I think not everything is true - Impreza don't came to fight sporty hatches like Astra VXR or Focus ST, but came to fight bestsellers. It means that the basic version must offer good value for money at first and acceptable design. Subaru must sell at first, and then it can offer top models for special prices (look at Porsche!). Try to understand that predecessing versions were too brutal and then cheap models looked uncomplete - so they were practically unsaleable.
I think new Impreza is OK, try to compare with comparatible competitors. This 1.5 litre has no real competitor! There is no other 4WD hatchback which wouldn't try to be "sporty" and which can offer any cheaper version. And your thrust against CO2 emissions - I can only smile, it is permanent 4x4 car and it naturally has higher consumption. The nearest petrol 4x4 hatchback is Volkswagen Golf 2.0FSI 4Motion and it's price.....it is another story.
Anyway - compare Golf 2.0FSIMotion and Impreza 2.0R - compare price, power, comfort, weight, consumption (emissions!) and you must accept, that Impreza is the real alternative for those who want or need 4x4 traction without unneeded power.
I like new Impreza and I think it can be succesfull - other question would be why subaru don't offer any front-wheel-drive version. Only 4WD strategy set limits to market possibilities for better sales.
