• The Car

• Seat Plans & Seats

• Dash & Controls

• Wheels/Tyres & Luggage

• Features

• Our Opinion

• Our Opinion

• Mechanical

• Safety

• Data

• Buy with Confidence

• Legal Disclaimer

The Car

The Car

Arguably the most impressive-looking Impreza in the range, the RV hatch takes on an off-road air with some styling cues borrowed from the Outback four-wheel drive station wagon. Large globs of plastic cladding are not used, however, the Outback overtones remain with sand-coloured sides skirts, rubbing strips and front and rear bumpers with dual front and single rear foglamps. A rear spoiler and 16-inch alloy wheels are also included.

Seat Plans & Seats

Seat Plans & Seats

Seat Plans

Dual front airbags are fitted standard across the Impreza range and all occupants are provided with a head restraint and three-point seatbelt. Interior space in all the critical areas has increased over the previous generation car, such as headroom (roof height is up 60mm on the hatch) and rear foot room (with front seats now set 15mm higher). Storage facilities include small bins in the front doors, a deep, lidded bin in the centre console and a large (though non-lockable) glovebox that was designed to swallow a box of tissues. A push-out cupholder is positioned above the dashboard console and a second cupholder appears alongside the handbrake.

Seats

The off-road tone set up by the external appearance of Impreza RV is continued inside with the use of thick-pile light-grey cloth trim on the seats bordered with a darker tone of grey and light cloth inserts on the doors. The front seats are heavily bolstered and the driver's seat can be adjusted with Subaru's Super Seat Lifter ratchet device, which offers 50mm of movement. The driver's seat hip point is now out to 515mm, further improving the driving position. The front seatbelts have pretensioners and a load limiting device, and the top anchor point can be adjusted for height. Three-point seatbelts are provided for all seating positions - on the hatch, the belt can be disengaged from the lower anchor point when not required and allowed to retract into the rear corner of the roof. Head restraints are included for each occupant.

Dash & Controls

Dash & Controls

Dash

Like others in the Impreza range, the RV has a predominantly dark grey cabin finish accented by the reflective metallic-finish plastic on such places as the centre console and side air vents. The centre console control panel has predominantly dial-type controls for simple operation and sitting on top of these is a digital clock in its own little pod. The instruments are housed underneath a sports-oriented hood and include gauges for fuel, coolant temperature, speedometer to 220km/h in 10km/h increments and a tacho with redline arriving at 6250rpm. Dual trip meters are also provided.

Controls

The Impreza RV driver can alter both the height of the steering column and bucket seat up to 50mm in a bid to find a comfortable position. The left-hand stalk on the steering column controls front and rear wipers (the former with a variable intermittent function) and the right is used for indicators, main lights and instrument dimming. A further stalk is provided for the main cruise control functions. A driver's footrest is provided and a remote fuel release appears alongside the driver's seat. Cruise control on/off and front and rear foglight switchgear are positioned on the right-hand side of the dash, while electric window switchgear (including driver's auto up/down) is placed on the doors. The electric mirrors are adjusted via a switch on the centre console between the front seats, just in front of the lever for moving between high and low range (manual transmission models only).

Wheels/Tyres & Luggage

Wheels/Tyres & Luggage

Wheels/Tyres

Impreza RV uses 6.5JJ x 16-inch alloy wheels with P205/55 R16 89V Bridgestone Potenza tyres. A temporary spare tyre is provided in the well underneath the luggage compartment floor, with the jack hidden behind the rear-quarter trim on the left-hand side of the vehicle.

Luggage

The rear seatback can fold to increase luggage volume from 356 litres to 1266 litres - or in terms of load length, 910mm increasing to 1396mm. Minimum floor width is 939mm, rising to a maximum of 1333mm. Height from the floor to the removable parcel shelf measures 498mm, increasing to 784mm at the roofline (at the top of the hatch opening). While the seatbacks have a 60/40 split, the seat base flips up as one piece. Two child seat anchorage points are placed at the rear tailgate, cutting into luggage space when used, and one is placed in the roof - restricting rear visibility when employed. There is a shopping bag hook and retractable luggage blind included, however there is no full size spare wheel (a temporary one is provided), no luggage tie-down hooks and no power outlet to make this a bona fide "RV" (recreational vehicle).

