Subaru Impreza 2.0 RC Auto 5dr Car Review - March 2012

The Subaru Impreza 2.0 RC Auto 5dr has a 2.0-litre, 4 cylinder 16v 1994cc petrol engine. The engine produces an impressive 148 bhp and torque figures of 145 lb-ft, but must be worked hard for an impressive performance. A quick, four speed automatic gearbox enhances acceleration, and the car reaches 62mph in a little over 10 seconds. The top speed of 113mph is high enough for motorway speeds and compares well to rivals.

The Impeza 2.0 RC Auto does not disappoint when it comes to handling. Grip levels are good, and are enhanced further by the four wheel drive system. Stability is high and body movement is controlled. The car’s firm suspension absorbs bumps well while ensuring a comfortable ride.

The engine is relatively quiet but gets noisy during acceleration. Road noise is well contained. Only a bit of wind rustle can be heard around the mirrors.

The car has good, all-round visibility, thanks to its large mirrors and small windscreen and rear pillars.

The Subaru Impreza 2.0 RC Auto 5dr is a medium family hatchback with five doors and five seats. It has a mature image, with sporty bits giving it a fun edge. The 2.0 is slightly longer and wider than the base trim, and has dimensions of 4560mm x 1780mm.

The cabin is well-designed and neat, but the choice of materials used is poor and cheapening. The panels are sturdy though and everything else is of good quality.

The 2.0 RC Auto equipment level is impressive. Power steering, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability control, central locking, alloy wheels, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control, driver airbag, passenger airbags, front side airbags, alarm, immobiliser, MP3 connectivity, Bluetooth and CD player are all standard.

Metallic paint is the only available cost option, and it goes for £460.

Five doors with wide openings make access to the cabin easy. The cabin itself is spacious and has plenty of headroom and legroom. Only the middle rear passenger will suffer lack of legroom, as it is hindered by a transmission tunnel that cuts between the front and rear seats. Otherwise, the seats can comfortably hold five adults.

You will easily find a good driving position by adjusting the steering wheel and driver’s seat, both of which adjust for height and reach.

At 301 litres, boot space is smaller than in most rivals but increases dramatically when the seats are folded, to 1216 litres. There is not much in the way of storage in the cabin, except for a couple of door pockets. This, and the squeezed middle-rear seat, robs the Impreza RC Auto of some of its practicality.

Safety levels are good, and the car comes with all the major safety equipment and technologies: from six airbags to stability control, brake-force distribution, anti-lock brakes, engine immobiliser and alarm, the RC Auto has all the crucial bits covered.

The car scored a four-star rating in overall safety in the Euro NCAP, which though not the best, is still on the high side. Over the years, Subaru has established a record for quality and reliability and the Impreza 2.0 RC Auto should not disappoint you. There is a 3-year/60,000 mile warranty for your peace of mind that will come in handy should things go wrong.

The Impreza RC Auto is competitively priced, however it is a shame then that the Impreza does not hold its value well in the face of the premium competition it faces.

High running costs and low fuel economy make it a tad too expensive to own. It returns only 34.4mpg when the best in the class are edging close to 50mpg. Emissions of 194g/km are too high for a car of its size, and will cost you £345 annually in VED (£445 in the first year), under road tax band J.

With the car sitting in insurance group 20, insurance costs should be average, but can swing either way – low or high. The car has a 12,500 mile service interval, which is reasonable; Subaru service prices are affordable and won’t hurt you financially, especially if you are a low mileage driver.