Subaru's latest generation Impreza has broken the Japanese manufacturer's mould in a serious way, says Hailey Philander after completing a road test in the 2.0-litre model.

New Subaru Impreza is a hot hatchback

For one, in all markets other than the US, the new Impreza is only available in hatchback form. That's mainly because hatchbacks far outsell sedans in most European nations, but perhaps also to re-establish Subaru as a rally ace after the thumping its been receiving from more nimble hatchback counterparts in the WRC.

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Another big thing is that this Impreza, when compared with its predecessor, is like comparing the idiomatic chalk and cheese. Where the Impreza sedan's biggest drawcard was its impeccable on-road presence, its interior appointments and all-round aesthetics were always a great source of debate.

More stylish and refined than before

In its latest generation, the Impreza not only looks completely different, it is a helluva lot more refined. Gone is the awkward (some would even say "ugly") grille in favour of a more formulaic front end with a sports grille and fog lamps on the 2.0R model tested. The rounded rump with "aftermarket-like" tail lights also takes some getting used to.

Gone too are the cheap and nasty interior plastics, replaced instead with hard but durable finishes inside the cabin. The overall effect is a lot easier on the eye, incorporating many elements first seen on the Tribeca SUV's award-winning facia. Its biggest impression new Impreza leaves is that it has lost a lot of its previously rugged appeal.

All-wheel drive gives impressive road-holding

However, the one place where this Impreza has not lost its edge is in the dynamics department. Thanks largely to the symmetrical all-wheel drive system that typifies all Subaru products, this Impreza's impressive road-holding imbues one with the inexplicable urge to take all corners with tyres squealing.

Helping too is the hatchback's fully independent suspension, including a double wishbone rear suspension lifted from more luxurious big brother Legacy. In the compact hatchback, this translates to a vehicle that is nimble and an absolute hoot to drive on practically any road surface. 

Matched with a flawless naturally aspirated 2.0-litre boxer engine that generates 100 kW and 196 Nm between 2 000 and 4 000 r/min, Impreza is even more entertaining. An Active Valve Control System (AVCS) or continuously variable valve timing used is also said to improve torque deliver in the low to medium rev range.

Start the Subaru Impreza and let the games begin

And while this unit (with a few adjustments) has been carried over from the previous model, it has not lost any of the spine-tingling raspiness the flat-four is renowned for. Toss in the slick-shifting five-speed manual gearbox on the test unit and meaty steering feel through the leather-wrapped steering wheel, and let the games begin. Soft cloth sport seats are supremely comfortable too, offering the right kind of lateral support when pushing Impreza through a set of tight sweeps.

Aiding the Impreza's impressive roadholding is the fact that its horizontally-opposed boxer engine is now placed lower in the engine bay, thereby also lowering the centre of gravity for confidence-boosting handling.

Lack of bootspace is the Impreza's only negative

The only obvious drawback of this car is the lack of bootspace. A hatchback, by virtue of its basic dimensions, is always disadvantaged in the bootspace department. But Impreza's is simply laughable, making this car absolutely impractical for the booster-seated types.

Single sisters, empty-nesters and those who just don’t care may be pleased to know that the puny bootspace is another sign of the symmetrical all-wheel drive system in place. The high floor accommodates the intrusive rear axle, although an exceptionally wide track, which also is very useful for high-speed antics, ensures the boot's aperture is quite spacious.

But with all these extras you'll forget about boot size

But thankfully, there are many more thoughtful touches added to this model that will soon have you forgetting about the load space.

The 2.0R comes with a lengthy list of standard equipment including six airbags, power windows and mirrors, climate control, cruise control, satellite controls on the steering wheel that is also adjustable for reach and rake, and height adjustment for the driver's seat.
The manual test unit was also equipped with hill start assist, along with Subaru's Vehicle Dynamics Control (or ESP), ABS with EBD and brake assist.

 A full sized spare wheel is standard on all Impreza models, too. The 2.0-litre is also fitted with stylish 16-inch wheels shod with Pirelli rubber. A six-disc audio system with MP3 functionality is standard too.

And that is the conundrum the latest generation Impreza poses - it's infinitely more refined than its predecessor, but has this softening also diminished its appeal with die-hard Subaru addicts.

Best handling hatchbck in its category

It is arguably the best handling hatchback in the compact segment at this moment, and the 2.0-litre model certainly makes a stronger argument than any other models in the current line-up - bar the STI when it arrives shortly - but all this excitement is perhaps all too easily overshadowed by a rather dull appearance.

Price - R229 000