The Subaru Impreza II Station Wagon 1.6i 16V, produced between 2000 and 2002, represented a practical and accessible entry point into the Impreza range, particularly in European and Asian markets. Positioned as a family-oriented vehicle, it offered the renowned Subaru symmetrical all-wheel drive system in a versatile wagon body style. This variant, equipped with a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine and a four-speed automatic transmission, catered to buyers prioritizing ease of use and all-weather capability over outright performance. It was part of the second generation of the Impreza (GF series), built on the Subaru GC/GF platform.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Subaru |
| Model | Impreza |
| Generation | Impreza II Station Wagon |
| Type | 1.6i 16V (95 Hp) 4WD Automatic |
| Start of production | 2000 |
| End of production | 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.1 l/100 km (18 US mpg, 21.6 UK mpg, 7.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 9.6 l/100 km (24.5 US mpg, 29.4 UK mpg, 10.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.6 l/100 km (24.5 US mpg, 29.4 UK mpg, 10.4 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 164 km/h (101.9 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.5 kg/Hp, 68.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.7 kg/Nm, 103.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 95 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 59.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 143 Nm @ 3600 rpm (105.47 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | EJ16 |
| Engine displacement | 1597 cm3 (97.45 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Boxer |
| Cylinder Bore | 87.9 mm (3.46 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 65.8 mm (2.59 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 | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.3 l (7.71 US qt | 6.42 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1380 kg (3042.38 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1730 kg (3814 lbs.) |
| Max load | 350 kg (771.62 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 356 l (12.57 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1266 l (44.71 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Length | 4405 mm (173.43 in.) |
| Width | 1695 mm (66.73 in.) |
| Height | 1485 mm (58.46 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2520 mm (99.21 in.) |
| Front track | 1465 mm (57.68 in.) |
| Rear track | 1455 mm (57.28 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | 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 | 185/70 R14 H |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Impreza variant was the EJ16 engine, a 1.6-liter horizontally-opposed (boxer) four-cylinder gasoline engine. The EJ series engines were a hallmark of Subaru, known for their smooth operation and inherent balance due to the opposing piston design. This particular engine featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder (16V), and utilized multi-point fuel injection. The EJ16 produced 95 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 143 Nm (105.47 lb-ft) of torque at 3600 rpm. The engine’s longitudinal mounting allowed for a more balanced weight distribution, contributing to the car’s handling characteristics. Paired with the EJ16 was a four-speed automatic transmission, designed for smooth and convenient operation. This transmission wasn’t known for its sportiness, prioritizing comfort and ease of driving over rapid gear changes.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6i 16V Automatic Impreza offered a comfortable, if not particularly exhilarating, driving experience. Acceleration was modest, with a 0-60 mph time of around 12.4 seconds. The automatic transmission, while providing convenience, resulted in some power loss compared to the available five-speed manual version. Gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency and everyday usability rather than performance. The all-wheel drive system provided excellent traction in various conditions, making it a capable vehicle in inclement weather. However, the relatively low horsepower and torque figures meant that overtaking maneuvers required careful planning. Compared to the more powerful 2.0-liter Impreza variants (like the WRX), this model was significantly slower and less engaging to drive.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6i 16V Automatic trim typically included standard features such as power steering, central locking, electric windows, and an AM/FM radio. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and driver and passenger airbags. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a functional, if somewhat basic, design. Optional extras could include air conditioning, alloy wheels, and a sunroof. This trim level was generally considered the entry-level offering in the Impreza wagon range, focusing on providing essential features at an affordable price point.
Chassis & Braking
The Impreza II Station Wagon utilized a MacPherson strut front suspension and a spring strut rear suspension. The suspension setup was tuned for comfort and ride quality, prioritizing a smooth ride over sporty handling. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. The ABS system helped to maintain steering control during hard braking. The car’s weight of approximately 1380 kg (3042.38 lbs) contributed to its stable handling characteristics, but also limited its acceleration performance.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1.6i 16V Automatic Impreza was generally well-received as a practical and reliable family car. Critics praised its all-wheel drive system and spacious interior, but noted its lack of performance compared to other Impreza models. Fuel economy was reasonable for its class, averaging around 24.5 US mpg in combined driving. Compared to the 2.0-liter Impreza variants, the 1.6-liter model offered lower running costs but sacrificed performance. The automatic transmission was seen as a plus for drivers prioritizing convenience, but it did detract from the overall driving experience.
Legacy
The EJ16 engine, while not as celebrated as the turbocharged EJ20 variants, proved to be a durable and reliable powerplant. The four-speed automatic transmission, though somewhat dated by modern standards, also demonstrated reasonable longevity. Today, the Impreza II Station Wagon 1.6i 16V can be found as an affordable used car, often appealing to buyers seeking a practical and dependable vehicle with all-wheel drive capability. Maintenance costs are generally reasonable, and parts availability is still good. However, potential buyers should be aware of the car’s age and potential for wear and tear on components such as the suspension and exhaust system. The car represents a solid, if unspectacular, example of Subaru’s commitment to building reliable and capable vehicles.
