In objective terms the 2.0-litre Impreza is reasonably rapid. We recorded 8.9sec for the 0-60mph benchmark, well inside Subaru’s claimed 9.2sec time.
The problem is that this performance only arrives close to the 6400rpm at which the engine delivers its peak power: a noisy experience. Only having five ratios means the Impreza is a vocal motorway companion; the engine spins at a loud 4000rpm at a fast-lane cruise.
On the road the Impreza feels slower than the test figures suggested, a sensation not helped by the rubbery action of the gearchange.
Braking is far better. The Impreza stops from 70mph in just 46.8 metres. The brake pedal is also firm and easy to modulate.
The chassis is fundamentally very good; compliant springs smooth progress over rougher surfaces while the no-nonsense dampers keep the body under tight control over bigger bumps. Motorway cruising is respectable. Stability is good at speed, but road-noise levels are high.
The four-wheel drive system works unobtrusively on dry roads, where its efforts are rarely apparent. But in slippery conditions it comes into its own, the viscous coupling shunting torque between the axles to find the available grip and helping to keep the Impreza sticking closely to its line well beyond the point where front-driven rivals would have washed out. Two-litre versions also get an ESP system, a first for the Impreza. This works cleanly and effectively, adding reassurance in poor conditions.
The steering lacks much in the way of initial off-centre bite, but beyond about 15 degrees of wheel travel the responses sharpen up, and there’s a reasonable amount of feel.
On longer corners it’s possible to use the accelerator to dictate the line, everything tightening up nicely on a lifted throttle. Over a rough, bumpy and unknown section of road you can drive the Impreza at speed and in comfort, flowing over the undulations rather than trying to pummel them into submission.
