The Subaru Impreza III Sedan 1.5R, produced between 2008 and 2011, represented an entry point into the Impreza range for many buyers. Positioned within the third generation of the Impreza (often referred to as the GE/GH/GR/GP series depending on body style and market), this variant offered Subaru’s signature symmetrical all-wheel drive system coupled with a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine and a four-speed automatic transmission. It primarily served as a practical and economical option, appealing to those prioritizing fuel efficiency and all-weather capability over outright performance. This model was largely sold in markets outside of North America, where the Impreza range was often configured differently.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Subaru |
| Model | Impreza |
| Generation | Impreza III Sedan |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5R (107 Hp) AWD Automatic |
| Start of production | 2008 |
| End of production | 2011 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.8 l/100 km (24 US mpg, 28.8 UK mpg, 10.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.3 l/100 km (37.3 US mpg, 44.8 UK mpg, 15.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.5 l/100 km (31.4 US mpg, 37.7 UK mpg, 13.3 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 15.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 15.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 14.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 167 km/h (103.77 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.2 kg/Hp, 81.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.2 kg/Nm, 108.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 107 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 71.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 142 Nm @ 4500 rpm (104.73 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | EJ15 |
| Engine displacement | 1498 cm3 (91.41 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Boxer |
| Cylinder Bore | 77.7 mm (3.06 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.1:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.2 l (4.44 US qt | 3.7 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.4 l (7.82 US qt | 6.51 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1310 kg (2888.06 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4580 mm (180.31 in.) |
| Width | 1740 mm (68.5 in.) |
| Height | 1475 mm (58.07 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2620 mm (103.15 in.) |
| Front track | 1505 mm (59.25 in.) |
| Rear track | 1510 mm (59.45 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.6 m (34.78 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Several levers and rods |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Impreza 1.5R was the EJ15 1.5-liter horizontally-opposed (boxer) four-cylinder engine. This engine, a staple of Subaru’s engineering philosophy, was chosen for its inherent balance and smooth operation. The EJ15 featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, and utilized multi-point fuel injection. While not a high-performance engine, the EJ15 was known for its reliability and relatively simple construction. The engine produced 107 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 142 Nm (104.73 lb-ft) of torque at 4500 rpm. This power was then channeled through a four-speed automatic transmission to Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system. The four-speed automatic, while providing convenience, was a somewhat dated design by the late 2000s, contributing to the car’s relatively slow acceleration.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.5R Automatic Impreza offered a comfortable, if not particularly exciting, driving experience. Acceleration was modest, with a 0-60 mph time of around 14.3 seconds. The four-speed automatic transmission meant that the engine often felt strained during quick acceleration, and gear changes weren’t always the smoothest. However, the all-wheel drive system provided excellent traction in various weather conditions, making it a secure and predictable handler. The steering was light and precise, and the suspension offered a good balance between comfort and control. Compared to the more powerful 2.5-liter variants, the 1.5R felt significantly slower, but it also offered better fuel economy.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Impreza 1.5R typically came with a reasonable level of standard equipment. This generally included air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic audio system, and ABS brakes. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a straightforward design. Optional extras could include alloy wheels, a sunroof, and upgraded audio systems. The trim level was generally considered an entry-level offering, focusing on practicality and affordability rather than luxury features.
Chassis & Braking
The Impreza 1.5R utilized a McPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. This setup provided a comfortable ride and decent handling characteristics. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs. The braking system, combined with the all-wheel drive, offered adequate stopping power for everyday driving. The car’s weight of 1310 kg (2888.06 lbs) contributed to its somewhat sluggish acceleration, but also helped to maintain stability.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Impreza 1.5R Automatic was generally well-received as a practical and affordable all-wheel drive sedan. Critics praised its fuel efficiency and all-weather capability, but noted its lack of performance. Compared to the higher-trim Impreza models with larger engines, the 1.5R offered significantly less power and a less refined driving experience. However, it was also more affordable to purchase and operate. The 1.5R often competed with other compact sedans offering all-wheel drive, such as some models from Audi and Volkswagen, but typically undercut them on price.
Legacy
The Subaru Impreza III Sedan 1.5R Automatic, while not a performance icon, remains a relatively reliable and affordable used car option. The EJ15 engine is known for its durability, and the all-wheel drive system continues to provide excellent traction. However, the four-speed automatic transmission can be prone to wear and tear, and finding replacement parts may become increasingly difficult over time. Today, these Imprezas are often sought after by those looking for a practical and dependable all-weather vehicle at a reasonable price point. They represent a solid, if unspectacular, example of Subaru’s commitment to all-wheel drive technology and reliable engineering.
