Subaru hatches new Impreza

By Michael Moroney

The Subaru Impreza is an iconic car, not just for Subaru fanciers, but for those with rallying ambitions. In recent months, Subaru as upgraded the Impreza, toning down its rally-driving looks and converting it into a more sedate-looking hatchback. We give our verdict.

After a week behind the wheel of the Subaru Impreza, I detect a slight change in the emphasis for the car. While the engine design and the handling remain distinct, the image seems different. It's as if Subaru is attempting to broaden the Impreza appeal by offering a five-door hatchback and a more sedate-looking version of the car. Granted, the five-door version has been available in the Impreza before in the guise of the Impreza Sport. This new model is a significant improvement in style terms over the older five-door, but it feels more toned down than the saloon model.

For my recent test drive, I had the new Subaru Impreza 2.0R model to drive. The car retains the legendary Subaru Boxer engine. The four cylinders in the engine operate in a horizontal fashion, rather than in vertical motion as in most other cars. Subaru claims that this engine structure gives better road holding, as the engine has a lower centre of gravity in the car's structure. The 2.0-litre engine develops 150bhp at a relatively high engine rev level of 6,400rpm. The engine torque output levels are also relatively high, but not extraordinary given the overall engine power.

In pace terms, the Impreza has an acceleration time of 9.6 seconds in a 0 to 100km/hr race. The engine has a unique and particular tone, leading you to expect pace from the Impreza. However, when you compare it with the competition you find that it's not that pacey at all. I compared the performance with some comparable models and found that even the new Fiat Bravo, with a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine, will deliver an 8.5 second performance. Relative to the more expensive competition, such as the Audi A3 or BMW 1 Series, the 2.0-litre Impreza does not deliver the best acceleration performance, but it is price-competitive.

The Impreza uses an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system for enhanced road-holding and this can be part of the reason for the relatively lower acceleration performance. This system drives all four wheels and ensures excellent road-holding. The Subaru Boxer engine design suits this system well as it allows for a straight line drive to all axles. Both the engine and the AWD system help to preserve the lower centre of gravity. You can feel the difference when you corner on poorer roads, as the car grips the tarmac. This is a part of the Impreza pedigree that continues to impresses.

The Impreza is going to be yet another casualty of the new Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) system. The car comes with a CO2 rating of 199g/km, which pushes it into the F category under the new system. So you can expect a price rise come July.

The fuel economy figures are relatively high. The manual version that I drove delivers a figure of 8.4 litres/100km (33mpg). That's a relatively poor performance for a modest- sized car in economy terms.

In space terms, the new Impreza hatchback is an average-sized car. It will be seen in space terms relative to the likes of the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. The car seems slightly wider, giving good driver and passenger space with average rear passenger legroom. The Subaru Impreza deal in price terms could be considered to be value. You are getting a 2.0-litre car, from a niche player in the market, with all-wheel-drive and excellent road-holdling for a competitive price of €27,995 (stg£14,995 in Northern Ireland) before delivery charges. For the average Ford Focus price, you can get a more competitive 1.5-litre version of the Impreza, with similar looks and AWD for €23,495 (stg£12,495 in NI).

But is it enough to move Golf drivers or offer a more competitive choice for Audi A3 or BMW 1 Series drivers? The Impreza will give you something different in terms of style and engine performance and handling. But it will cost a bit more at the pumps.

The overall design effect is rather bland; I think that Subaru designers should have gone a little further. The new Impreza needs a stronger image to confirm its performance aspirations.