We say Good to drive; not good to live with. The Impreza is very niche.Performance 158bhp 2-litre model is willing but needs to be pushed. Turbo WRX models are brutally powerful and hit 60mph after just 5.2 seconds and generate 289lb-ft of torque.Emissions The WRX units are horrible in terms of CO2, emitting 257g/km and returning 25mpg on a combined cycle. 2.0-litre versions are marginally better but only just, returning 31mpg and emitting 214g/km in CO2.Driving AWD and suspension make for great handling, but the Impreza isn't the best car available for transporting crockery about.Feel Engines growl pleasingly but the entry-level 2-litre can be a tad noisy at speed, and it needs to be revved hard to get there.Space A little on the tight side in the four-door saloon. The five-door SW model is a hatchback-y estate that gives more space and versatility but the saloon’s boot is just 356-litres in capacity which is more hatchback than saloon.Equipment Electric windows, air conditioning, alloys, central locking and CD player are standard.R Sport trim adds xenon lamps and auto box is an option. WRX STi trim adds leather, sunroof and satnav.Price Fuel economy is poor on all models, and the 2.0-litre 'vanilla' model represents a poor buy. WRX models will hold value better, though drivers will be stung by tax, insurance and fuel costs. List prices start from around £16,000 and peak at around £30,000.Quality The Impreza’s interior looks cheap but should be durable. There’s an obvious sporting edge on the inside as well and all models come with bucket, racing seats and orange-lit speedometers and dials. High-end models get aluminium pedals as well.Safety Four bags and ABS as standard, although all models have four-wheel drive.Pros The Impreza is a performance saloon and with the large engine its sprint time is impressive and brutal.Cons Running costs are ridiculous on the Impreza and there doesn’t seem much point in the 2.0-litre unit given the Subaru’s deficiencies as an everyday run about. If you want a performance car go all out, otherwise there’s no logic to it.Alternatives Mitsubishi Evo
