Subaru Impreza

For:

As ever, the four-wheel drive chassis delivers impressive poise and involvement, even in the lower reaches of the range. Prices are competitive, while kit levels are generous too.

Against:

Anonymous styling on all but the STi model, as well as a drab and flimsy interior put the Impreza on the back foot. High running costs and the lack of a diesel engine for the moment don’t help either.

Overview

Even Subaru won’t deny the collective gasp that shuddered around the room when the covers were pulled off the latest generation Subaru Impreza at the 2007 New York Motor Show.

One of the most hotly anticipated cars of the year, the Impreza’s radical new look may not have been a huge surprise to those that had witnessed the camouflage gradually disappear in the run up to the high-profile launch, but it was still a sight to behold under the bright lights of the show stand.

The response wasn’t exactly kind. Enthusiasts riled Subaru for switching to a conventional hatchback in their search for a ‘higher calibre’ of driver, while journalists pondered exactly how the iconic car seemed to be ageing before their very eyes.

When it was later announced that the WRX model – a staple for Subaru sales in the UK – was not coming to these shores, loyal fans and dealers greeted the top brass with considerable animosity.

So why take such a radical change of direction?

In fairness, Subaru never meant to become the ‘boy-racers’ favourite. Away from their success in the World Rally Championship, Subaru’s sporty aspirations only ever really lay with the Impreza, and even then that was consigned to the top end models. Trouble is, with such a meagre model line-up, that reputation was what was keeping them afloat in a harsh market.

Even so, there has been an insistence amongst those higher up the company that Subaru are capable of achieving better and have steadily begun repositioning themselves as a rival to BMW and Audi. This began with the Legacy, followed by the Tribeca and now the Impreza.

Luckily, public pressure means a WRX is now available in the UK, but there is still a sense that the Impreza is going after a rather different audience now.

So, does this ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ approach mean a chance to discover some hidden gems beneath the exterior? We find out.

Design – 6/10

Subaru have never quite found their feet when it comes to good design. Whether it was the wedge-shape SVX coupe of the early-90s, the roundly riled ‘bug-eye’ Impreza or the over-styled Tribeca SUV, Subaru have always fallen awkwardly between quirky and dull.

In essence, the only recent model they have struck a nice compromise with has been the Legacy, not least because it best interprets Subaru’s more prestigious intentions these days.

Quite what went wrong with the Impreza though is anyone’s guess.

It seems ironic, given their hopes of positioning this car as a rival to the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3, that the Impreza instead seems to be closer in appearance to Korean models of old. It doesn’t help that few people are used to seeing the Impreza badge on the back of a hatchback, but even with that in consideration, there is little to commend.

The biggest issue is arguably the proportions, which appear to have no distinction and remind us of cars being sold a decade ago – a Nissan Almera anyone? On top of that, large wheelarches mean the wheels appear grossly undersized unless you are buying a WRX or STi model.

Even then, all models get the same anonymous face which, although curvy, is again remarkably dated for a car that was penned just over a year ago. Subaru have attempted to claw back some ground with an eye-catching rear-end, complete with stylised tail lights, but while these look fine in isolation, they don’t match the reserved nature of the rest of the car.

Indeed, it is a shame then that the better-looking saloon, which made up the vast majority of sales in the UK during the last three generation models, won’t be on sale here. Still, those lucky enough to be buying the STi will get a far meaner looking machine as Subaru have suitably ‘pimped’ it up to look far better than the car it is based on.

Behind the Wheel – 6/10

There isn’t a huge improvement inside either as it is here where Subaru takes another considerable beating in their quest to challenge the market’s best.

On the surface, the design is pleasant enough, being logically laid out and simple to use. However, it is desperately unappealing to touch. Indeed, although there is a sense that everything is well screwed together, the plastics used are no improvement on those that were previously offered in the Impreza. Feeling flimsy and proving easily-marked, the interior is a considerable disappointment.

Indeed, while criticisms, such as the dated window controls and thin handbrake, seem relatively minor, they are still errors that Subaru will need to address in the future if they are to pose a greater challenge. After all, with the likes of Kia and Hyundai now offering an upmarket impression with the c’eed and i30, the Impreza is nowhere near close to being good enough.

