The Subaru Impreza II, specifically the facelifted version introduced in 2005, represented a significant evolution of Subaru’s popular compact car. Produced from 2005 to 2007, the 2.0-liter (160 hp) variant with an automatic transmission and all-wheel drive occupied a middle ground within the Impreza lineup, offering a balance of practicality, performance, and ease of use. This model was primarily aimed at buyers seeking a capable all-weather vehicle with a comfortable driving experience, without the higher price tag of the more performance-oriented WRX or STI models. It was sold primarily in markets where all-wheel drive was highly valued, including North America, Europe, and Australia.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Subaru |
| Model | Impreza |
| Generation | Impreza II (facelift 2005) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 (160 Hp) AWD Automatic |
| Start of production | 2005 |
| End of production | 2007 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 12 l/100 km (19.6 US mpg, 23.5 UK mpg, 8.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 6.9 l/100 km (34.1 US mpg, 40.9 UK mpg, 14.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 8.7 l/100 km (27 US mpg, 32.5 UK mpg, 11.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 207 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11 sec |
| Maximum speed | 191 km/h (118.68 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.2 kg/Hp, 122.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7 kg/Nm, 142.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 160 Hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 80.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 186 Nm @ 3200 rpm (137.19 lb.-ft. @ 3200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | EJ204 |
| 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 | 11.1:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.2 l (4.44 US qt | 3.7 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1305 kg (2877.03 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1760 kg (3880.14 lbs.) |
| Max load | 455 kg (1003.1 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 401 l (14.16 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1200 kg (2645.55 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Length | 4465 mm (175.79 in.) |
| Width | 1740 mm (68.5 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.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 150 mm (5.91 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.2 m (36.75 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut, Transverse stabilizer |
| 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 | 205/50 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Impreza variant was the EJ204 engine, a 1994cc naturally aspirated, horizontally-opposed (boxer) four-cylinder. This engine design, a Subaru hallmark, offered a low center of gravity, contributing to the car’s balanced handling. The EJ204 featured multi-point fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain. The 160 horsepower output was achieved at 6400 rpm, with peak torque of 186 Nm (137 lb-ft) arriving at 3200 rpm. Paired with this engine was a four-speed automatic transmission, designed for smooth and convenient operation. While not offering the quickest acceleration, the automatic transmission provided a comfortable driving experience, particularly in urban environments. The all-wheel-drive system was a symmetrical system, distributing power to all four wheels for enhanced traction in various conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.0-liter automatic Impreza offered a comfortable and predictable driving experience. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 11 seconds, which was noticeably slower than the manual transmission or the turbocharged WRX models. The automatic transmission, while smooth, did result in some power loss compared to the manual. Gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency and everyday drivability rather than outright performance. The all-wheel-drive system provided excellent grip, especially on slippery surfaces, making it a confident vehicle in inclement weather. Steering was precise, and the suspension offered a good balance between comfort and handling, though it wasn’t as sporty as the firmer setups found in the WRX.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.0-liter automatic Impreza typically came with a reasonable level of standard equipment. This included air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic audio system, and ABS brakes. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a functional, if not luxurious, dashboard layout. Optional extras could include a sunroof, upgraded audio systems, and alloy wheels. The trim level often dictated the availability of these options, with higher trims offering more features as standard.
Chassis & Braking
The Impreza II utilized a MacPherson strut suspension setup at both the front and rear, incorporating a transverse stabilizer bar to reduce body roll. The front brakes were ventilated discs, providing good stopping power, while the rear brakes were solid discs. The chassis was designed to provide a stable and predictable platform, contributing to the car’s all-weather capability. The relatively modest weight of around 1305 kg (2877 lbs) helped to offset the engine’s limited power output.
Market Reception & Comparison
Critics generally viewed the 2.0-liter automatic Impreza as a practical and reliable choice for buyers prioritizing all-weather capability and ease of use. It wasn’t lauded for its performance, but it was praised for its comfortable ride and predictable handling. Compared to the more powerful WRX models, the 2.0-liter offered significantly better fuel economy (around 27 mpg combined) and lower running costs. However, it lacked the WRX’s sporty character and exhilarating acceleration. Compared to other compact cars of the time, the Impreza’s standard all-wheel drive was a significant advantage in regions with harsh winters or challenging road conditions.
Legacy
The EJ204 engine, while not known for being particularly high-strung, proved to be a relatively reliable unit when properly maintained. The four-speed automatic transmission, while dated by modern standards, also generally held up well over time. Today, these Imprezas are often found as affordable used cars, offering a practical and capable transportation option. Their all-wheel-drive system and relatively simple mechanicals make them appealing to those seeking a reliable and easy-to-maintain vehicle, particularly in areas where winter driving is common. While not a collector’s item like the WRX or STI, the 2.0-liter automatic Impreza remains a solid and dependable choice for budget-conscious buyers.
