Subaru Impreza Sports Wagon (2005-2008) running costs and reliability

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Running costs rating: 3 out of 53.0

Written by Simon Harris Published: 6 June 2019

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

What is miles per pound?

Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 27 - 35 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

View mpg & specs for any version

With four-wheel drive and no diesel version available with this incarnation of the Impreza (expect a diesel on the next-generation model), fuel consumption is pretty high. Even the 103bhp 1.5-litre version achieves 35.8mpg in everyday driving – the sort of consumption expected now of 2.0-litre cars in the class above. However, residual values are fairly strong for a small family car, and there is plenty of equipment included for the money.

However, insurance premiums will be relatively high at group 14 for the 2.0-litre model and group 19 for the 2.5-litre WRX.

Impreza is quite a polluting model. With an average of 216 g/km CO2 across the range, its emissions are a touch high for a medium-sized estate. It’s worth noting that the line-up does not feature any diesel models, which typically produce less carbon dioxide than petrol engines with similar power outputs. The range is not very frugal, averaging 31 mpg.

Subarus tend to be mechanically robust, and few problems come to light.