Subaru Impreza RS 2002 Review

In Japanese terms, the traditional means of lifting performance in a bread and butter four cylinder sedan usually involves adding a turbo to blow the cobwebs away or tuning the motor to stretch its engine speed range and allow it to scream away at the top end of the rev band.

While Subaru's WRX has achieved cult status courtesy of taking the former option, the Japanese maker's latest sporty addition to the small Impreza sedan range has taken the simple rationale of bigger engine in smaller car equals more performance.

From the outside, the visuals point to what lies within with a rear deck spoiler, side skirts and a front spoiler incorporating big fog lights but Subaru is no stranger to offering sporty style without the substance, evident in the cheaper 2.0-litre RX.

But, take a peek under the bonnet of the RS and you will find a slightly detuned version of the 2.5-litre flat four from its bigger brother, the Liberty, at least promising the power indicated by the wrapping.

With a 112 kiloWatts peaking at 5600rpm, the RS still likes to be spun through to the top end of the rev band and will deliver accordingly, but the benefits of the greater engine capacity mean that there is also a strong mid-range shove with a not insubstantial maximum torque of 223 Newton metres reached at 3600 revs.

On the road this well-balanced combination translates into solid acceleration off the line with plenty to play with at higher revs. Combined with a precise and well-defined five-speed shift, the engine provides both the encouragement and the means for an enthusiastic drive on a challenging road or perhaps just a little extra confidence to deal with traffic traumas on the urban byways.

The RS's performance quotient, however, is not just measured by the extra power the engine offers as the car has the chassis to match. With the outstanding grip of four wheel drive, and a suspension system perfected in the WRX, the handling of the RS inspires confidence. There is minimal body roll, it has great composure and a feeling that nothing is going to unstick the car. The only slight disappointment is that the steering, while direct, feels a little dead at the wheel.

On the flip side, the ride too is reasonably comfortable but does feel a bit lumpy on rougher roads at suburban speeds.

Inside, the aesthetics point to the sports intent as much as outside with a Momo wheel, big bolstered sports seats and various cosmetic enhancements. The seats themselves are comfy although may be a little less accommodating for those of wider girth and space in the rear is a bit tight. To expand the boot, the rear seat back has a 60/40 split fold arrangement.

For the relatively high $33,000 launch price, the RS has a long equipment list including air con, power windows and mirrors, remote locking, cruise control, CD player, ABS and dual front airbags.

At just over $8000 cheaper than its more infamous WRX kin, and just $2500 more than the style over substance RX, the RS is perhaps the pick of the litter as the best combination for the buyer after a sporty looking small sedan that also delivers on its performance and driving dynamics promise.