Subaru Impreza

Impreza Turbo/WRX

Subaru's Impreza's an impressive performer, but there are cheaper alternatives

Auto Express Car Reviews

June 2002

Rating:

The closest thing to a road-going rally car since the legendary Ford Escort Cosworth and Lancia Delta Integrale, the Impreza is a modern classic. Enthusiasts adore its incredible grip, power and steering, but prices are steep. If you want the grunt but can live without the heritage, here are four alternatives...
SEAT Leon Cupra
With curvy styling, neat packaging and impressive VW Group build quality, the Leon is an excellent medium-car package. The star of the show, though, is the Cupra. Powered by the same 180bhp turbocharged engine as the Audi TT, it wallops to 60mph in only 7.7 seconds. It's cheap new at GBP14,995, but is even more attractive used - the earliest W-reg versions are now less than GBP11,500.
Engine: 1.8-litre petrol turbo. Years: 2000-present. Prices: GBP11,325-14,000
Skoda Octavia RS
What do you call a Skoda that's capable of storming from 0-60mph in less than eight seconds and has a higher top speed than a Lotus Elise? Answer: a bargain, and they don't come any better than the Octavia. It shares the Leon's 180bhp turbo, but has a firmer, more sporty ride. The RS has only been around for a year, so supply is scarce, but a Y-plater costs less than a three-year-old Scooby.
Engine: 1.8-litre petrol turbo. Years: 2001-present. Prices: GBP13,500-14,500
Ford Mondeo ST200
If you'd bought an ST200 in 1999, you'd have lost more than ί¿½13,000 by now. But that's good news for second-hand buyers, because the meanest old-shape Mondeo is a monster. Looks aren't subtle, and nor is the power delivery, with plenty of torque steer as 202bhp is fed through the front wheels. But it's an involving car and illustrates just how good the original Mondeo chassis really was.
Engine: 2.5-litre V6 petrol. Years: 1999-2001 Prices: GBP9,000-12,500
Honda Integra Type R
The Japanese firm's take on the street racer is somewhat different to Subaru's, but just as legendary. The VTEC engine is sensational, providing you keep it on the boil, delivering 217bhp and 0-60mph acceleration of 7.1 seconds, while tactile handling and near-solid suspension provide on-the-limit thrills. And as it's a Honda, it'll be every bit as reliable as your granny's Civic.
Engine: 2.0-litre petrol. Years: 1997-2001 Prices: GBP8,500-14,500