My 'stopgap' Subaru Impreza GX
Discussion
Afternoon all.
I thought I'd quick detail my recent purchase of a 'stopgap' car, which I had intended as a runaround until I had settled on something I really wanted. The car is question is a Subaru Impreza GX, or to give it it's full title, a Subaru Impreza GX 2.0 Sport AWD *phew*
I bought this car at the start of February, after a disastrous attempt at buying the car I thought I wanted, an Audi TT 225 Quattro. That turned out to be a mistake, given that the Audi was riddled with problems and I had gotten rid of my MR2 Turbo on the condition that I get something more practical and useable for everyday fun. The Audi went back to the previous owner the next day and there I was, with a policy of insurance and no car.
My criteria for the new car, which had led me to the TT, was as follows:
1) At least 4 seats
2) Comfortable interior
3) AWD
Stuck and in need of a car, my dad offered me his Impreza GX which he had been considering selling. In the predicament I was in, I decided to go for it though I was not really sure it was for me. I liked everything about it except it's lack of face melting straight line speed, something I had become addicted to in the MR2.
When I bought the car it was just about to tick over 62,000 miles and my dad was the third owner, having had it since early 2012, first registered in April 2005. It has a full service history, though my dad has done things like brakes, pads and drop links himself. Mechanically it is spot on, and unlike the MR2, the bodywork is in faultless condition. My intention was to buy it off him, so I had something I could get to work and back in, and I'd go back to the drawing board and think about looking for a car I really wanted.
In the end, I needn't have bothered, as I have quite fallen for the Impreza's charms. I will attempt to convey these below.
The Engine
The big talking point with this car would be the engine. Few people are aware that Subaru made a naturally aspirated Impreza, at least outside of car circles. Hence my colleagues at work often asking 'is it fast?'. That would seem to be the key question. The answer? In a straight line, not really. It's got 123bhp as standard and the 0-60 time is claimed at 9.5 seconds, according to Parkers. Whilst I'm not sure it's that long, it definitely doesn't race off the line like my MR2 did. That said, the power delivery is great, with a good bit of torque low down and continuing in a fairly linear fashion up until the redline. The engine sounds fantastic and the car has a custom made exhaust on it which really captures the flat four noise. It makes every downshift a joy as the immediate thrum of the exhaust is quite addictive! When my dad had the exhaust replaced he had asked for a slightly sporty sound, but this just sounds outrageous. The way it hammers noise back at you through tunnels and narrow streets is brilliant; whenever my dad drove it down the street to my house I always knew it was him coming.
The Drive
To drive, it is fantastic. I had thought that it would attract the wrong sort of attention, though in truth it seems fairly inconspicuous, despite the looks. Aside from the fact it's missing the intercooler scoop on the bonnet, it looks pretty much identical to a WRX (it has WRX wheels on it, I find the 15" GX wheels look a little too small, even for me, a vocal advocate of small wheels for better ride and handling). In spite of this, it has not attracted scores of buffoons in small hatchbacks looking to race.
Key in the driving experience is Subaru's permanent symmetrical AWD, it is a characteristic that continually makes it's presence felt in a positive way. Across the same terrain, in the same conditions as I drove the TT, it feels far better than the TT's Haldex system. The car feels utterly planted, and whilst I am actively trying to avoid using a cliche like 'on rails', I am struggling to convey that sensation by other means. The body roll is utterly minimal, and unlike turbo powered Imprezas, the handling characteristic is pretty neutral and understeer free. On the limit, you may find a slight sensation of understeer which is usually related to throttle load. Lift your foot slightly and the back end will naturally step out. In effect, that N/A characteristic is actually having a positive effect; allowing you to tailor your line through corners using the throttle. Gone is the MR2's sensation of balancing the throttle though corners, waiting for the next straight to appear to unload the car's fierce power. The handling feels quite light with the P/A steering but it is communicative enough, with only a few odd camber changes unsettling the flow of the steering action. In these circumstances you will find yourself pressing on regardless, knowing that the AWD will see you right. The car is kept afloat by the momentum you can carry on roundabouts and corners. It will grip unflinchingly and propel you onwards.
The throttle is also sharp and responsive, and perfectly weighted to make the most of tiny variations in pressure. The gearbox is decent enough, the throw feels long and light after using the MR2's tiny shifter, but it's accurate and clean through the gates. The ratios are well chosen, giving a useable stream of power from first to fifth, but be prepared to work it to get the most from it. Similarly, if you find yourself out of power doing low speeds at the top end of the box you'll need to shift down to find the powerband again. Driving diesels enough at work (and disliking them), it's refreshing to own a car that demands driver input. Not that working the box is ever a chore, mind. Double de-clutched downshifts are a pleasure with the sharp throttle and the glorious exhaust note they produce.
