Subaru Impreza 2.0i-L v Mazda3 SP25 comparison review
Value
Subaru: The new Impreza sits on an all-new platform that will underpin the next generation of Subaru models. As the first model in that new range the Impreza is out to make a good impression.
Priced from $24,490 the 2.0i-L we're testing here comes equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone air-conditioning, an 8-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, cloth trimmed seats and leather accented trim on the steering wheel and gear shift.
Mazda: The SP25 sits in the middle of Mazda's larger 3 range and is priced from $25,690 for the six-speed manual. However, we tested the six-speed automatic, to match the Impreza, which bumps the price up to $27,690 - a hefty $3200 premium over the Subaru.
For that extra money you do get a bigger, more powerful engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, auto headlights and wipers, navigation, DAB+ digital radio, integration of internet apps (Pandora, Stitcher and Aha) but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Winner: Subaru
Inside
Subaru: This is one of the biggest areas of improvement in this new generation Impreza. The design is cleaner and more modern than before and the materials used throughout are more premium.
The 8-inch infotainment touchscreen is high-resolution, logical accessibility through its menus and large buttons that are easy to use when driving.
Thoughtfully, Subaru has included a pair of USB ports for media and another pair inside the lidded centre console box for charging devices.
The seats are comfortable and there is good small item storage. Rear space is good for a small sedan, with respectable head and knee room.
The boot is a spacious 460-litres that bests the Mazda's 408-litres.
Mazda: The 3 is still a well presented car but can't quite match the Impreza. While the Mazda was given a mid-life update in 2016 it feels older than the Subaru, the layout is simpler and the materials don't look and feel quite as premium.
One big plus though is the head-up display, which is easy to read even while wearing polarised sunglasses.
The infotainment system is straightforward for the most part - and can only be controlled via the rotary dial instead of the touchscreen while on the move - but it can be slow to process certain functions.
Space is good up front, with comfortable and supportive seats. The rear seats aren't quite as comfortable or spacious as the Subaru's.
Winner: Subaru
Engine
Subaru: And now for the bad news, Subaru. The company claims this is a new generation engine, but power has only been increased by 5kW and torque is unchanged so it produces 115kW and 196Nm.
It is paired with a continuously variable transmission and the combination makes for modest performance.
The Impreza feels sluggish off the mark and the CVT drones under hard acceleration.
On the plus side the engine is noticeably quieter than previous boxer units, with the typical gruff growl being nicely isolated from the cabin.
Mazda: The SP25 gets a larger 2.5-litre engine (compared to both the Subaru and the lesser models in the Mazda3 range) that has a significant power and torque advantage on its rival. With 138kW and 250Nm the SP25 feels much punchier than the Impreza, both off the mark and on the move.
However, its best performance comes at higher revs so it can be noisy to extract the best from it.
Despite being more powerful and larger in capacity, the Mazda uses less fuel, 6.0-litres per 100km compared to 6.6.
Winner: Mazda
How it drives
Subaru: The Japanese brand's future lies on the Subaru Global Platform (SGP) and if the Impreza is any guide that's a good thing. The new underpinnings are both lighter and stiffer featuring a longer wheelbase and wider track than the previous model.
The result is a more grown-up small car that feels solid on the road and quieter and refined in the cabin. The ride is well controlled but also compliant, soaking up bumps with composure.
This latest generation Impreza is now one of the best handling small cars on the market.
Mazda: The 3 was already one of the better small cars to drive and the mid-life update that arrived in 2016 came with several tweaks to improve it.
The most important change is a quieter and more refined cabin, a previous bugbear for the brand that it is slowly overcoming, but it can't match the refinement of the Subaru.
The upgrade also added G-Vectoring Control, a new element of the stability control system that is designed to help improve its cornering behaviour. It is a subtle new addition but one that makes a small improvement.
Winner: Subaru
Safety
Subaru: Both of these small sedans boast an impressive list of safety equipment. The Impreza comes standard with the brand's third generation EyeSight technology that includes forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking and pre-collision steering assistance. It also includes adaptive cruise control as part of the package.
Mazda: The mid-life upgrade added autonomous emergency braking as standard across the 3 range. The safety inventory of the SP25 also includes rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring. But the 3 misses out on adaptive cruise control so the two are fairly evenly matched. However, the Subaru has the edge in our book as adaptive cruise control is more valuable than blind spot monitoring and the reversing camera has a higher resolution in the Impreza.
Winner: Subaru
Verdict
Subaru: The engine and transmission are the weak link in an otherwise strong chain. Subaru has taken a giant leap forward with this new generation Impreza, significantly improving its presentation, refinement and road manners. With a stronger powertrain it could be the best car in its class.
Mazda: The Mazda3 is still a very good car but in this contest the newer Subaru shades it in a few crucial areas - most notably interior space and presentation, plus its price premium played against it in this contest.
But the SP25 is still a solid small car, loaded with plenty of equipment (both goodies and safety essentials) and the engine is a step ahead of the Impreza. If you're preference is for performance over passenger carrying then it could be the better pick.
Winner: Subaru
2017 Subaru Impreza 2.0i-L sedan pricing and specifications
Price: From $24,490 plus on-road costs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
Power: 115kW at 6000rpm
Torque: 196Nm at 4000rpm
Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel drive
Fuel use: 6.6L/100km
2017 Mazda3 SP25 sedan pricing and specifications
Price: From $27,690 plus on-road costs
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol
Power: 138kW at 5700rpm
Torque: 250Nm at 3250rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Fuel use: 6.0L/100km