Features

Features

Stand Out Features

The idea is simple - dress up the Impreza hatch to resemble the well-regarded Outback wagon and let the combination of all-wheel drive, dual-range transmission (on manual variants) and a comprehensive features list speak for itself. There's no genuine off-road enhancements made to the RV model and, like others in the stable, it is an expensive proposition. Yet where other members of the Impreza group have a fight on their hands just to attract attention, this one has enough differentiation and appeal to stand firm in its own unique corner of the market.

Climate Control

Semi-automatic air-conditioning is fitted standard to Impreza RV. The dash controls compromise the commonly seen combination of three rotary dials with buttons for rear demist and air-conditioning on/off plus a slide lever for switching between fresh air and recirculation. Vents are provided at each extremity of the dash and at the top of the centre console.

Sound System

All Imprezas are fitted with a six-speaker (one each door and a tweeter alongside the front doorhandles) Clarion stereo comprising an AM/FM radio and an in-dash CD player, with the WRX model gaining a six-stack CD and cassette player in a 2 DIN unit. No controls are placed on the steering wheel, however the oft-used on/off/volume button is positioned close to hand and the controls should pose no problems for the average driver or front passenger. Furthermore, model year 2002 Imprezas brought with them an integrated aerial rather than the previous manual antenna placed in the driver's front pillar.

Security

One-stage remote central locking, electric windows with driver's auto up/down, interior dome lights with timed delay/fade, a retractable luggage blind and a transponder-type engine immobiliser are all fitted standard to the Impreza RV. Once the key is inserted into the ignition lock and the ignition turned on, an antenna amplifier positioned around the ignition lock reads the transponder code and transmits it to the engine management and the immobiliser computer (ECU). The ECU then compares the transmitted code for the correct sequence and, if correct, allows the engine to start.

Our Opinion

Our Opinion

We Like:

Creates its own niche, distinctive look, all-wheel drive, absorbent ride

We Don't Like:

Not suited to off-road work, blunted engine performance, notchy manual gearshift, temporary spare tyre

Despite vast improvements brought with the all-new Impreza launched some 12 months back, the niche range of small, well-kitted, all-wheel drive cars has failed to live up to expectations. The official line from Subaru Australia is that the car is a victim of its own success. We are told that strong demand in North America is the reason sales have slipped Down Under, as well as the fact that the range-topping WRX was without an automatic transmission for the first 11 months. But there are other reasons for the lacklustre sales performance. The premium pricing, controversial appearance and an influx of excellent new rivals have all had an impact. And with the WRX, blame can also extend to a lack of special editions, rising insurance premiums, the crash of dot.com companies and the softer engineering focus. To its credit, Subaru has responded. The flow of cars is said to have improved and the "Rex" has both dropped in price and added more equipment. Yet like never before the all-wheel drive specialist has swung its attention around to the run-of-the-mill (normally aspirated) Imprezas.

The range now has a higher-performance 2.5-litre RS, for example. An expensive, but nonetheless excellent, little sedan. And exceeding all expectations in its short time on the ground here is the Outback-inspired RV. This is the sort of thinking that will resurrect the Impreza range. While the base GX and sports RX models must continue to fight a bloody battle in the small-car colosseum, the RV in particular has turned up with enough differentiation and appeal to stand firm in its corner of the market.

The basic idea was to dress up the Impreza hatch to resemble the strong-selling Outback wagon and let the combination of all-wheel drive, dual-range transmission (on manual variants) and a comprehensive features list speak for itself. And it works. The sand-coloured bumpers, wheel arches, side skirts and rubbing strips give its off-road pretence some clout and tie in well with sports details like the large front fog lamps, rear spoiler and 16-inch alloy wheels. The interior, too, has an appealing two-tone treatment to the dashboard and doors as well as a thick grade of grey cloth on the seats. Leather did not make it onto the gearshift or steering wheel, the glovebox cannot be locked and the driver's sun visor could do with a little mirror stuck on the back. But details like this take some finding.