The ride is quite compliant too, it soaks up the bumps and potholes with an uncanny flexibility and feels all the quicker for it. It will slice across a B road on WOT without issue, shrugging off all but the crappest of tarmac, differentials delicately shifting power to keep you flowing. On many roads, I dare say is quicker than my MR2 Turbo was, which boasted twice the power of the Impreza. The interior is very nice too, still 'plasticky' to those who consider soft touch materials the be-all and end-all of motoring greatness, but the fit and finish is excellent and everything feels solid. I am always hyper critical of seats and driving position and the items here impress. The driving position is nice too; high enough to give a good view without feeling like you are sitting on top of the car. The steering wheel is a MOMO wheel with a perforated leather grip, something I have always liked! I have my Alpine iDA-X313 stereo fitted, with the connecter cable routed into the storage compartment between the front seats. Given that I'm not driving the car for straight line grunt I was happy enough to have my MTX Audio subwoofer in the back too, and the stereo sounds fantastic.
So there it is. Considering I got a great deal off my dad (and with many GX's selling for considerably more on the PH classifieds) I am inclined to want to keep hold of it. It's reassuring to know where the car has been and that it has been well looked after prior to me getting hold of it. Then there is the fact that I am finding it a very enjoyable drive, moreso than I had expected. In terms of being 'sensible' it's great. Loads of room, my fuel bills have halfed, Isofix seats etc etc...hard to argue I'd find more fun elsewhere for now I also have the added benefit that when I buy something else in future it will feel 'fast' again in a straight line as well as the corners! Bravo, Subaru.
I thought I'd quick detail my recent purchase of a 'stopgap' car, which I had intended as a runaround until I had settled on something I really wanted. The car is question is a Subaru Impreza GX, or to give it it's full title, a Subaru Impreza GX 2.0 Sport AWD *phew*
I bought this car at the start of February, after a disastrous attempt at buying the car I thought I wanted, an Audi TT 225 Quattro. That turned out to be a mistake, given that the Audi was riddled with problems and I had gotten rid of my MR2 Turbo on the condition that I get something more practical and useable for everyday fun. The Audi went back to the previous owner the next day and there I was, with a policy of insurance and no car.
My criteria for the new car, which had led me to the TT, was as follows:
1) At least 4 seats
2) Comfortable interior
3) AWD
Stuck and in need of a car, my dad offered me his Impreza GX which he had been considering selling. In the predicament I was in, I decided to go for it though I was not really sure it was for me. I liked everything about it except it's lack of face melting straight line speed, something I had become addicted to in the MR2.
When I bought the car it was just about to tick over 62,000 miles and my dad was the third owner, having had it since early 2012, first registered in April 2005. It has a full service history, though my dad has done things like brakes, pads and drop links himself. Mechanically it is spot on, and unlike the MR2, the bodywork is in faultless condition. My intention was to buy it off him, so I had something I could get to work and back in, and I'd go back to the drawing board and think about looking for a car I really wanted.
In the end, I needn't have bothered, as I have quite fallen for the Impreza's charms. I will attempt to convey these below.
The Engine
The big talking point with this car would be the engine. Few people are aware that Subaru made a naturally aspirated Impreza, at least outside of car circles. Hence my colleagues at work often asking 'is it fast?'. That would seem to be the key question. The answer? In a straight line, not really. It's got 123bhp as standard and the 0-60 time is claimed at 9.5 seconds, according to Parkers. Whilst I'm not sure it's that long, it definitely doesn't race off the line like my MR2 did. That said, the power delivery is great, with a good bit of torque low down and continuing in a fairly linear fashion up until the redline. The engine sounds fantastic and the car has a custom made exhaust on it which really captures the flat four noise. It makes every downshift a joy as the immediate thrum of the exhaust is quite addictive! When my dad had the exhaust replaced he had asked for a slightly sporty sound, but this just sounds outrageous. The way it hammers noise back at you through tunnels and narrow streets is brilliant; whenever my dad drove it down the street to my house I always knew it was him coming.
The Drive
To drive, it is fantastic. I had thought that it would attract the wrong sort of attention, though in truth it seems fairly inconspicuous, despite the looks. Aside from the fact it's missing the intercooler scoop on the bonnet, it looks pretty much identical to a WRX (it has WRX wheels on it, I find the 15" GX wheels look a little too small, even for me, a vocal advocate of small wheels for better ride and handling). In spite of this, it has not attracted scores of buffoons in small hatchbacks looking to race.
