SEO title: Subaru Impreza 15S (GH2) – Specs & Buyer's Guide Meta description: Subaru Impreza 15S (GH2) — 1.5L, 5MT FWD JDM hatchback. Verified specs, auction price guide, and practical buyer tips for importing a used model.

Subaru IMPREZA 15S (GH2) – Specifications & Buyer's Guide

Introduction

The Subaru Impreza 15S (GH2) is a compact, practical five-door hatchback produced for the Japanese market in the late 2000s. With a 1.5‑litre engine and a 5‑speed manual gearbox, the 15S targets buyers who want a simple, economical city car with Subaru engineering and a spacious interior for its class. This guide covers verified specifications, market pricing indicators and practical buying advice for international buyers looking to import a GH2 Impreza from Japan.

Subaru Impreza 15S (GH2) Overview

The Impreza with model code GH2 is a JDM five-door (5D) variant introduced around mid-2007 and commonly seen in 2008 listings. Positioned as an entry-level Impreza, the 15S trim focuses on fuel economy and everyday usability rather than sporty performance. The GH2 wears the Impreza hatchback body, offering compact exterior dimensions while maintaining Subaru’s reputation for solid build quality. Many examples on Japanese auction sheets and dealer listings show modest mileage and low auction prices, making the 15S an affordable import option.

Subaru Impreza 15S (GH2) Specifications

Note: The table lists verified specification data supplied for the GH2 15S. Where specific items were not provided in the source, they are marked unavailable rather than inferred.

Engine and Performance

The verified factory data shows a 1,498 cc power unit paired with a 5‑speed manual transmission and front‑wheel drive. That configuration indicates an emphasis on fuel economy and low running costs rather than high output. Because exact horsepower and torque figures were not provided in the supplied data, specific performance numbers are omitted here.

Driving impressions for compact 1.5‑litre hatchbacks like the 15S generally include modest acceleration, responsive low‑to‑midrange power suitable for city and suburban driving, and predictable handling due to the front‑wheel‑drive layout. The 5MT gives drivers control over gears for economical cruising and may appeal to buyers who prefer manual transmissions for simplicity and engagement.

Exterior Design and Dimensions

The GH2 Impreza 15S retains the compact hatchback proportions typical of late‑2000s Impreza models. With an overall length of 4,415 mm and width of 1,740 mm, the car is easy to park in urban environments while offering more interior length than many smaller city cars. The 1,475 mm height helps maintain a low center of gravity and a balanced look.

Practical touches for the five‑door layout include a rear hatch opening to a usable cargo area and family‑friendly rear doors for passenger access. Specific styling details, wheel sizes and trim cues vary by market and optional packs; those details should be checked on a per-vehicle basis when inspecting export listings.

Interior, Comfort and Technology

Verified factory data supplied does not include detailed interior equipment lists or infotainment specifications for the GH2 15S. Entry‑level Impreza trims of this era typically offer seating for five, cloth upholstery, manual air conditioning, and a basic audio system, with higher equipment levels available as options or in other grades.

When evaluating a particular car, confirm features such as air conditioning function, power windows, central locking, seat condition, and the state of the cabin trim. Check for signs of water damage or heavy wear, especially on older imports.

Fuel Economy and Everyday Practicality

Official Japanese fuel economy figures (JC08 or WLTC) for this specific GH2 15S example were not provided in the supplied data. Given the 1.5‑litre displacement and manual gearbox, expect relatively low fuel consumption in mixed driving compared with larger engines, but confirm official figures from documentation or seller listings when possible.

Practicality is a strong point: the compact exterior dimensions combined with a hatchback layout suit city driving, while the manual transmission can help drivers achieve better fuel economy when used efficiently. For everyday use, check the condition of tires, brakes and suspension to avoid immediate maintenance after import.

Is the Subaru Impreza 15S (GH2) a Good Used Car to Buy?

Strengths

• Affordable entry price on Japanese auction and dealer markets.
• Simple mechanical layout (1.5L + 5MT) often means lower maintenance costs.
• Practical five‑door hatch format for urban buyers and small families.

Limitations

• Lower power output compared with larger Impreza variants; not aimed at performance buyers.
• Missing verification for several specs (horsepower, torque, fuel economy) — verify per vehicle.
• Some older examples may need attention to wear items such as clutch, tires, and brakes.

Inspection checklist for buyers

• Confirm VIN/chassis (model code GH2) and year with the seller and export documents.
• Verify service history, timing belt/chain status and clutch condition.
• Check for corrosion, accident repair signs and consistent paint panels.
• Test air conditioning, electricals, and gearbox behavior during a road test.
• Ask for odometer reading verification and any recent maintenance invoices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

The Subaru Impreza 15S (GH2) is a sensible, budget‑friendly JDM choice for international buyers seeking a compact, practical hatchback with a manual gearbox. It suits daily urban driving and buyers who prioritize value and simple mechanicals over high performance. Before buying, verify the vehicle’s specific equipment and service history, and inspect the car closely for wear items common on older imports.

Check Your Japanese Car History Before Buying

Buying a used car from Japan? Before making your purchase, check the vehicle's history to help make a more informed decision.

Visit AutoCheck.jp to check the available history of the Japanese vehicle you are considering.

Check your Japanese car history at AutoCheck.jp before you buy.