Subaru Impreza 2007 Review

Call it the shock of the new. When Subaru pulled the covers off this all-new, third-generation Impreza at April's New York motor show, it caused a near furore. But now, some months later, with the dust starting to settle and the first media drives staged in Japan, opinions are already starting to soften. In certain colours and spec, the Impreza, whisper it, actually doesn't look too bad at all (most would say).

But how does it drive? Has Subaru really done something different to match that controversial new shape? Or has it, heaven forbid, lost the plot and screwed up one of the most iconic Japanese cars of the past decade?

Hardcore Impreza enthusiasts should stop reading now. There's no new WRX STi yet, and these Japanese launch cars have different engines and chassis settings to those that will be shipped to Oz. Their range is also different, with a base 1.5-litre, middle rank 2.0-litre and semi-hot 2.0-litre turbo S-GT.

Australia, in contrast, will get a 2.0-litre Impreza with more power and torque, and a 2.5-litre turbo WRX based on the S-GT - though with the same 169kW/320Nm outputs of the existing model WRX. Both engines will feature in this striking five-door hatchback body, with design echoes of the Alfa Romeo 147, Mazda 3 and BMW 1 Series - with a hint of Daewoo Lanos, too.

Whatever you think of the design, there's no doubt Subaru has moved the goalposts massively with the new Impreza. It's 50mm shorter, but 45mm wider than today's version, and sits on a wheelbase stretched by 90mm. Equally revolutionary is the interior: simultaneously roomier, more stylish and higher quality - but still with some cheap hard plastics.

As the Impreza has become less quirky, more Eurocentric in a bid to broaden the buyer base, it's also become dynamically 'softer'. Put it all together, and it has the makings of a 'nightmare for traditional Subaruists who'll be convinced the Impreza has lost its edge.

And on the basis of these initial Japan-spec cars, there's some truth to that. We'll skip past the base 1.5-litre model (81kW) that's set up as an price leader, except to say it's unbelievably slow and rolls its way alarmingly through corners when pushed.

Japan's single cam 103kW 2.0-litre is a bit quicker (but not much) with well-balanced but ultimately dull handling, and light steering that's devoid of over-centre feel. Bear in mind, however, that these cars are set up for the Japanese domestic market, and Australia (fortunately) will get firmer spring and damper settings for more incisive handling and tighter body control.

The Impreza's chassis, though, is fundamentally first rate. The all-new double wishbone rear suspension (the Impreza retains struts up front), coupled with wider tracks and that longer wheelbase, position it more securely on the road and transforms the ride. It has good compliance, and shrugs off bumps and patchy surfaces in a way the outgoing car can only dream of. It's refined and comfortable, if a bit lardy.

Pick of the litter from the driver's viewpoint, however, is unquestionably the S-GT, with five-speed manual gearbox in tow. This is the real-deal Impreza: fast, urgent, fun and full of all the character that seems to have been systematically ironed out of the normal models.

There is a four-speed auto available, but the manual 'box lets the engine rip 500rpm higher to a spirited 7500rpm, which liberates so much more of that endearing, wurring Subaru sound.

Another change between the Japan and Oz-spec cars is the turbo. Currently, it's fully on boost by 2800rpm, but Australia's 2.5-litre WRX will get there earlier at 2400rpm. We'll also have a single-scroll turbo with a smaller area to radius for improving low-end torque.

While the S-GT grips keenly, turns in well, doesn't lean much, and feels light and deliciously agile, there's still a rubberiness to its 4WD chassis. Steering response could be sharper, too. Braking stability is top drawer, however. Bottom line: it connects with the driver in the way the cooking models don't. The S-GT also gets sports bucket-seats that are reputedly pretty close to those earmarked for Australia's WRX, and cooler red-on-black instruments. The sports bodykit, plus mandatory bonnet hump, is also pretty tasteful.

Granted, the Impreza faithful won't necessarily be doing cartwheels of joy, but Subaru's icon has definitely grown up. Improved in many key areas but also losing some soul, you could say it's an Impreza, Jim, but not as we know it.

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