SedanSubaru45% by Neofiliac Team63% by External Reviewers

Subaru Impreza 2 (GD) / Saab 9-2X facelift 2

Compact Sedan

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Photo 0of Subaru Impreza 2 (GD) / Saab 9-2X facelift 2

Product Overview

Subaru Impreza II (code GD series) facelift 2 is an affordable compact sedan in production from 2005 to 2007. It is available with a range of flat-4 engines that displaced 1.5L to 2.5L.
Compared to the 1st facelift, the facelift 2 gave the Gen2 Impreza an even more aggressive front fascia. Engine outputs are also higher, with the WRX STI producing what many naturally V8s from just a decade ago were making.
The same Subaru "formula for success" with flat-4 engine and symmetric AWD remained: On the one hand, this left the vehicle with a lot of weight over the front axle; on the other hand, the lower center of gravity of the engine, combined with the powerful AWD system, allowed the Impreza to handle a lot better than one would expect.
GM also marketed this facelift model of the Impreza II as Saab 9-2X in North American.

Ratings

What we found

Neofiliac score 45%
Pros
  • Great handling characteristics
  • Uprated powertrain options
  • Powerful AWD system
Cons
  • 4-speed automatic was outdated by this time
  • Lacks modern refinements
  • Limited by MacPherson strut front suspensions

What external reviewers found

External score 63%
Pros
  • Superb handling
  • Fantastic performance
  • Fantastic four-wheel drive
  • Punchy and fun to drive
Cons
  • Lacklustre engine
  • Not as fast as the old STi
  • Not very fun to drive
  • Interior feels dated
  • The boot feels tinny
  • Lack of grunt

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Specifications

Variants shown:
1.5
1.5 AT
2.0
2.0 AT
WRX
WRX STI

External Reviews

carmagazine[1]

Reviewer score 50% (normalized by Neofiliac)
Reviewers from carmagazine have found:
There are no turbos, just 104bhp and it takes 13.7sec to get to 62mph. Four-wheel drive naturally, with a lever to switch between high and low ratios. Climate control, a CD player, four electric windows, alloy wheels and a brace of airbags.
Pros
  • Fantastic four-wheel drive
  • Comfortable to drive
Cons
  • Lack of grunt
  • Not very fun to drive

Also Check

Product ComparisonProducts in SedanProducts by SubaruKeyword awdKeyword compact-carKeyword dohcKeyword macpherson-strutKeyword manual-transmissionKeyword turbocharged

References

  1. ^ Subaru Impreza 1.5R (2006) review. [carmagazine].

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