2019 Subaru Impreza Review

Detailed Review

The first generation of the Subaru made its debut in 1992 and remained in production until 2000. The second version of the Impreza was manufactured from 2000 to 2007. The third generation of the Impreza commenced its production in 2007 and continued until 2011.

The fourth iteration of the Impreza started its production in 2011 and lasted up to 2016. The fifth generation of Impreza was manufactured from 2016 to 2023. It was the first model based on the new Subaru Global Platform. Its suspension system gives better comfort when compared to its predecessors. The Subaru Impreza is currently in its sixth generation designated as GU.

The 2019 Subaru Impreza comes with one engine option, a 2.0 L (Petrol) linked to either a 5-speed manual transmission or CVT.

2019 Subaru Impreza grades

1. Subaru Impreza 2.0i- This grade comes with an auto-dimming mirror, an Immobilizer, a driver footrest, body-colored door handles, Android Auto, Apple Car Play, Bluetooth connectivity, power mirrors, and power windows.
2. Subaru Impreza 2.0i Premium- This grade features brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, climate control, cruise control, a multi-function display screen, heated front seats, blind spot monitoring, and power locks.
3. Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport- This grade comes equipped with navigation via a mobile phone, a 12-volt power outlet, an 8-inch touch screen, a torque vectoring steering, a Trip Computer, a voice activation system, and an all-wheel drive system.
4. Subaru Impreza 2.0i Limited- This grade has traction control, a trunk spoiler, Auto-dimming mirrors with compass, automatic climate control, lane departure warning, multiple airbags, Parking assistance, and a theft deterrent system.

Interior

Legroom & Space

The 2019 Subaru Impreza seats five people. Its cabin is a mixture of plastics and a few aesthetically pleasing touches. The first row has plenty of legroom and headroom and the heated seats can recline to match a desired posture. The second row is also impressive as it offers ample knee room and headroom.

Cabin Storage

The 2019 Subaru Impreza encompasses several storage compartments designed to improve the comfort of occupants. The first row has two cupholders, a center console, a glove box compartment, and door panel storage. The second row includes jacket pockets, two cupholders, and door pockets.

Boot Space

The 2019 Subaru Impreza has a spacious cargo area that can hold small and medium-sized goods. The rear seats can be retracted to create more space.

Exterior

The 2019 Subaru Impreza still retains its sleek and sporty design language from the front to the rear. The seven-star Subaru logo is adorned on a nicely curved grille as the LED daytime running lights and the headlights lend it a modern touch. The lower fascia comes standard with the fog lights and air vents. Depending on the owner’s preference, a lip spoiler can be added to the lower bumper to enhance its exterior styling. Roof rails can also be placed nicely on the roof to improve the car’s aesthetics or even help in hauling cargo.

Tail lights and turn signals are prominent on the rear as the sedan body design has a lip spoiler installed on its trunk, and the hatchback features a sloping roofline with a roof spoiler attached to it.

2019 Subaru Impreza Safety Features

The 2019 Subaru Impreza features traction control, stability control, an anti-locking braking system, multiple airbags, and electronic brake force distribution. It also incorporates Starlink Safety Plus telematics system which includes emergency assistance and automatic collision notification.

2019 Subaru Impreza Fuel Consumption

2019 Subaru Impreza 1.6 L petrol engine consumption- 16.0 km/l on average

2019 Subaru Impreza 2.0 L petrol engine consumption- 14.7 km/l on average

2019 Subaru Impreza Acceleration

2019 Subaru Impreza 1.6 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 12.0 secs

2019 Subaru Impreza 2.0 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 9.4 secs

The 2019 Subaru Impreza Fuel Tank Capacity: 50 liters

Ground Clearance

The 2019 Subaru Impreza has a ground clearance of 5.1 inches which is below the required standard on Kenyan roads.

Service Intervals

Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.

Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.

Spare Parts and Availability

Service parts are available and fairly priced in Kenya. Body parts on the other hand are expensive and mostly available from Subaru Kenya.

Stability And Handling

The 2019 Subaru Impreza delivers an agile and comfortable ride. The steering wheel responds very well to road curvature making it easy for the driver to control the car. Its suspension system cushions occupants from experiencing jerky movements especially when driving on uneven road surfaces.

The all-wheel-drive system is standard on all Impreza’s whether it is a hatchback or sedan, hence it appeals to enthusiasts who like off-road driving but owing to its low ground clearance, off-road driving could damage its body components. The braking system of the Impreza is very robust as it can bring this car to a stop in a matter of seconds which helps in averting potential accidents. The Subaru’s eyesight system is a game changer in automobiles as it helps to minimize or prevent any kind of collision.

Traction control, brake assist, and electronic brake force distribution are all encompassed in the 2019 Subaru Impreza to enhance its stability.

Reliability

The 2019 Subaru Impreza is considered a reliable car. Its low ground clearance limits it from being driven in off-road terrains. Worn-out strut mount bushings and stalling of the engine are the most common problems reported by Impreza Owners. Regular service and maintenance are required to avoid experiencing such issues.

Refer to the Subaru Impreza buyer guide for a thorough reliability report. We also urge that you always follow the instructions in the owner’s manual.

Resale Value: Good

Subaru Impreza Competitors: Toyota Auris, Mazda Axela, VW Golf, Audi A3, Mitsubishi Galant Fortis, Honda Civic, and Nissan Tiida.

What we like about the 2019 Subaru Impreza

Quite and comfortable cabin

Standard all-wheel drive delivers agile handling

Highly rated safety features

Good visibility

What we don’t

Transmission is very loud under heavy loads

Lower interior quality compared to its competitors

Low ground clearance

Conclusion

The 2019 Subaru Impreza is an excellent car because it caters to different consumer preferences simultaneously. Subaru’s Eyesight safety features are incorporated in the Impreza to appeal to people who prioritize safety first. For enthusiasts who value performance, the Impreza has variants that cater to that as well as an all-wheel-drive system which makes it stand out amongst its competitors. Owing to its high acquisition price, folks on a tight budget may not be able to buy this car.