Subaru Impreza vs Volkswagen Golf

The Subaru Impreza starts from $33,490 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Golf opens at $38,690. That makes the Subaru Impreza the more affordable entry point by $5,200.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $36,839 and $42,559 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Volkswagen Golf by roughly $1,710 in fuel alone.

Both the Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Golf hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Subaru Impreza and 88% for the Volkswagen Golf.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Volkswagen Golf packs more ADAS features with 4 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Subaru Impreza.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking. Airbag count is 9 in the Subaru Impreza and 9 in the Volkswagen Golf.

The Subaru Impreza features a 11.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen Golf gets a 10.3-inch display and 10.2-inch instruments.

The Volkswagen Golf counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging that the Subaru Impreza does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Subaru Impreza uses a Petrol I4 Boxer producing 115kW and 196Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout.

The Volkswagen Golf responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.

The Subaru Impreza has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Subaru Impreza measures 4,490mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 208mm longer than the Volkswagen Golf at 4,282mm (2,631mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Impreza generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 291L in the Subaru Impreza and 374L in the Volkswagen Golf, giving the Volkswagen Golf a 83L advantage.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,138/year for the Subaru Impreza and $1,796/year for the Volkswagen Golf. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen Golf.

Estimated annual total: $2,138 (Subaru Impreza) vs $1,796 (Volkswagen Golf). The Volkswagen Golf saves you roughly $342 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Impreza) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Golf). Both match on warranty length.