Subaru Impreza first generation

Subaru Impreza first generation
Photo: OSX / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

The Subaru Impreza first generation (1993–2000): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 27 versions in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.

Model codes: GC, GF

Dimensions, weights and capacity

SpecificationEuropeNorth AmericaWikipedia
Dimensions
Length4,350 mm RDW–4,340 mm
Width1,690–1,700 mm RDW–1,690 mm
Height1,400 mm RDW–1,405 mm
Wheelbase2,520 mm RDW–2,520 mm
Front track1,460–1,485 mm ASTRA––
Rear track1,450–1,480 mm ASTRA––
Weights and towing
Kerb weight1,080–1,230 kg RDW–1,220 kg
Mass in running order1,180–1,330 kg RDW––
Gross vehicle weight1,640–1,750 kg RDW––
Towing, braked trailer1,000–1,500 kg RDW––
Towing, unbraked trailer500 kg RDW––
Seats and space
Seats4–5 RDW––
Doors4 RDW––
Luggage space (EPA)–311–708 L EPA–
Passenger space (EPA)–2,379–2,407 L EPA–
Performance
Top speed171–231 km/h RDW––
Torque137–292 Nm ASTRA––

Tyre sizes (most common first): 195/60R15, 205/50R16, 185/70R14, 205/55R15

Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Wikipedia, ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), US EPA fuel economy data. Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Reliability and owner reports

UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age

Age at testPass rateUK averageTests
13 years and older80.3% (79.3–81.1)69.2%7,451

What the MOT finds

AreaThis modelUK average, same ages
Suspension26.2%41.6%
Brakes22.6%36.4%
Body, chassis and structure17.2%18.6%
Lights and electrics15.7%28.8%
Noise, emissions and leaks14.8%17.1%
Tyres13.0%31.2%

First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)

Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)

230 complaints for model years 1993–2000. 40 crashes · 5 fires · 41 injuries · 1 death

  • Airbags 48
  • Transmission and drivetrain 25
  • Suspension 24

Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints

All 27 versions of the Subaru Impreza first generation

Show all 27 versions

United Kingdom 4 versions

New cars on sale in the UK, from the Vehicle Certification Agency. NEDC figures until 2018 and WLTP figures after; years are the editions a version appeared in.

Years and versionEngineFuelGearboxConsumption (combined)CO₂
2000–20012.0 AWD 4 & 5-door · 2.0 AWD 4 & 5 Door2.0 LPetrol5-speed manual9.0 L/100 km NEDC214 g/km
2000–20012.0 AWD 4 & 5-door · 2.0 AWD 4 & 5 Door2.0 LPetrol4-speed automatic9.3 L/100 km NEDC220 g/km
2000–20012000 AWD 4 & 5-door Turbo · 2000 AWD 4 & 5 Door Turbo2.0 LPetrol5-speed manual10.1 L/100 km NEDC239 g/km
2000–2001P1 AWD 2-door Turbo · P1 AWD 2 Door Turbo2.0 LPetrol5-speed manual11.2 L/100 km NEDC265 g/km

United States 13 versions

Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.

Years and versionEngineFuelGearboxDriveConsumption (combined)CO₂
2000–20032.5 LPetrol5-speed manualFour- or all-wheel drive21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA263 g/km
1999–2001SOHC, CLKUP · CLKUP2.5 LPetrol4-speed automaticFour- or all-wheel drive22 MPG (10.7 L/100 km) EPA251 g/km
1999CLKUP2.2 LPetrol4-speed automaticFour- or all-wheel drive22 MPG (10.7 L/100 km) EPA251 g/km
19992.2 LPetrol5-speed manualFour- or all-wheel drive22 MPG (10.7 L/100 km) EPA251 g/km
1998–1999SOHC2.5 LPetrol5-speed manualFour- or all-wheel drive22 MPG (10.7 L/100 km) EPA251 g/km
1996–1998(FFS)2.2 LPetrol5-speed manualFour- or all-wheel drive22–23 MPG (10.2–10.7 L/100 km) EPA240–251 g/km
19982.2 LPetrol4-speed automaticFour- or all-wheel drive23 MPG (10.2 L/100 km) EPA240 g/km
19982.5 LPetrol4-speed automaticFour- or all-wheel drive21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA263 g/km
1993–1997(FFS)1.8 LPetrol5-speed manualFour- or all-wheel drive22–24 MPG (9.8–10.7 L/100 km) EPA230–251 g/km
1995–1997(FFS), CLKUP2.2 LPetrol4-speed automaticFour- or all-wheel drive22–23 MPG (10.2–10.7 L/100 km) EPA240–251 g/km
1993–1996(FFS)1.8 LPetrol5-speed manualFront-wheel drive24 MPG (9.8 L/100 km) EPA230 g/km
1993–1996(FFS), CLKUP1.8 LPetrol4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive23–24 MPG (9.8–10.2 L/100 km) EPA230–240 g/km
1993–1995(FFS), CLKUP1.8 LPetrol4-speed automaticFour- or all-wheel drive22 MPG (10.7 L/100 km) EPA251 g/km

Canada 10 versions

Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).

Years and versionEngineFuelGearboxConsumption (combined)CO₂
1995–2001Subcompact · Station wagon: Small2.2 LPetrol4-speed automatic10.2–10.7 L/100 km 5-cycle235–246 g/km
1997–2001Subcompact · Station wagon: Small2.2 LPetrol5-speed manual10.5 L/100 km 5-cycle242 g/km
1998–2001Subcompact2.5 LPetrol4-speed automatic10.6–11.0 L/100 km 5-cycle244–253 g/km
1998–2001Subcompact2.5 LPetrol5-speed manual10.7–11.2 L/100 km 5-cycle246–258 g/km
1995–1997Subcompact1.8 LPetrol5-speed manual9.7–10.3 L/100 km 5-cycle223–237 g/km
1996Subcompact · Station wagon: Small1.8 LPetrol5-speed manual10.3 L/100 km 5-cycle237 g/km
1996Station wagon: Small2.2 LPetrol5-speed manual10.8 L/100 km 5-cycle248 g/km
1995Subcompact1.8 LPetrol4-speed automatic10.1 L/100 km 5-cycle232 g/km
1995Subcompact · Station wagon: Small1.8 LPetrol4-speed automatic10.8 L/100 km 5-cycle248 g/km
1995Station wagon: Small1.8 LPetrol5-speed manual10.7 L/100 km 5-cycle246 g/km

Similar models from other brands

Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.