It would be a major understatement to call the design of this Impreza controversial. Such was the negative reaction among Subaru’s vociferous online fanbase to early images that this car has already joined the small and inauspicious group of vehicles that have had major facelifts ordered before they even go on sale. A new radiator grille and front-end are said to be under development already.
In basic trim, the Impreza’s awkward proportions, slabby detailing and the teetering stance bequeathed by the standard 15-inch wheels conspire to make it look small and dull (it’s actually 210mm longer than a Golf). Fortunately the RX spec of our test car brings 17in alloys and most of the forthcoming WRX’s bodykit, which sharpens the Impreza’s looks without getting too boy racer-ish. The meatier front and rear bumpers also look far better, although the clear-look LED tail lights appear very aftermarket.
The 1.5 and 2.0-litre normally aspirated engines are both tweaked versions of those in the previous-generation car, with most of the changes designed to improve driveability and reduce emissions. The 2.0-litre unit has a new Active Valve Control system and produces 148bhp at 6400rpm (down from 158bhp in the Mk2), but peak torque has risen slightly to 144lb ft at 3200rpm.
Drive is supplied by either a five-speed manual gearbox or an optional four-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels via a viscous coupling, which Subaru claims allows the torque split between front and rear axles to be varied far more quickly than the part-time systems offered by rivals. The Impreza also comes with the compellingly strange addition of a dual-ratio transfer box, allowing low-range gears to be selected by a second gear lever; it’s useful for towing or mild off-road use.
