The New Subaru Impreza Hatchback!

It may not be an obvious choice for most buyers, but this four-wheel
drive, sub-£20k hatch does have merit This is the new Subaru
Impreza hatchback. It's the same car that was launched in Japan at
the end of 2012, but hasn't pitched up here until now as the UK
importer has been battling unfavourable exchange rates. The Yen vs
sterling situation is now sorted, though, and so here is the more
humdrum hatch. Two versions are available, both using the same
112bhp 1.6-litre flat-four engine but equipped with either a five-
speed manual transmission or a CVT, dubbed Lineartronic.Prices
start at a commendable £17,495 for the Impreza RC in manual form,
rising to £18,995 for the CVT, which has slightly more favourable
CO2 emissions and better official fuel economy at 140g/km and
46.3mpg respectively. It's the CVT version we've tested here.A lack
of other engine choices means the Impreza immediately appears
hobbled compared to the choices available on direct rivals such as
the Focus, Astra and Golf.Yet it does go into battle with some
traditional Subaru signatures. For example, its petrol engine sends
its power to all four wheels – a rather exotic attribute for a sub-
£20k hatchback. On start-up it sounds like a mildly muted version
of the STi's turbocharged flat-four, which is either pleasing or a little
unwelcome depending on your personal taste.It settles down to a
rather refined note for a flat-four though. The trouble is that is needs
a lot of stirring in order to extract any overtaking urge, and if you
need to get up to cruising speeds quickly you need to be quite
brutal with the throttle. In truth, the optional CVT seems mostly to
blame. It's one of those infuriating examples of the breed where
engine speeds rise faster than road speeds; a sort of slipping clutch
reaction every time you put your foot down. Yes, the 'box makes
small positive difference to mpg and CO2 emissions but the manual
instinctively feels like the one to order. Predictably, grip and traction
are good, though we only sampled this Impreza on dry roads. Even
so, the chassis doesn't feel like it's going to be trouble by the 1.6's
power and torque. It's comfortable too. There is some road noise
and a slightly stiff-legged town ride but it settles down at 40-50mph
and stays pliant. One common flaw of Subaru cabins is that they
lack the design flair and quality of the best of the breed. The
Impreza's, true to form, doesn't have the same lustre as you'll get
from, say a VW Golf or Peugeot 308, especially when you cast your
eyes downward. Yet most of the bits that you see and touch are of
decent quality.The controls too are the nice'n'simple variety -
chunky rotary knobs for the heating and the like. They're easy to
use but look rather dated. Comfort is good though, thanks to a flat,
supportive seat and good adjustment, while fore and aft visibility is
better than in most. Space for you, your three passengers and
luggage is good without being exceptional.In fact, good without
being exceptional is the lasting impression of the Impreza. Like for
like, you'd be unwise to consider this instead of a Golf, Focus, or
nearly any other mainstream hatch. And there's no doubt that for a
good sway of company funded buyers not having a diesel is a huge
drawback. Yet, there's no doubt that having four-wheel drive for this
price is an attraction in some parts of the country and that
combined with Subaru's reputation for making hardy, hard-wearing
cars is a compelling choice. So if it's for you it's for you. It's just
not the first (or second) choice for most of us.

-AutoCar