| Overall Rating |
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| Description |
| To motorsport enthusiasts, Impreza equals slingshot performance and rally success. But as well as the impressive Turbo, there's a range of durable, reliable family cars that loyal owners swear by. |
| Handling |
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| Comfort |
 |
| Quality & Reliability |
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| Performance |
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| Roominess |
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| Running Costs |
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| Value for Money |
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| Stereo/Sat Nav |
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| NCAP |
| Not tested |
| Best Models |
| 2.0 Turbo, special editions; 2.0 Sport |
| Worst Models |
| 1.6 LX & GL 2WD versions |
| Replacement |
| By current Impreza in Oct 2000 |
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| Road Test |
| McRae and Impreza: one of the great rally pairings. Inspiring though that partnership was, there's more to Impreza than the all-wheel drive Turbo's ability to stay stuck to the road under the toughest rally conditions. The 208bhp Turbo is a car for the heart, for people who relish its six-second 0-60 time, its surging in-gear acceleration, and the glory of its rally wins (there are McRae, Catalunya and RB5 editions as well as Prodrive and unofficially modified high-performance versions). But it costs - and not just to buy: tyres, petrol, servicing and insurance are a big hit on the wallet. Living in the shadow of the legend are fine family Imprezas: the 1.8 (later 2.0) GL and the 2.0 Sport. Both with four-wheel drive tenacity and sufficient power to enjoy it, and both offering a choice of saloon or more practical estate bodies. They're reliable, comfortable family wheels that offer good value. |
| Positive Points |
- Tough, reliable and usually with four-wheel drive
- Rally fame confers status amongst enthusiasts
- Good value 2.0 ?family? models
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| Negative Points |
- High insurance on Turbo
- Uninspired interior styling and finish
- Turbo is thirsty and needs specialist servicing
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