The Subaru Impreza II 2.0i 16V, produced between 2000 and 2002, represented a significant evolution of Subaru’s popular compact car. This variant, equipped with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine producing 125 horsepower and paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, occupied a middle ground within the Impreza II lineup. It aimed to provide a balance of practicality, all-wheel-drive capability, and relative affordability, appealing to buyers seeking a comfortable and reliable daily driver. The Impreza II itself was based on the Subaru C platform, shared with other models like the Forester, and marked a refinement over the first-generation Impreza, offering improved interior space, safety features, and overall refinement.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Subaru |
| Model | Impreza |
| Generation | Impreza II |
| Type | 2.0i 16V (125 Hp) 4WD Automatic |
| Start of production | 2000 |
| End of production | 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.5 l/100 km (17.4 US mpg, 20.9 UK mpg, 7.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.5 l/100 km (31.4 US mpg, 37.7 UK mpg, 13.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.7 l/100 km (24.2 US mpg, 29.1 UK mpg, 10.3 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 181 km/h (112.47 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.1 kg/Hp, 89.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.6 kg/Nm, 132.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 125 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 62.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 184 Nm @ 3600 rpm (135.71 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | EJ20 |
| Engine displacement | 1994 cm3 (121.68 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Boxer |
| Cylinder Bore | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1390 kg (3064.43 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1760 kg (3880.14 lbs.) |
| Max load | 370 kg (815.71 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 401 l (14.16 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Length | 4405 mm (173.43 in.) |
| Width | 1730 mm (68.11 in.) |
| Height | 1440 mm (56.69 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2525 mm (99.41 in.) |
| Front track | 1485 mm (58.46 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1475 mm (58.07 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/60 R15 H |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Impreza II 2.0i 16V Automatic is the EJ20 engine, a 1994cc naturally aspirated, horizontally-opposed (boxer) four-cylinder. This engine design, a Subaru hallmark, provides a low center of gravity, contributing to the car’s balanced handling. The EJ20 featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, and utilized multi-port fuel injection. The 125 horsepower output at 5600 rpm and 184 Nm (135.71 lb-ft) of torque at 3600 rpm were respectable for its time, but not particularly high-performance figures. The four-speed automatic transmission was a conventional hydraulic unit, offering smooth but not particularly quick shifts. This transmission was chosen to provide ease of use and accessibility for a wider range of drivers, prioritizing comfort over outright performance.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.0i Automatic Impreza offered a comfortable and predictable driving experience. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 12.1 seconds, and top speed was limited to 112.47 mph. Compared to the five-speed manual version of the same engine, the automatic suffered a slight performance penalty due to the transmission’s inherent efficiency losses. The automatic’s gear ratios were tuned for fuel economy and smooth cruising, rather than aggressive acceleration. However, the all-wheel-drive system provided excellent traction in various weather conditions, making it a capable and secure vehicle year-round. The boxer engine’s low center of gravity contributed to stable handling, although the suspension was tuned more for comfort than sporty handling.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.0i Automatic trim typically included standard features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, and an AM/FM radio with cassette player. Safety features included dual airbags and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a relatively simple dashboard layout. Optional extras could include a sunroof, upgraded audio system, and alloy wheels. The 2.0i Automatic was positioned as a mid-range trim level, offering a good balance of features and affordability. It sat below the more powerful and sport-oriented WRX models, and above the base-level Impreza trims.
Chassis & Braking
The Impreza II utilized a MacPherson strut front suspension and a spring strut rear suspension. The front suspension incorporated a stabilizer bar to reduce body roll. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. The all-wheel-drive system employed a viscous coupling center differential, distributing power between the front and rear axles as needed. The chassis was designed to provide a comfortable ride while maintaining good handling characteristics. The curb weight of 1390 kg (3064.43 lbs) was relatively light for a compact sedan with all-wheel drive.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Impreza II 2.0i Automatic was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and reliable family car. It was praised for its all-wheel-drive capability, comfortable ride, and spacious interior. However, some critics noted that the engine lacked the performance of its turbocharged counterparts, and the automatic transmission was not as engaging as the manual option. Fuel economy was average for its class, with combined consumption of 9.7 l/100 km (24.2 US mpg). Compared to the more popular Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla, the Impreza offered the advantage of standard all-wheel drive, but at a slightly higher price point.
Legacy
The EJ20 engine, in its various iterations, proved to be a durable and reliable powerplant. While not without its potential maintenance needs (such as head gasket issues common to some EJ series engines), the 2.0i version generally held up well over time. Today, the Impreza II 2.0i Automatic can be found as an affordable used car, offering a practical and dependable transportation option. Its all-wheel-drive system continues to be a valuable asset in regions with inclement weather. While it may not possess the performance or prestige of the WRX models, the 2.0i Automatic remains a testament to Subaru’s commitment to building reliable and capable vehicles.
