The Subaru Impreza II Station Wagon, specifically the facelifted version introduced in 2005, represented Subaru’s entry into the compact estate car market. Produced from 2006 to 2007, the 1.5-liter (105 hp) All-Wheel Drive variant occupied the lower end of the Impreza lineup, offering a practical and affordable option for buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and all-weather capability over outright performance. This model was primarily sold in European and Asian markets, where the demand for compact wagons with all-wheel drive was relatively strong. It was built on the Subaru Impreza platform (G11) and shared many components with the hatchback version.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Subaru |
| Model | Impreza |
| Generation | Impreza II Station Wagon (facelift 2005) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 (105 Hp) AWD |
| Start of production | 2006 |
| End of production | 2007 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.4 l/100 km (22.6 US mpg, 27.2 UK mpg, 9.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg, 44.1 UK mpg, 15.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg, 35.8 UK mpg, 12.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 184 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13 sec |
| Maximum speed | 175 km/h (108.74 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.5 kg/Hp, 80.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.2 kg/Nm, 108.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 105 Hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 70.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 142 Nm @ 3200 rpm (104.73 lb.-ft. @ 3200 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 | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.2 l (4.44 US qt | 3.7 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.4 l (7.82 US qt | 6.51 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1310 kg (2888.06 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1750 kg (3858.09 lbs.) |
| Max load | 440 kg (970.03 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 356 l (12.57 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1266 l (44.71 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%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Length | 4465 mm (175.79 in.) |
| Width | 1695 mm (66.73 in.) |
| Height | 1485 mm (58.46 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2525 mm (99.41 in.) |
| Front track | 1465 mm (57.68 in.) |
| Rear track | 1455 mm (57.28 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 155 mm (6.1 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.2 m (36.75 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | All wheel drive (4×4). Internal Combustion engine. |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut, Transverse stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/60 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The 1.5-liter EJ15 engine is a naturally aspirated, horizontally-opposed (boxer) four-cylinder gasoline engine. This engine design, a Subaru hallmark, provides a lower center of gravity, contributing to improved handling. The EJ15 features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain and multi-point fuel injection. Its 1498 cc displacement produced 105 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 142 Nm (104.73 lb-ft) of torque at 3200 rpm. The engine’s relatively modest output was paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, delivering power to all four wheels via Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. This system typically employs a viscous coupling center differential, providing automatic torque distribution between the front and rear axles.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.5L Impreza Station Wagon with the manual transmission offered adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 13 seconds, and top speed was limited to 175 km/h (108.74 mph). The engine felt strained when pushed hard, particularly when fully loaded. The all-wheel-drive system provided excellent traction in adverse weather conditions, making it a safe and predictable vehicle to drive. The 5-speed manual transmission had relatively long gearing, prioritizing fuel economy over rapid acceleration. Compared to the more powerful 2.0-liter variants, this 1.5L model felt significantly slower, but it offered a more economical and refined driving experience.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.5-liter Impreza Station Wagon typically came with a fairly basic level of equipment. Standard features generally included power steering, central locking, electric front windows, and an ABS anti-lock braking system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a simple, functional design. Optional extras could include air conditioning, alloy wheels, and a CD player. The trim level was generally considered the entry-level offering within the Impreza range, aimed at buyers seeking practicality and affordability.
Chassis & Braking
The Impreza II Station Wagon 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 adequate stopping power, while the rear brakes were drums. This configuration was typical for vehicles in this weight class and price range. The all-wheel-drive system added to the vehicle’s stability and handling characteristics, particularly on slippery surfaces.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1.5-liter Impreza Station Wagon was generally well-received as a practical and reliable family car. Critics praised its all-wheel-drive system and fuel efficiency, but noted its lack of outright performance. Compared to other compact wagons in the European market, such as the Ford Focus Estate or Volkswagen Golf Variant, the Impreza offered a unique combination of all-wheel drive and a boxer engine. Fuel economy was competitive, averaging around 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg). Reliability was generally good, although some owners reported minor issues with the engine’s cooling system.
Legacy
The EJ15 engine, while not known for its high performance, proved to be a relatively durable and reliable unit. Used examples of the 2006-2007 Impreza II Station Wagon 1.5 AWD are still found on the used car market today, often appealing to buyers seeking an affordable and practical vehicle with all-wheel-drive capability. Maintenance costs are generally reasonable, although sourcing parts for the boxer engine can sometimes be more challenging than for more conventional engine layouts. The Impreza II Station Wagon 1.5 AWD remains a testament to Subaru’s commitment to all-wheel-drive technology and its ability to produce practical and dependable vehicles.
