NOW IT'S IMPREZIV

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Apr 8, 2007 | by QUENTIN WILLSON

SUBARU took the wraps off their new WRX this week - and the four- door has to be the most handsome incarnation of the new Impreza line- up.

With more than a hint of the BMW 3-Series, I particularly like its gaping bonnet scoop, and for once there's a frontal aspect that isn't going to frighten small children.

Altogether it's a more unified design, a significantly more upmarket package than its predecessor, with superior build quality, plusher and roomier interiors and a more mass-market, mainstream appeal. Subaru have wisely twigged that there's a limit to how much horsepower you can shoehorn in, and that their bucks would be better spent giving the iconic banshee a softer and more suburban accessibility.

The 2.5 four-pot turbocharged and intercooled flat-four Boxer lump remains unchanged at 225bhp, with upgraded brakes and some tweaking of the all-wheel drive set-up. Five-speed manual is standard, with the option of a fivespeed auto with Sportshift manual control. Performance numbers remain impressive, with a 0-60 dash of six seconds and a max of 145.

Die-hard Scooby fans may be disappointed, but I think this is absolutely the right way to go with the Impreza, moving its market away from a bad boy's toy to a 30-something's skateboard. In the process it's bound to steal sales from the excellent but ubiquitous 3-Series.

But don't despair all you adrenaline addicts out there - there's always the Mitsubishi Evo IX.

TECH FILE

Engine: 2,457cc turbo

0-60: 6.1secs

Max: 145mph

Power: 225bhp

Price: pounds 16,500

Who'll Drive It: Buccaneering blokes bored with BMWs