On the whole, the RV has enough convenience and safety features to make the high sticker price palatable. Consider the inclusion of air-conditioning, remote central locking, CD stereo, cruise control, electric windows and mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, dual airbags and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS. All-wheel drive is there as well, a defining trait of the star-studded brand and one which provides the Impreza with reassuring traction and control across all manner of surfaces. We should reiterate these are road conditions we are talking about here, not four-wheel drive tracks. While American versions feature heavy-duty raised suspension, Australian-spec RVs have the same mechanical package as the other non-turbos. As a result, ground clearance is kept to 150mm and even modest off-road work is best left to the imagination, even with low-range reduction. That said, there could be no disputing the superb ride and handling traits inherent in this car. The ride is extremely well controlled and generally absorbent across our pockmarked landscape, grip levels are huge thanks to AWD and 16-inch Bridgestone rubber, and the steering is both informative and accurate, if a little too light. Refinement? Better than all previous Imprezas and now nearing the best in class.

As with all Subaru models, a horizontally opposed ("boxer") engine also forms an important part of the overall appeal. In this case, power is derived from an SOHC 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine that can muster 92kW at 5600rpm and 184Nm at 3600rpm - attractive figures for the small-car class, although in real terms performance is no more than average. Again, the Australian model must do without the 2.5-litre engine found on its American cousin. Commendable structural reinforcements with the latest generation and four-wheel drive components are the most obvious impediments to a quick turn of speed (and fuel consumption), forcing the 1320kg RV to languish at low engine speeds and leave the driver will little choice other than to go in search of more torque. This brings the light, less than precise manual gearbox into action and once up past 3250rpm the clean-revving engine shows a greater willingness to please - though at all times the car still feels overweight. The kilos take their toll on the brakes, too, showing insufficient resistance to fade on our demanding test drive. There is, however, the added reassurance of ABS and a good level of composure and power during emergency stops on dirt and bitumen alike.

Assisting situations such as these are head restraints and three-point seatbelts in all positions (the centre-rear uses an awkward twin-buckle arrangement) as well as excellent seat support for the front occupants. The driver benefits further with full-seat height adjustment, simple and uncluttered instruments/controls and a good view of the road. Acceptable room in the critical areas is provided for rear seat passengers although storage options are poor and the folding rear seatbase would be better served with a 60/40 split and underside protection as seen on the seatback. There's also no rear power socket or a full-size spare to make this a bona fide recreational vehicle. But, really, it does not need to be.

Impreza RV is a clever attempt to cash in on the global appetite for rugged road-goers. Considering the sting seems to have gone out of the WRX tale, this new chapter could be just what Subaru needs.

Our Opinion

Our Opinion

Herald Sun: "The car really isn't a true off-roader"

Wheels: "(GX model) Sticks to the road like kids stick to their version of the truth"

Sydney Morning Herald: "(GX model) Weight is the enemy of performance and fuel economy. Otherwise, a premium drive which almost justifies its premium price"

Mechanical

Mechanical

Plan Views

Like all Subarus, the Impreza RV employs a horizontally opposed "boxer" engine, in this case - like all Imprezas - a four-cylinder, mounted longitudinally up front and driving all four wheels via a viscous coupled centre differential.

Engine

The RV might have stolen some looks from the Outback but its engine is pure Impreza. Where the sports-focused RS model picks up the Liberty/Outback 2.5-litre engine, RV makes do with the standard 2.0-litre engine common to the remainder of the non-turbo Impreza range. The SOHC 16-valve horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine produces 92kW at 5600rpm and 184Nm at 3600rpm. Claimed fuel economy figures for the manual RV model are 9.5L/100km on the city cycle and 7.3L/100km on the highway. Normal unleaded petrol can be used to fill the 50-litre fuel tank.

Suspension

The Impreza uses MacPherson struts with coil springs and gas-charged dampers at both the front and rear axles. A stabiliser bar is also included at each end. The L-shaped transverse link and coil springs at the front are offset to reduce vibration and improve ride comfort. The rear suspension is in a dual-link strut configuration. The rear roll centre was lifted 33mm with the new generation car to improve stability and cornering performance.

