by Aiden Eksteen
Small cars may not be all too popular in the USA right now but there are still some car fans and driving enthusiasts that see and admire the perks and performance potential these little runabouts deliver. Unfortunately, with just 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0-liter flat-4 engine, performance from the 2021 Subaru Impreza Hatchback isn't exactly exciting. A crude 5-speed manual gearbox or half-dead CVT only makes matters worse.
The Impreza Hatch doesn't disappoint in any other regard, though. It's a sporty-looking, handsome compact 5-door hatch that delivers a surprisingly comfortable ride and some poised handling dynamics. It's brimming with contemporary features and technology, and crammed with advanced driver assists and safety systems, even at the base level. The Impreza's powertrain is the only thing holding it back from being one of the class-leaders alongside the likes of the Honda Civic and Mazda 3.
The Subaru Impreza received some substantial upgrades in 2020, so there's not much to talk about this year. The price increase over the 2020 model is only $100 across the range.
The only addition to the 2021 Subaru Impreza range is the SI-DRIVE performance management system that has been added as a standard feature on the Premium trim. This system is a driving mode selector, which allows the driver to choose between a more economical setup, or a sportier one.
See trim levels and configurations:
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hatchback |
2.0L Flat 4 Gas
|
5-Speed Manual
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$19,295 |
| Premium Hatchback |
2.0L Flat 4 Gas
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$22,695 |
| Sport Hatchback |
2.0L Flat 4 Gas
|
5-Speed Manual
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$22,995 |
| Limited Hatchback |
2.0L Flat 4 Gas
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$26,395 |
The 2021 Impreza is held back only by its lackluster engine and uncouth gearbox options. It is otherwise a genuinely attractive vehicle, offering a sporty, eye-catching design, fun handling characteristics, and a surprisingly comfortable ride quality. It also upholds some confidence-inspiring reliability and safety ratings sustained by its meticulously well-built frame and many driver assists and safety systems. Impressive, considering the 2021 Subaru Impreza Hatchback underwent review by both the NHTSA and the IIHS. There are also not many cars out there that come with standard AWD at the 2021 Subaru Impreza Hatchback's price, which stands at just $19,295 for the Base.
To really boost the Impreza's standing in the classification, Subaru needs to fix the heart of the problem, its powertrain. Hopefully, Subaru will debut a sixth-generation Impreza Hatch with a more modern turbocharged mill and more refined gearbox.
For what it gets in cosmetic enhancements and feature upgrades over the Base model, the mid-spec Premium is the one we'd go for. It is restricted to just the CVT but considering that the CVT is the more economical option and performance from the manual is just as unpleasant, it's no big deal. Over the Base, the Premium comes outfitted with fog lights, body-color heated side mirrors, roof rails, and 16-inch alloy wheels. On the inside, the front seats get two-stage heating, the infotainment system is upgraded with two additional speakers, HD radio, and SiriusXM satellite radio connectivity. Throw in the Optional Package and you get yourself some desirable luxuries and more driver assists.
The most popular competitors of 2021 Subaru Impreza Hatchback:
Acura
Alfa Romeo
Aston Martin
Audi
Automobili Pininfarina
Bentley
BMW
Bollinger
BrightDrop
Bugatti
Buick
Cadillac
Caterham
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Fiat
Fisker
Ford
Genesis
GMC
Gordon Murray Automotive
Hennessey
Honda
Hyundai
Ineos Automotive
Infiniti
Jaguar
Jeep
Karma
Kia
Koenigsegg
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lordstown
Lotus
Lucid Motors
Maserati
Mazda
McLaren
Mercedes-Benz
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pagani
Polestar
Porsche
Ram
Rimac
Rivian
Rolls-Royce
Spyker
Subaru
Tesla
Toyota
VinFast
Volkswagen
Volvo