We say A below par hatchback that's better known as the STI's unwanted little brother.Performance Engines are quite smooth and refined but lack any real punch. They can certainly handle everyday duties, but not much more. Limited WRX versions are very quick off the mark, sprinting to 60mph in 5.7 seconds but they come at a premium.Emissions Emissions and fuel economy figures are generally poor across the entire Impreza range, peaking at 270g/km and 24mpg respectively with the WRX S unit. Generally they hover around 30-40mpg and 170g/km respectively.Driving Subaru has retained its four wheel drive set-up and it generates excellent levels of grip and traction, cornering brilliantly. It’s one of the smallest cars available with all wheel drive which is probably why its CO2 emissions and fuel economy figures are so weak in comparison. Generally, it’s good to drive with steering changing depending on the environment. That means it’s light around town and heavier on the motorway at speed, in theory.Feel Engines are fairly quiet at cruising speeds but getting there is a different story. Road-noise is very well suppressed, but wind-noise is audible even on top of engine whine. It deals with uneven road surfaces comfortably though.Space Seats four adults very comfortably, but a fifth would be pushing it. Bootspace falls short of its closest rivals, but it isn’t the worst in the sector at 301-litres. The rear seats also fold flat, increasing load space.Equipment Climate control, alloy wheels and all-round electric windows come with base models.Price The Subaru Impreza hatchback is priced from £17,000 to a nudge over £20,000 for high-end models. That means it’s competitive in terms of price but it falls away from the rest of the pack if you focus on running costs which are higher than most of its rivals. Residuals are nothing to shout about either.Quality Although the fit and finish is decent, the quality of the interior materials is questionable. It’s more practical than comfortable with lots of hard plastics laid out in a sensible and uncreative manner. Mechanically, the car is solid and should give you no problems.Safety Four-wheel drive is a big plus, but stability control doesn’t come as standard. All the usual airbags are present.Pros The Subaru Impreza is now a practical hatchback. It comes with a useful four-wheel drive system which improves grip as well.Cons The engines are capable and deliver enough power but they don’t hold a candle to any other models on the market in terms of emissions and fuel economy. The interior is also drab.Alternatives Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra
