, and it held curves without tire squeals under everything except the most aggressive maneuvers.

While the exterior design of this new Impreza isn’t crazy different than the previous generation, the styling has been significantly updated, and I like the hard lines that surround both the sedan and 5-door. It makes the Impreza look like a grown-up vehicle that is professional with a touch of elegance.

Even though you can see the design progression from fourth- to fifth-generation Impreza, the 2017 Impreza is 95 percent new, from the all-new global platform that makes its debut on this car all the way to the revised 2.0-liter Boxer engine.

The interior is clean and simple with a nice, clean look – whether you opt for the base 6.5-inch infotainment screen or the up-level 8-inch one. Both cloth and leather seats are attractive and comfortable.

My one interior quibble has more to do with my petite stature than anything else: I couldn’t get the steering wheel far enough away from me for comfort. A tilt/telescoping steering column is standard, but the wheel sticks out about 1 inch too far.

One of the things I really like about the Impreza is that it has room to grow and change as your life stages change. Single in the city? Impreza is compact and drives great in urban situations. It’s got some quick acceleration and it’s easy to parallel park. Moving to the ’burbs and getting ready to start a family? Impreza has flexible storage space and some amazing available safety features.

Considering Subaru owners typically keep their vehicles for 8 to 9 years, that’s totally key – especially when trying to attract a younger buyer.

Speaking of safety, EyeSight is available as a part of a package option on every trim except the base. This system includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Depending on the trim, this will add an additional $1,395 to $2,945 to the bottom line. And it’s totally worth it.

During the press preview, the system on the Impreza did an excellent job of being a second set of eyes, and the adaptive cruise control was a lifesaver in traffic. Plus, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has previously said that EyeSight is one of the best performing crash avoidance systems currently on the market.

The one bummer of note is the complete suite of EyeSight products is only available on the CVT models. According to Todd Hill, Impreza car line manager, that’s more because of economics than the impossibility of including autonomous emergency braking on a vehicle with a manual transmission.

Translation: The take rate of the manual is comparatively low, so it doesn’t make financial sense to develop the system for the manual.

Overall, my first impression of the 2017 Impreza is incredibly favorable. Sitting in my snowy Midwestern perch, standard AWD is a huge draw, and the fact that the vehicle manages to be fuel efficient and fun to drive at the same time is icing on the cake. I like the flexible cargo spaces on both the sedan and 5-door, and I fully appreciate that roof rails are available on all models.

For an entry-level vehicle, it has a lot of nice standard features, namely Apple CarPlay, that make it incredibly attractive to younger buyers.

The all-new Impreza is available in dealers now, but only with the CVT. If you’re looking for a manual, you’ll have to wait until January.

Editor’s Note: Driving impressions in this “First Look” review are from an invitation-only automaker launch event that allowed special access to the vehicle and executives. Subaru covered our accommodations, meals and transportation costs.

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