Review of the new Subaru Impreza 2.0 Range

In these days of evolutionary car development, it's rare to find car manufacturers ripping up a successful design and starting again. Subaru though have done exactly that, turning their Impreza into what looks like a relatively subdued and sensible five door family hatchback. But appearances can be deceptive, especially in this pacey 2.0-litre model..

Back in the early Nineties, the Impreza burst onto the scene, as the late Colin McCrae won the rally world championships in a vehicle that until that point was considered only worthy of farmyards. Almost single-handedly, McCrae catapulted Subaru into another league; the Impreza took over the mantle left by the likes of the Sierra Cosworth, harnessing awesome power, four seats, and a proper boot.

This Subaru then went from strength to strength, its reliability and power equally effective in growing its credibility in the market place. Suddenly this Japanese marque was no longer seen as a manufacturer of farmyard vehicles. Now, it seemed, they made solid family cars, with a real sporty edge. Over time of course, the Impreza's design changed slightly but the engine and four wheel drive set-up remained basically the same. That is, until the launch of this latest generation version.

The 2.0-litre Impreza we're looking at here is for the first time a conventionally-shaped hatchback. This is the first and most obvious fact and something indicative of the seriousness of Subaru's attempt to break into Focus and Golf territory. The car is still built around the famed horizontally opposed boxer engine though, giving this car a subtle burble on idle, suggesting some of the former model's character may have been kept on it's replacement.

"It seems cars with genuine character are few and far between. This Impreza has arrived on a mission to reverse this trend"

It seems cars with genuine character are few and far between. The current Impreza has arrived on a mission to reverse this trend and in 2.0-litre petrol form as tested here, it seems to stack up - on paper at least. Sixty takes 9.6s on the way to 113mph. On the move, the engine has a warming grumbling sound which manages to entertain on even long journeys. Similarly genuine character can be found when it comes to the handling reserves on offer. There's some real enjoyment to be had as you dash from bend to bend and the car sticks to the road, helped immeasurably by Subaru's peerless expertise in creating four-wheel-drive systems. The 2.0R model I tried corners superbly, taking bends flat, rather than wallowing helplessly, but this isn't to say there's an overly sporty and uncomfortable ride. Somehow, Subaru's engineers have managed to retain enough genuine comfort to please those more concerned about comfort than performance.

By utilising a flat four engine, the design team have been able to mount the engine lower in the car, lowering the vehicle's centre of gravity. Marry this to a four wheel drive system and you have the recipe for peerless road manners. The steering is precise, and being a hatchback, all round visibility is excellent. Overall, there are few obvious faults to be found when driving this car. The Impreza may have changed shape, but at the same time, it's become far more refined and seemingly a credible family hatchback option.

Interiors have never been a strong point of Subaru, and once again it's a fair bet the Impreza won't be winning any awards in this area. However there is an improvement. Plastics have improved and the finish is a little better than that of the previous generations: significantly there wasn't a rattle to be heard in the model I drove. Sadly, I didn't feel that the latest exterior styling was much to write home about - but I guess that's a matter of personal taste.

The dashboard is functional if not dynamic, with the storage areas a little too plasticky. Rear leg room is plentiful though and the boot is roomy enough for most families, offering split rear seats as standard. This is no different however, to most other cars in the family hatchback market. I think Subaru may have missed a trick here. Had they used a similar level of imagination on the internals and exterior design of the car as they did with its driving experience, they could well have had a sales success on their hands.

The Impreza range as a whole starts with 1.5R model and even that car is decently equipped, offering climate control and a CD player. The 2.0R (costing £15,495) offers a similar level of specification. You get electric windows, mirrors, climate control and split rear seats. Step up to the 2.0 RX and there's a £2,500 premium that gets you cruise control, bucket seats and sat nav. From then on we get into Turbo territory with a WRX model which offers the same specification internally as the 2.0R but improved seats. The engine also increases to a 2.5 litre.

Unfortunately there's no leather option to be found in the options list. ESP has been included from the 2.0-litre engines upwards and there are front and side airbags fitted to all models. As you'd expect from a manufacturer renowned for their reliability, all cars come with a three year, 60,000 mile warranty.

The 2.0-litre Impreza has a combined mpg figure of 33.6 for the manual option. While this isn't the greatest figure in the world, it's hardly surprising as permanent four wheel drive allied to a 2.0-litre engine doesn't equal light weight. Buyers should be aware then, that they'll become more familiar with their local filling station. On the up side, the reliability of these engines is up there with the likes of Honda. The chances of anything other than routine maintenance being needed are relatively slim.

Currently, there is no diesel engine available, but with Subaru recently branching into the world of diesels in the Legacy, this may not be too far away. Cost per mile in the 2.0R works out at a heady 47.2 pence. To offer some form of comparison to that figure, the marvellous Ford Focus ST is give or take the same cost.

Despite Subaru's best efforts, the Impreza remains a 'love-it-or-hate-it' 'marmite'-style car. Those who loved it before and can get along with the latest looks will continue to do so. Those that didn't may not easily be converted. And yet, this 2.0-litre model is a curiously endearing thing. That glorious boxer engine note. The leach-like roadholding. There aren't too many family hatchbacks for this kind of money that are as enjoyable to drive. If that's what you crave, then it's worth putting this car on your shopping list.

TOP 3 IMPREZA DEALS

The results below show the top IMPREZA deals on buyacar

Subaru Impreza 2.0 RC 5dr Hatchback
Price £18,825 Read Impreza Reviews	Save £630
Subaru Impreza 1.5 RC 5dr Hatchback
Price £16,977 Read Impreza Reviews	Save £428
Subaru Impreza 2.0 RC 5dr Auto Hatchback
Price £19,720 Read Impreza Reviews	Save £735
VIEW MORE DISCOUNT IMPREZA DEALS