How do we feel about current Imprezas?

My GF, having cracked the 200k mile barrier on her owned-from-new Cobalt (5Spd, still on the original clutch BTW), is looking to buy in the near-term. She wants a hatch, manual (mandatory), fun to drive, and approaching the reliability of her Cobalt (which was damn near phenomenal). Trying to keep the expenditure as limited as possible, within reason.

She's driven the Impreza, the Focus, and the Fiesta thus far (all autos, unfortunately - no manuals on the lot when we passed by). She liked the first two (Fiesta felt cheap and dull), but it seems Ford isn't offering a manual on the 2017 hatch until you get up to the performance trim levels (which she's not interested in). That leaves the Impreza.

So, the two-part question is 1) what's the feeling about the current crop of Subarus, the Impreza in particular, and 2) what else should she drive before pulling the trigger?

Mazda 3

Haven't driven the 2017 Impreza, but I was unimpressed with the 2016 I drove when shopping. That was a manual, and the shifter was pretty rubbery. Seemed low on the fun to drive scale to me.

Definitely check out a Mazda 3. They're pretty nice inside. I ended up with a used Focus ST, which I've been very happy with.

We almost bought a '16 Impreza before we decided to go for the Mini. I liked it. We almost looked at a cx5, but there were no manuals. Trying to remember why the 3 wasn't a contender... EDIT: I like the Subaru feel, FWIW. We had a '12 WRX.

I'd rank the Mazda3 way higher on the "fun" scale.

Wow! Ford dropped the 5-speed manual on the Focus for 2017? They were unicorns when Ford still offered that transmission.

Checked the Ford website to confirm. It's true.

Has Subaru solved the oil burning yet?

In reply to Streetwiseguy: Yes

FYI '17 manuals will be non-existent until some time in 2017. My GF has been talking about getting something like this for, well, at least 18 months now. Manual HB is her basic requirement. She also has issues fitting because she's on the short side, and some cars just don't adjust well enough for her to be comfortable seeing out.

Funny thing was Subaru said they dropped the manual on the '17 Impreza all the way up until the release of the 17s. Then I randomly went on the website one time recently and discovered it was standard on basic and sport models.

My gf may wait so long that the Cruze diesel HB manual is an option.

The new Imprezas seem to be built a lot better than they were 10 years ago. Didn't like the interior on the 2015 I checked out though, and I hear mixed things about the FB engines so far (though at least they are FINALLY moving on from the EJ).

Mazda3 hatch, Civic hatch and Cruze hatch are the three cars in that segment that pique my interest the most.

GTi? Or Golf at least?

Manual CX-5..

I was already considering the Mazda 3 hatch as first on the list of test drives, so what's been said here confirms that pretty well. Golf is a theoretical option, but the long-term maintenance costs versus some other choices are a concern. She's said hands-down that she won't drive any variety of SUV, no matter how small, or any Honda or Toyota product. She's not opposed to the Cruze hatch, but I think she wants to buy before they will be available in quantity.

I'm not sure where you are, but the Cruze seems to be on the lots now.

Just because it hasn't been said, what about the Hyundai Veloster?

Yeah, I guess the Cruze hatches are already around. Too bad the pricing is rather higher than the other options in consideration. Still, might be worth a look and a drive.

If I suggested a Veloster, or indeed a Hyundai, I think she might slap me.

02Pilot wrote: Yeah, I guess the Cruze hatches are already around. Too bad the pricing is rather higher than the other options in consideration. Still, might be worth a look and a drive. If I suggested a Veloster, or indeed a Hyundai, I think she might slap me.

My wife mentioned how cool a veloster looked.

But she thinks I look good so I think her opinion is suspect.

GF likes manuals and hates SUVs? Sounds like a keeper.

The Hyundai Elantra hatch might be worth a look. Golf Sportwagen?

Basil Exposition wrote: GF likes manuals and hates SUVs? Sounds like a keeper.

Except for the Honda (and to a lesser extent Toyota) thing. Why no Hondas? For a small cheap-and-cheerful hatch with a stick, the Fit seems like a good, ummmm, fit.

I know it probably would get lumped into the SUV category but the Honda HR-V is basically a jacked up Fit if you live in an area where loads are less than stellar. You can get six speed manual in base model for it..

I just returned from a weekend of driving a loaner Subaru Crosstrek and I was pretty impressed. Since they are just an "Outback-ized" Impreza HB, my experience should apply. They aren't a powerhouse, but the FA20 is rated at 140 Hp. They get really good mileage when backed by the CVT. The one I used this summer hit 43 mpg (imperial), which compared to most Subaru's is amazing.

Interiors are better than older Impreza's but Subaru interiors have never been all that great.

I'd buy one

Don't know about Impreza's but the wife bought a new 2013 Legacy after a long series of Buick's. I liked it enough that I traded my Transit Connect on an new Outback in 2015

Update: We drove an Impreza and a Mazda 3 today. Both hatches, both manuals. The Mazda felt an order of magnitude better to drive, and it was cheaper to boot. She bought it. Pick it up next week.

Nice. I'd love to hear impressions on a manual cx5..

02Pilot wrote: Update: We drove an Impreza and a Mazda 3 today. Both hatches, both manuals. The Mazda felt an order of magnitude better to drive, and it was cheaper to boot. She bought it. Pick it up next week.

Congrats. I loved my 2015 Mazda3 hatchback but had to part with it after 3 months because I'm 6'-5" and the base model seats just wouldn't agree with me at all, on long drives. Base Skyactiv six speed combo was great. Honest 38+ mpg highway. Fun car. I miss it but my back doesn't.