Used Subaru Impreza review: 2007-2010

NEW - The WRX rally weapon inevitably comes to mind when you think of the Subaru Impreza, but the smallest member of the Subaru family is much more than that.

If the WRX is the one young tearaways buy, the regular Imprezas are the ones bought by regular people. The new model that arrived in 2007 as a hatch only boasted all-wheel drive like all Subarus, and that’s what separates it from its rivals.

Subaru made the smart move to all-wheel drive many years ago when it was struggling to find a place in the market, and has gone gang-busters ever since. Two body styles were offered; initially it was only a hatch in 2007 before a sedan arrived a year later.

It was longer, higher and heavier than the previous model, with reasonable boot space. Power was provided by a 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine that had a little less power than the engine in the previous model, but more torque.

In total it had 110 kW and 196 Nm, which was enough to get the job done without causing any excitement. In standard guise the Impreza came with a five-speed manual transmission with the option of a four-speed automatic, and the final drive was through all four wheels.

On the road the Impreza showed the advantage of all-wheel drive in the poise and traction is had on all surfaces. It particularly came into its own on slick surfaces where other two-wheel drive cars struggled.

There were three models offered before you got to the sporty ones like the WRX, these were the R, RX and RS. The RS had previously been a sporty model in earlier Imprezas, but was now a regular model with the same mechanical package as the rest of the regular range.

NOW

The Impreza doesn't have any issues that need concern a used car buyer; the trade gives them its tick of approval. But one thing to be aware of is that, like all boxer engines, they use oil and you need to keep on top of it by regularly checking the oil and topping it up as needed.

Don't leave it thinking that it will be right to leave it until the next service, because you might run it out of oil in the meantime and that could mean a big repair bill.

It's important to check the oil level on any car under consideration for purchase, if down ask why. Some owners become less focussed on servicing once the warranty runs out, often skipping or delaying services and that can be where trouble starts, so be particularly attentive when inspecting a car when the warranty is up.

SMITHY SAYS

Good solid car that won't give trouble if it's properly serviced.

Subaru Impreza - 2007-2010

Price new: $26,490 to $31,490
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol, 110 kW/196 Nm
Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic, AWD
Economy: 8.8 L/100 km, ULP
Body: 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback
Variants: R, RX, RS
Safety: 5-star ANCAP