Skip advert
Advertisement

Subaru Impreza WRX

There was a time when the Subaru Impreza could do no wrong - buyers faced a long waiting list and many would-be owners resorted to importing cars from Japan to jump the queue.

Those who like their Imprezas raw might want to wait for the STi model with 265bhp, a wild bodykit and blue interior. But from our first driving impressions, Scooby fans needn't fear. The latest 'mature' WRX might be more user-friendly, but it still knows how to grow old disgracefully.

There was a time when the Subaru Impreza could do no wrong - buyers faced a long waiting list and many would-be owners resorted to importing cars from Japan to jump the queue.

Advertisement - Article continues below

But the Scooby's reign as Britain's favourite performance machine was short-lived. Rivals' cars became more competitive and, when Subaru gave the Impreza a controversial facelift in 2001, sales nosedived. Dealers offered up to £3,000 off list price to get buyers into the last 'bug-eyed' models.

Subaru's designers went back to the drawing board to come up with this new 2003 model - the company's great white hope. But does it have enough bite? Some enthusiasts fear that the Scooby is growing too soft, so it's essential that Subaru gets it right in Britain this time.

Priced at £19,995, it costs £1,500 less than its predecessor. But can it stir souls in the way the original did? We climbed behind the wheel of the first car in the UK to find out.
The newcomer certainly looks better. Gone are the gawky headlamps and in comes a neater front. Without the deep chin spoiler, the styling could be described as bland - but those waiting for a less sporty Impreza must wait until May to find out, as Subaru is taking the unusual step of launching the performance models first.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Astra

2023 Vauxhall

Astra

11,209 milesAutomaticDiesel1.5L

Cash £21,199
View Astra
EcoSport

2019 Ford

EcoSport

16,963 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £10,495
View EcoSport
Grandland X

2020 Vauxhall

Grandland X

45,973 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £10,495
View Grandland X
e-tron

2023 Audi

e-tron

23,874 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £19,983
View e-tron

The WRX, though, looks purposeful. Flared wheelarches are filled by 17-inch alloys, while the rear sports twin exhaust pipes and a clumsy but effective spoiler. The bonnet scoop is now bigger, too. Inside, there's an updated centre console, improved radio head unit and better quality seat materials.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In terms of ride comfort and ease of use, the WRX is less aggressive than it's ever been. On perfect surfaces, the car's balance and agility are obvious, but whereas rough roads tended to upset the old model, the new one irons out bumps effectively and doesn't bang over potholes. As a result, it's a far more relaxing car for motorway driving.

Power delivery is more refined, too. No longer must you hit 3,000rpm before the turbo thrusts you forward. Instead, thanks to increased boost pressure and a new engine management system, 225bhp is transferred to the wheels sharply yet with the utmost composure throughout the rev range. It may lack the drama of the outgoing machine, but it seems even quicker.

The steering wheel feels alive in your hands, while excellent brakes and a sharp, positive gearbox add to the appeal. In fact, thanks to the smoother throttle, revised shock absorbers and a sharper steering rack, it's now even easier to exploit the Scooby's capabilities. Feed in too much power and the car drifts gently wide. Lift off and the tail wags slightly before tucking neatly back into line with a minimum of fuss.

Control has long been the byword of the Impreza's chassis, and it feels rewarding even if you don't drive the car in a textbook fashion. That means the newcomer is a superb point-to-point machine for enthusiasts. It's also easy enough for the inexperienced to use without being frightened, yet devastatingly quick if driven hard.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,886
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,541 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,158 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 grant for new EVs sold
News
15 Jul 2025