Subaru Impreza

Subaru Impreza

Average. The Impreza story isn't just about the WRX STi anymore. Subaru wants a slice of the small family car market too, but with poor economy, high CO2 emissions and a diesel variant still a fair way off, it doesn't quite cut it with the competition.

Subaru has come under some criticism for the drastic restyling of their most iconic car. And we can see why. The Impreza has been a saloon since its launch back in 1993, but most recently it has been completely re-vamped into a hatchback design. Subaru is clear in its reasoning behind the decision, aiming the new Impreza directly at a market currently dominated by the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. That's not to say it's made a bad car. Quite the opposite, in fact. The pick of the bunch is the 2.0-litre RX - the 1.5-litre is neither frugal enough (37.7mpg combined), nor as good looking, and the 2.0-litre R lacks some of the standard equipment you get on the RX, including climate control and 10 speaker DVD Sat Nav/CD/MP3 player. It looks closer to the WRX model, getting 17-inch alloys - but minus the bonnet bulge - and the 2.0-litre engine delivers 150bhp and a 0-62mph time of 9.6 seconds.

But if all that sounds a little too reserved for you, there is the monstrous 296bhp WRX STi version. For all of its horsepower, it doesn't feel quite as fast as it should, although there are a number of controls and settings to play with in order to vary the throttle response or differential settings depending on the road conditions or out on the track. The STi gets leather and alcantara seats and the STi logo on the steering wheel and above the glove box. Outside, it can be differentiated by quad tailpipes, flared wheel arches with air intakes behind the front wheels and the unmistakeable bonnet scoop. It will get to 62mph in 4.8 seconds and go on to a top speed of 155mph, so on paper it certainly ticks all the boxes. However, in reality, the STi lacks any real presence on the road and is let down by its relatively sedate styling.

All the models in the range get Symmetrical All-wheel Drive, giving the cars better traction and improving all-round handling. The Impreza is an easy and pleasurable car to drive; steering is well weighted and the six-speed gearbox is smooth. The interior has been improved from its predecessor (as it needed to be), with touches of chrome and blue mood lighting around the dash, soft-touch plastics and front sports seats. Inside the car is spacious; its wheel base is slightly longer than the old saloon, despite the overall body being shorter. This makes it comfortable for four adults and the boot is adequate for a car in this class.

Prices look quite high compared to other models in this segment. In perspective, a top of the range new Ford Focus 2.0-litre petrol is similarly priced to the Impreza 2.0RX, but offers better equipment levels. The range also noticeably lacks a diesel option, although Subaru's new Boxer Diesel engine - launched earlier this year in the Legacy - is expected to make it onto the Impreza range from late 2008.

On the whole, the new Impreza is a competent car, but perhaps its biggest downfall is the association with previous Impreza models. We like the look of the new car in some guises, but the STi doesn't quite live up to its name - it is a more conservative version than we would've liked. As for the rest of the range, it will benefit massively from the introduction of a diesel engine, providing the price is kept reasonable.