Volkswagen Golf vs Subaru Impreza
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchbacks compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Volkswagen Golf
From $38,690
Hatchback
Petrol
Petrol
110kW
6.3 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
374L
Subaru Impreza
From $33,490
Hatchback
Petrol
Petrol I4 Boxer
115kW
7.5 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
291L
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Price Breakdown
The Volkswagen Golf starts from $38,690 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Impreza opens at $33,490. 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 $42,559 and $36,839 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Volkswagen Golf by roughly $1,710 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Volkswagen Golf and Subaru Impreza hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Volkswagen Golf and 83% for the Subaru Impreza.
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 Volkswagen Golf and 9 in the Subaru Impreza.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen Golf features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.2-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Impreza gets a 11.6-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments.
The Volkswagen Golf stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging that you will not find on the Subaru Impreza. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Golf uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.
The Subaru Impreza responds with a Petrol I4 Boxer making 115kW and 196Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.
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.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen Golf measures 4,282mm long on a 2,631mm wheelbase, 208mm shorter than the Subaru Impreza at 4,490mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Impreza generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 374L in the Volkswagen Golf and 291L in the Subaru Impreza, giving the Volkswagen Golf a 83L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.1m
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,796/year for the Volkswagen Golf and $2,138/year for the Subaru Impreza. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen Golf.
Estimated annual total: $1,796 (Volkswagen Golf) vs $2,138 (Subaru Impreza). 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 (Volkswagen Golf) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Impreza). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Golf if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Impreza if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Volkswagen Golf and Subaru Impreza trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Volkswagen Golf will save you roughly $342 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Golf has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Volkswagen Golf and Subaru Impreza?
The Subaru Impreza is the cheapest at $33,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen Golf by $5,200.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen Golf uses the least fuel at 6.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Volkswagen Golf and Subaru Impreza all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen Golf has the largest boot at 374L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Golf has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Impreza makes the most power at 115kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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