Key in the driving experience is Subaru's permanent symmetrical AWD, it is a characteristic that continually makes it's presence felt in a positive way. Across the same terrain, in the same conditions as I drove the TT, it feels far better than the TT's Haldex system. The car feels utterly planted, and whilst I am actively trying to avoid using a cliche like 'on rails', I am struggling to convey that sensation by other means. The body roll is utterly minimal, and unlike turbo powered Imprezas, the handling characteristic is pretty neutral and understeer free. On the limit, you may find a slight sensation of understeer which is usually related to throttle load. Lift your foot slightly and the back end will naturally step out. In effect, that N/A characteristic is actually having a positive effect; allowing you to tailor your line through corners using the throttle. Gone is the MR2's sensation of balancing the throttle though corners, waiting for the next straight to appear to unload the car's fierce power. The handling feels quite light with the P/A steering but it is communicative enough, with only a few odd camber changes unsettling the flow of the steering action. In these circumstances you will find yourself pressing on regardless, knowing that the AWD will see you right. The car is kept afloat by the momentum you can carry on roundabouts and corners. It will grip unflinchingly and propel you onwards.
The throttle is also sharp and responsive, and perfectly weighted to make the most of tiny variations in pressure. The gearbox is decent enough, the throw feels long and light after using the MR2's tiny shifter, but it's accurate and clean through the gates. The ratios are well chosen, giving a useable stream of power from first to fifth, but be prepared to work it to get the most from it. Similarly, if you find yourself out of power doing low speeds at the top end of the box you'll need to shift down to find the powerband again. Driving diesels enough at work (and disliking them), it's refreshing to own a car that demands driver input. Not that working the box is ever a chore, mind. Double de-clutched downshifts are a pleasure with the sharp throttle and the glorious exhaust note they produce.
The ride is quite compliant too, it soaks up the bumps and potholes with an uncanny flexibility and feels all the quicker for it. It will slice across a B road on WOT without issue, shrugging off all but the crappest of tarmac, differentials delicately shifting power to keep you flowing. On many roads, I dare say is quicker than my MR2 Turbo was, which boasted twice the power of the Impreza. The interior is very nice too, still 'plasticky' to those who consider soft touch materials the be-all and end-all of motoring greatness, but the fit and finish is excellent and everything feels solid. I am always hyper critical of seats and driving position and the items here impress. The driving position is nice too; high enough to give a good view without feeling like you are sitting on top of the car. The steering wheel is a MOMO wheel with a perforated leather grip, something I have always liked! I have my Alpine iDA-X313 stereo fitted, with the connecter cable routed into the storage compartment between the front seats. Given that I'm not driving the car for straight line grunt I was happy enough to have my MTX Audio subwoofer in the back too, and the stereo sounds fantastic.
So there it is. Considering I got a great deal off my dad (and with many GX's selling for considerably more on the PH classifieds) I am inclined to want to keep hold of it. It's reassuring to know where the car has been and that it has been well looked after prior to me getting hold of it. Then there is the fact that I am finding it a very enjoyable drive, moreso than I had expected. In terms of being 'sensible' it's great. Loads of room, my fuel bills have halfed, Isofix seats etc etc...hard to argue I'd find more fun elsewhere for now I also have the added benefit that when I buy something else in future it will feel 'fast' again in a straight line as well as the corners! Bravo, Subaru.
Just had a great old day of driving the Subaru around. Commute to work and back this morning, just cracking. Roads deserted in the daylight of 06:15 am on a Saturday morning, Impreza comfortable and easy to drive.
Got home and needed to run an errand straight away again, a little trip taking me some 20 miles down Northumberland B roads and back again. The highlight of the trip was approaching a tight little dogleg junction on an NSL road. I'd usually pacenote it as a 'over crest, left 4 long into 2, tightens', just to give you some idea of what I'd be thinking.
In the MR2 it was a case of backing right off, blipping down into second and cornering at half throttle before opening for the straight. In the Impreza I was able to tackle it in third gear with considerable pace and very little lateral movement, the traction was superb and the car was perfectly poised for a shift up to fourth at the redline very soon after. I think my next car, once I've got the rest of my priorities sorted, will be a turbo powered Impreza or a Lancer Evolution. I think these superbly engineered Japanese sports saloons could be just my thing.
Got home and needed to run an errand straight away again, a little trip taking me some 20 miles down Northumberland B roads and back again. The highlight of the trip was approaching a tight little dogleg junction on an NSL road. I'd usually pacenote it as a 'over crest, left 4 long into 2, tightens', just to give you some idea of what I'd be thinking.
In the MR2 it was a case of backing right off, blipping down into second and cornering at half throttle before opening for the straight. In the Impreza I was able to tackle it in third gear with considerable pace and very little lateral movement, the traction was superb and the car was perfectly poised for a shift up to fourth at the redline very soon after. I think my next car, once I've got the rest of my priorities sorted, will be a turbo powered Impreza or a Lancer Evolution. I think these superbly engineered Japanese sports saloons could be just my thing.
I may be mistaken, but I think the NA engine in that shape Impreza should have 160hp, the earlier round-headlight version had 123hp.
Also NA Imprezas look fun when driven appropriately:
http://www.streetfire.net/video/imv-films-gymkhana...
Also NA Imprezas look fun when driven appropriately:
http://www.streetfire.net/video/imv-films-gymkhana...
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