On the Road – 8/10

Thankfully, Subaru can at least fall back on their reputation for offering finely balanced driving machines and the Impreza is no exception to the rule.

As ever, all models come equipped with four-wheel-drive and while the lesser variants don’t get the same honed experience as that on the WRX and STi models, each Impreza holds its own on a twisty road.

With almost perfect weight distribution, the Impreza has superb balance and grips well round corners. The shorter dimensions also make the new car slightly more agile than before, something that can certainly be felt on the higher-powered models, which have the engine to exploit the chassis’ dexterity.

Unsurprisingly, much is said of the halo STi and WRX models. With tuned 2.5-litre turbocharged engines, both satisfy the marque’s loyal band of followers by proving typically quick and involving to drive.

Elsewhere, the remaining range is made up of 1.5 and 2.0-litre petrol engines, while the recently launched 2.0-litre diesel will join the range soon too. Unfortunately, neither engine is perfect. In its 1.5-litre guise, the 108bhp unit struggles to haul the extra weight brought on by the heavier than normal chassis, reaching 60mph in a rather noisy 13.7secs. Indeed, while it sits between its rivals’ 1.4 and 1.6-litre offerings, the engine ends up lacking the economy of the former and the pace of the latter.

The 2.0-litre is the better bet overall, but with combined mpg figures of just over 30mpg, it is the critically acclaimed diesel that tempted buyers must hold out for.

Running Costs – 6/10

The advantage of having four-wheel-drive on the road, however, proves a flip side when it comes to running costs. With none of the current petrol engines able to deliver the kind of economy figures that are becoming increasingly crucial in the small family class at the moment, the forthcoming diesel cannot come soon enough. Trouble is, it is thought to be a year away still.

In the meantime, even the smaller 1.5-litre engine emits a surprisingly high 176g/km of carbon dioxide emissions, rising to 199g/km for the 2.0-litre, while the WRX will ruffle some environmental feathers at 246g/km.

On the plus side, Subaru have established themselves as one of the most reliable manufacturers in the market. Although they no longer sweep the customer satisfaction surveys like they did in the 1990s, reliability remains a considerable strength today and the Impreza is unlikely to be any different.

Value for Money – 8/10

Interestingly, for a manufacturer targeting the upper end of the market, the Impreza remains very good value.

Starting at £12,495 for the entry-level 1.5R, the Impreza gets all of the usual features as standard, including a brace of airbags, a CD Player and electric windows, but also adds alloy wheels and climate control to that list. It also comes with an insurance group of just 4.

However, things get considerably more expensive as you ascend the range. The 2.0R is similarly equipped to its smaller engined counterpart, but is accompanied by a £2,500 price hike, while the mid-range RX model is £17,495.

The popular WRX is also well-equipped, but the combination of the brand and a powerful engine means it wears a price tag of £19,995. Even so, that does put it comfortably in range with the likes of the Ford Focus ST.

The flagship STi is, unsurprisingly, far pricier at £24,995. However, this is actually lower than its predecessor and means it undercuts the Lancer Evolution by at least £2,500.

Practicality – 7/10

One advantage in making the switch from saloon to hatchback has been the benefits in practicality. Although Subaru have always offered a hatchback-cum-estate alongside the four-door in the past, the more conventional current model feels more practical.

Even so, while it will seat four comfortably, the wide transmission tunnel means space for five is at a premium. A more dedicated estate variant has been mooted for the future.

Verdict – 6/10

Subaru is unlikely to have been flattered by the criticisms levelled at the Impreza since its launch but, sadly for them, the negative remarks are not unfounded.

In trying to lure new customers to the brand, they have risked alienating the dedicated followers that have served Subaru well in the past. It wouldn’t be so bad if their execution in trying to match the likes of BMW and Audi was successful, but it isn’t.

Let down considerably by its dated looks and a cabin that feels decidedly low-rent, the Impreza fails in the two areas that Subaru were desperately trying to get right.

Instead, an enjoyable chassis, lively engines and decent value for money comprise the Impreza’s plus points, particularly if you buy the WRX or the bonkers STi.

However, given that these are the very features that have made the Impreza into something of a modern legend over the years, you have to wonder why Subaru would want to go changing that.

• Best Model: 2.5T WRX (£19,995)