Transmission

Impreza models are available with either a five-speed manual transmission or optional electronically controlled, intelligent four-speed automatic with a gate-type selector. Subaru claims changes to the transfer gear bearings have reduced noise in the manual transmission. The clutch pedal stroke is now shorter than ever and the leverage ratios altered to improve clutch action. The automatic transmission is 7kg lighter and 33mm shorter than the previous model. Fuel consumption with the automatic is claimed to have improved with the torque converter lock-up clutch now engaged at a lower speed. The auto driver can select between normal or power modes; "manual" selection can also be made when the "hold" switch is turned on and the shift lever is moved through four range positions. In the manual transmission, a viscous coupled limited slip differential is used to constantly transmit engine power to all four wheels - during straight line driving the torque is split 50/50 front to rear. Automatic versions use a computer-controlled active torque split system that constantly monitors the driving conditions and distributes torque accordingly between a 95/5 and 60/40 ratio front to rear.

Brakes

Disc brakes are provided at each corner of the Impreza. At the front, low-friction high-strength 273mm diameter ventilated discs are used, with heavy duty twin-piston floating callipers. Rear brakes have 262mm diameter solid discs with single piston floating callipers. All Impreza models have tandem brake boosters and the brake pedal leverage is now lower to decrease pedal travel and provide a firm brake pedal feel. Four-channel, four-sensor Bosch 5.3i anti-lock brakes are fitted standard on Impreza RV.

Steering

Impreza uses a power-assisted engine speed sensitive rack-and-pinion steering system. The turning circle is 10.4 metres and there are three turns lock to lock. The four-spoke vinyl-wrapped steering wheel contains a 60-litre airbag and the column is tilt-adjustable. The current generation introduced a new power steering pump construction that adapts to varying loads and provides the correct amount of assistance. The system varies hydraulic assistance in response to steering load and engine speed. Demand on engine power reduces when steering assistance is least required.

Safety

Safety

Crash performance of the current generation Impreza is claimed to have improved with inclusions such as a lower front hydro-form sub-frame and reinforcements throughout the vehicle. Fitted standard to all Impreza models are dual front airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters, height-adjustable front seatbelt shoulder anchors, three-point seatbelts in all seating positions and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS. The all-wheel drive system common to all Subaru models is another important selling tool on the safety front.

Data

Data

Engine:

• 1.994-litre front-mounted longitudinal SOHC 16-valve horizontally opposed four-cylinder

• Power: 92kW @ 5600rpm

• Torque: 184Nm @ 3600rpm

• Compression ratio: 10.0:1

• Bore x stroke: 92.0mm x 75.0mm
  
  

Transmission:

• Four-speed automatic or five-speed manual
  
  

Suspension:

• Front: independent by MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-rollbar 

• Rear: independent by MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-rollbar
  
  

Steering:

• Power-assisted, engine-speed sensitive rack-and-pinion 

• Turning circle: 10.4 metres 

• Turns lock to lock: 3.0
  
  

Dimensions:

• Length: 4405mm

• Width: 1710mm

• Height: 1475mm

• Wheelbase: 2525mm

• Front track: 1460mm

• Rear track: 1455mm

• Kerb weight: 1320kg
  
  

Standard Equipment:

• Remote central locking 

• Electric windows/mirrors 

• Cruise control 

• Alloy wheels 

• Air-conditioning 

• 60/40 split-fold rear seat 

• Driver's seat height adjustment 

• Tilt-adjustable steering  

• Front and rear foglamps 

• Roof rails 

• CD stereo 

• Variable intermittent wipers

• ABS brakes 

• Dual airbags

Buy with Confidence

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Legal Disclaimer

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Buying Guides are intended merely as a guide or review for members when considering what products or services they may be interested in bidding on or purchasing. eBay does not make, and nothing in these Buying Guides is intended to constitute, any warranties, guarantees, representations or assurances about the accuracy of the information or content contained in these Buying Guides. Furthermore, eBay does not make, and nothing in these Buying Guides is intended to constitute, any warranties, guarantees, representations or assurances about the nature or performance of the products or services appearing in the Buying Guides. eBay is not affiliated with nor does it endorse the use of any particular product or service.

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