The new Impreza is a bit of a shock to the system because it's no longer a chunky saloon but a rather dull looking hatchback!
What marks the Subaru out from the crowd is the fact it has AWD (all wheel drive) as standard. This feature continues the Japanese firm's 35-year tradition of building symmetrical four-wheel drive vehicles, much loved by farmers, trailer towers and basically anyone who lives in the sticks.
The new car is available with a 1.5 litre (€24,495) or 2 litre normally aspirated petrol engine (€28,995). A turbo charged 2.5 WRX STi tops the range. All power units are of course in the famous flat 'Boxer' format. This means that the car's centre of gravity is lower than the competition's. The corresponding improvement in road holding and handling is a pure joy.
The major downside to this extra level of grip is the excessive fuel consumption when compared to any two-wheel drive alternative. My 2 litre test car returned similar fuel consumption to a large diesel off-roader in mixed driving - ouch!
When the going gets slippy the Subaru puts a smile on your face as it delivers superb levels of grip. The only criticism could come from spirited drivers who will find the steering over light and lacking in feel. That said, the feedback through the throttle and the driver's seat is terrific.
The Fuji Heavy Industries-owned firm makes some decent machines like the Legacy and Forester SUV crossover but it is perhaps best known for the Impreza, which is a legend in world rallying. Previous Imprezas could never be called 'oil paintings' but they had a brutish look that grew on most petrol heads. The new hatchback is too conventional in appearance and while there are some interesting lines to the exterior and a much improved interior, the overall car is less than exciting to gaze at, with the exception of the very hot (and pricey) WRX STi version with its bonnet scoop and €66,250 price tag.
Inside the cabin the materials and feel may not be class leading but if marks were given for improvement the Impreza would be top of its class. The dials and switchgear are typical Japanese while the cabin is reasonably roomy although the rear is a little cramped. The boot is disappointing as it is shallow and not that big, but the cargo area is as versatile as any hatchback.
My test car had a five-speed gearbox that the odd time proved less than fluid. In fact the car really is a 10-speed as there is a 'high and low' transfer gearbox that can be selected by pulling on a lever where you'd generally find a handbrake. This feature in the Impreza is useful only for towing as the car has quite poor ground clearance and can even be challenged by some of the more aggressive speed humps!
Overall, the Impreza is an improved car but sadly the AWD set up means it isn't that green and only the WRX STi version is truly desirable.
Michael Sheridan
