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Subaru Impreza - Out to Imprezz

A Woman's View - Will It Suit Me?

Were I to be looking for a family hatchback, I very much doubt that Subaru's Impreza would figure highly on my shortlist. After driving one recently, I've begun to think that maybe I should think again on that point. Quirky this car may be but it's a lot less quirky than it used to be, with a family-friendly five-door body and diesel power on offer at last. Time to give this car a second chance.

The Practicalities

The five-door bodyshape is always a practical option and the Impreza combines ease of loading passengers with a boxy 538-litre boot space that's equally user friendly. It was easy to get child seats in and out and the hard-wearing seat fabric is easily wipe-clean.

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. The side skirts and spoilers on the WRX models do sharpen-up that sporty edge but ultimately, you could be looking at almost any warmed-over shopping hatch. There's nothing about the car's appearance that overtly pokes you in the eye and shouts Impreza! At least the interior is a big step forward. The tough plastics and staid design of the old car have finally been axed in favour of the superior quality materials and modern layout in this model.

Behind the Wheel

As you'd expect from Subaru, four-wheel drive is standard on every model, making the car a sure-fire favourite with country dwellers. Subaru's favoured horizontally-opposed ‘Boxer' engine layout is employed across the Impreza line-up. It produces a low centre of gravity in the car helping the latest Impreza retain its high levels of grip and steering accuracy while minimising body roll. From the 2.0-litre models upwards, all models get an anti-roll bar and the SVDC dynamics control package as an extra safety net should the full-time all-wheel-drive transmission system relinquish its hold on the road. Under normal conditions, drive is split 50/50 between the front and rear axles in the manual cars (60/40 in the automatic) but a centre differential with viscous coupling diverts torque to the axle with most grip to reduce wheelspin. The WRX and STi models also feature a mechanical limited-slip differential between the rear wheels.

Family hatchback buyers bent on achieving ultimate fuel economy tend to pick diesel engines and these days, they can have one in the Impreza. The 150PS Boxer 2.0D version manages 47.9mpg on the combined cycle and 155g/km of CO2. Otherwise, petrol buyers can expect average economy from the modern non-turbocharged petrol engines and the kind of thirst you'd expect in a top-end performance hatchback from the WRX. 37.7mpg is the stated average for the 1.5-litre car, the 2.0-litre engine manages 33.6mpg and the 2.5T unit in the WRX does 27.2mpg. In terms of CO2 emissions, the WRX produces a hefty 246g/km, the 2.0 is rated at 194g/km and the 1.5-litre engine produces 176g/km.

Value for money

Today's Impreza range is clearly split between maniac performance models and sensible family cars. The five-door bodystyle means that the car is inevitably going to be compared with the leading family hatchbacks where the saloon and estate Impreza range of yore always resisted classification because there was nothing else quite like it. It is important to remember that with its 4x4 transmission, the Impreza is still quite unlike other family hatchbacks and much of its success may hinge on whether the market deems all-wheel-drive a sufficiently desirable feature in this type of car. At around £20,000, the WRX goes straight up against the top hot hatchbacks. Above it sits the entry-level £26,000 STi version.

The specification looks generous across the range. Aside from the all-wheel-drive issue, all models get alloy wheels, climate control, a CD stereo, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, fog lamps, electric windows and a vehicle information display. The airbag quotient is also good, with side front and curtain ‘bags on all models. The 2.0-litre models can also be obtained in RX trim which adds various exterior styling accessories including larger 17" alloy wheels. It also enhances the equipment list with keyless entry, a starter button, cruise control and a 10-speaker stereo system. The WRX model features all of the above plus xenon headlamps, a six-disc auto changer and more aggressive styling.

Could I Live With One?

This Impreza is a far more competitive proposition than many family buyers realise - plus there's the unique bonus of four wheel drive to help you through those icy snaps in mid-Winter.

Some manufacturers are only just getting round to producing family hatchbacks with a go-anywhere feel. Subaru have been doing it for years - and it shows.

About the Author

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