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Rating

Verdict On the ropes

In petrol-land the Impreza WRX is one of the most important cars ever. Imagine a band comprising Mick Jagger, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins and bits of Radiohead. That’s what this car is like to petrolheads.

Like its predecessor, it has a turbocharged engine, 227bhp on tap and four-wheel drive. But unlike its predecessor, it has a 2.5 litre engine and a hatchback body, and is no longer bland to behold. Instead it’s wilfully ugly.

From the moment you set off you realise the Subaru is not set up to be a Lotus Elise with a hatchback. It is super-soft. Much softer than its predecessor. Much softer than a duck-down duvet.

If you press, you will find that the natural tendency is for understeer. It was ever thus in an Impreza: it was one of the things that made it a more rewarding day-to-day companion. But in the new car the understeer arrives too early, and then you fall out of the seat. There are kitchen chairs with more side support.

Of course, being a Subaru, it will be beautifully made, and it really is extremely comfortable, and quiet. But anyone drawn to these qualities will immediately be put off by the looks and low equipment levels. It is, in short, a car that appeals to no one.

Current price £19,995

Price when tested (Dec 2007) £19,995

Engine 2457cc, four cylinders

Power 227bhp @ 5200rpm

Torque 236 lb ft @ 2800rpm

Transmission Five-speed manual

Fuel/CO2 27.2mpg (combined) / 246g/km

0-62mph 6.5sec

Top speed 130mph