Not Quite Enough
by David Morgan (06 Oct 05)

Subaru is convinced it can trade on its past and build a future as a bigger player in the UK market. That's why the 2006 Impreza has been remodelled to appeal to a wider audience while retaining the iconic character of a family machine which earned its stripes as an all-conquering World Rally Car. But anyone expecting spectacular updates will be disappointed. The latest Impreza has an attractive new nose job with more power across the range - but dig deep and it’s all much the same as before.

I came away from the European launch event with mixed feelings. On one hand the increased engine capacity on the WRX models and tweaks to the entry-level two-litre help make best use of Subaru’s legendary symmetrical 4x4 traction. The new front end styling works. It freshens a dated design and delivers character. But, despite trim improvements, the latest interiors fall short of the quality leap seen on the larger Legacy, and I wonder how much longer Subaru can hang on to a bodyshell which is well past its "best by" date.

If there's a secret to Subaru's continuing success it's in the art of building a genuine drivers' car. It may be an overused description, but the 2006 saloons and five-doors are just that and drive brilliantly. Engine capacity has been hiked to 2.5 litres in the WRX and flagship WRX STI models. The old two-litre turbocharged boxer units could never be described as lacking punch, and now an extra 500cc of swept volume brings even more power and torque to this strong flat-four. The WRX gains a nominal 4bhp to bring it to 227bhp while torque rises from 221lb/ft to 236lb/ft, while the STI gets a 16bhp boost to 277bhp and another 36ft/lb of torque to bring it to 236lb/ft.

Traction is astonishing. Even on maximum-rev standing starts the mighty STI shows barely a hint of tyre scrabble. Acceleration is neck-flexing with superb control and poise. The STI's all-wheel-drive system has been revised to make it more agile and deliver better driver feedback, and it works. This car is a flier with 0-60mph acceleration in just five seconds, incredible overtaking ability using its slick six-speed gearbox and a top speed quoted at a whisker under 159mph.

I put the STI four-door through its pace on tortuous mountain roads where grip, poise and braking power were vital. My top speed rarely crept above 100mph - but it didn't need to. The STI proved itself to be a formidable performer where it matters, growling along normal B-class roads. Handling was pin-sharp and while I needed care to avoid dry-sliding the car on power through hard corners, the STI always felt balanced and under control.

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