Subaru Impreza first generation

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
| Specification | Europe | North America | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | |||
| Length | 4,350 mm RDW | – | 4,340 mm |
| Width | 1,690–1,700 mm RDW | – | 1,690 mm |
| Height | 1,400 mm RDW | – | 1,405 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,520 mm RDW | – | 2,520 mm |
| Front track | 1,460–1,485 mm ASTRA | – | – |
| Rear track | 1,450–1,480 mm ASTRA | – | – |
| Weights and towing | |||
| Kerb weight | 1,080–1,230 kg RDW | – | 1,220 kg |
| Mass in running order | 1,180–1,330 kg RDW | – | – |
| Gross vehicle weight | 1,640–1,750 kg RDW | – | – |
| Towing, braked trailer | 1,000–1,500 kg RDW | – | – |
| Towing, unbraked trailer | 500 kg RDW | – | – |
| Seats and space | |||
| Seats | 4–5 RDW | – | – |
| Doors | 4 RDW | – | – |
| Luggage space (EPA) | – | 311–708 L EPA | – |
| Passenger space (EPA) | – | 2,379–2,407 L EPA | – |
| Performance | |||
| Top speed | 171–231 km/h RDW | – | – |
| Torque | 137–292 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 test | Pass rate | UK average | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 years and older | 80.3% (79.3–81.1) | 69.2% | 7,451 |
What the MOT finds
| Area | This model | UK average, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 26.2% | 41.6% |
| Brakes | 22.6% | 36.4% |
| Body, chassis and structure | 17.2% | 18.6% |
| Lights and electrics | 15.7% | 28.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 14.8% | 17.1% |
| Tyres | 13.0% | 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 version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000–20012.0 AWD 4 & 5-door · 2.0 AWD 4 & 5 Door | 2.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 9.0 L/100 km NEDC | 214 g/km |
| 2000–20012.0 AWD 4 & 5-door · 2.0 AWD 4 & 5 Door | 2.0 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 9.3 L/100 km NEDC | 220 g/km |
| 2000–20012000 AWD 4 & 5-door Turbo · 2000 AWD 4 & 5 Door Turbo | 2.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 10.1 L/100 km NEDC | 239 g/km |
| 2000–2001P1 AWD 2-door Turbo · P1 AWD 2 Door Turbo | 2.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 11.2 L/100 km NEDC | 265 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 version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Drive | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000–2003 | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Four- or all-wheel drive | 21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 263 g/km |
| 1999–2001SOHC, CLKUP · CLKUP | 2.5 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 22 MPG (10.7 L/100 km) EPA | 251 g/km |
| 1999CLKUP | 2.2 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 22 MPG (10.7 L/100 km) EPA | 251 g/km |
| 1999 | 2.2 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Four- or all-wheel drive | 22 MPG (10.7 L/100 km) EPA | 251 g/km |
| 1998–1999SOHC | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Four- or all-wheel drive | 22 MPG (10.7 L/100 km) EPA | 251 g/km |
| 1996–1998(FFS) | 2.2 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Four- or all-wheel drive | 22–23 MPG (10.2–10.7 L/100 km) EPA | 240–251 g/km |
| 1998 | 2.2 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 23 MPG (10.2 L/100 km) EPA | 240 g/km |
| 1998 | 2.5 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 263 g/km |
| 1993–1997(FFS) | 1.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Four- or all-wheel drive | 22–24 MPG (9.8–10.7 L/100 km) EPA | 230–251 g/km |
| 1995–1997(FFS), CLKUP | 2.2 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 22–23 MPG (10.2–10.7 L/100 km) EPA | 240–251 g/km |
| 1993–1996(FFS) | 1.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Front-wheel drive | 24 MPG (9.8 L/100 km) EPA | 230 g/km |
| 1993–1996(FFS), CLKUP | 1.8 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Front-wheel drive | 23–24 MPG (9.8–10.2 L/100 km) EPA | 230–240 g/km |
| 1993–1995(FFS), CLKUP | 1.8 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 22 MPG (10.7 L/100 km) EPA | 251 g/km |
Canada 10 versions
Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995–2001Subcompact · Station wagon: Small | 2.2 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 10.2–10.7 L/100 km 5-cycle | 235–246 g/km |
| 1997–2001Subcompact · Station wagon: Small | 2.2 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 10.5 L/100 km 5-cycle | 242 g/km |
| 1998–2001Subcompact | 2.5 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 10.6–11.0 L/100 km 5-cycle | 244–253 g/km |
| 1998–2001Subcompact | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 10.7–11.2 L/100 km 5-cycle | 246–258 g/km |
| 1995–1997Subcompact | 1.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 9.7–10.3 L/100 km 5-cycle | 223–237 g/km |
| 1996Subcompact · Station wagon: Small | 1.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 10.3 L/100 km 5-cycle | 237 g/km |
| 1996Station wagon: Small | 2.2 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 10.8 L/100 km 5-cycle | 248 g/km |
| 1995Subcompact | 1.8 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 10.1 L/100 km 5-cycle | 232 g/km |
| 1995Subcompact · Station wagon: Small | 1.8 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 10.8 L/100 km 5-cycle | 248 g/km |
| 1995Station wagon: Small | 1.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 10.7 L/100 km 5-cycle | 246 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.





