Review of the new Subaru Impreza 2.0D

Subaru's all-wheel-drive Impreza looks a more rounded proposition with the 2.0-litre diesel engine installed. The car will continue to be best known for its rally replica performance versions but with diesel running costs, it becomes a viable proposition for a different group of buyers. Sharp handling, sure-footed grip and generous equipment levels are the strong points: only interior quality has room for improvement.

The commercial chances of many cars have been scuppered by a big but. Citroen's C3 Pluriel is a fun, four seat convertible but to drive it fully converted, you have to leave crucial bits of the roof at home and pray it doesn't rain. Volkswagen's Phaeton is a thoroughly competent luxury saloon but sporting the VW badge in a prestige market, it depreciates like a stick of dynamite with the fuse ablaze. With Subaru's Impreza, the big 'but' was the absence of the diesel engine that increasing numbers of family hatchback buyers insist on. The Impreza 2.0D punts that 'but' into touch, so can Subaru's family hatch go on to greater things?

Subaru did remarkably well for a remarkably long time without the benefit of a diesel engine option of any kind. The marque's first oil-burner wasn't unveiled until the 2007 Frankfurt motorshow and for a first go, the 2.0-litre common-rail unit with Subaru's traditional 'boxer' horizontally opposed cylinder layout and variable geometry turbocharging wasn't half bad. Its production debut came in the Legacy saloon, then it popped up in the Forester all-wheel drive estate. The Impreza was the last of Subaru's core models to get the unit but thus equipped, it immediately looked a far more viable proposition on the UK family hatch market.

The 148bhp diesel engine might not be able to match the performance of the 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit found in the Impreza WRX and STi derivatives but for a 2.0-litre oil-burner in a family hatch, it isn't lacking in punch. The 350Nm maximum torque is on song between 1,800 and 2,400rpm for a strong pull through the middle of the rev-range. The 0-60mph sprint is knocked off in nine seconds dead and a 127mph top speed is possible where conditions permit. All models get a six-speed manual gearbox with a positive short throw action.

"Diesel instantly makes the Subaru a far more attractive proposition."

The Impreza features the added security and traction that comes from Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. Power is distributed to the wheels that can best deploy it by the VDC Vehicle Dynamics Control electronics, making the Impreza one of the most sure-footed family hatchbacks it's possible to buy.

In the UK, the Impreza was always either a saloon or a five-door Sport Wagon that trod the line between hatchback and estate, but now it's only offered as a conventional five-door hatch. The car is 45mm wider than the old Sport Wagon and has 95mm extra in the wheelbase. This brings a useful increase in interior space that will go down well with family buyers, as will the more compact rear suspension design which facilitates a 170-litre increase in boot space to 538 litres. Despite these advantages, some will still mourn the passing of the distinctive saloon bodystyle. What's been gained is greater practicality and a higher class interior, albeit one that still falls some distance behind the class best.

The current car has definitely lost some visual impact compared to previous generation Imprezas. Subaru scatter words like 'restrained' and 'elegant' through their PR blurb and in the past, these were never terms that you'd have read in association with the styling direction of an Impreza. It's pleasant enough to look at but the shape is pure family hatchback with little to engage the eye. We're told the aerodynamics have been enhanced, improving efficiency but you could have guessed that. The sleeker shape contrasts strongly with old Imprezas that always look like they're trying to devour the air ahead rather than slice efficiently through it.

Buyers of diesel Imprezas have a pair of trim levels to choose from, badged RC and RX. Equipment levels are strong throughout, with even the basic RC featuring Xenon headlamps, electric windows, a 6 CD autochanger, front fog lamps heated front seats, electric heated mirrors and cruise control. Make the step up to the RX version and keyless entry, full leather trim, electric driver's seat adjustment and an electric sunroof are included. Compared to rival family hatchbacks like the Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra with similar 2.0-litre diesel engines, the Impreza 2.0D looks expensive. It's important, however, to factor in the Impreza's size, its all-wheel-drive mechanicals and its generous specification. Take these factors into account and the money Subaru is asking for seems far more reasonable.

Before the 2.0D models arrived, The Subaru Impreza's running costs were a significant handicap. The best fuel economy in the range came from the 38mpg 1.5-litre petrol model and if you wanted one of the high performance 2.5-litre turbo models, then you'd be very lucky to average better than 25mpg. The 2.0D, by contrast, can chip in with a very creditable 47.9mpg combined economy figure and CO2 emissions of 155g/km. It instantly makes the Subaru a far more attractive proposition for high mileage drivers and may also encourage company car users to give the Impreza more consideration.

A diesel engine option is virtually essential these days for a car aiming to compete in the mainstream of the family hatchback market and for too long, Subaru's Impreza didn't have one. It's making up for lost time now with an advanced 2.0-litre oil-burner on its books and sales levels can only go one way as a result.

Despite moves to bring the latest car in from its previous positioning as a specialist performance model, the Impreza remains an individual choice with its all-wheel-drive mechanicals and detailed specification. If you're fed up with the more obvious hatchback choices, Subaru's effort could be the answer.

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