Country & Base – Japan – Ōta
Key Models:
- Impreza [family hatch]
- WRX STI [hot hatch and saloon]
- Legacy Tourer [family estate]
- Outback [4x4 estate]
- Forester [crossover 4x4]
RAC Cars Need To Know:
A traditionally engineering-led company whose sales had become dominated by one model, the Impreza, Subaru strived to broaden the marque's appeal with a more cohesive product line up. Hardcore Impreza fans may have gnashed their teeth in frustration when the iconic rally-replica saloon became a rather dumpy looking hatchback but Subaru had other plans. While the attempts to chase the mainstream dollar with that car may not have worked quite as well as the Japanese company would have liked, work was progressing with other WRX STI sports models, as well as the genre busting XV and the exciting Subaru BZ sports coupe.
As far as used Subaru buys go, there's a ton of choice, but you will need to know exactly what you're buying. The classic turbocharged boxer petrol engines that have been the mainstay of Subaru's range for years are now starting to be edged by the far more efficient boxer diesel powerplant, which finds its way beneath the bonnet of the Subaru Forester, Legacy Tourer and Outback. Choose one of these if you're looking to keep a cap on costs.
Although perceived quality has come on quite some way in recent years, Subarus still don't look or feel Audi quality. Don't let first appearances fool you. This is a company steeped in engineering know how and the underpinnings tend to be tougher and more reliable than anything from Ingolstadt. The only thing to steer clear of is an Impreza that has been extensively and crudely modified. Other than that, buy with confidence.
