Subaru's finally released prices for most of the all-new Impreza range, and they don't necessarily make the unusual styling any more palatable. What should make things more attractive, however, are details of the now-confirmed new WRX.The new WRX will be available from November for an expected cost price of around £21,500, followed by a range-topping WRX STi in Spring 2008.
The WRX comes with an updated version of the last car's 2.5-litre turbocharged flat four powerplant. It will pack the same 227bhp as its predecessor, but at 5200rpm instead of 5600rpm, and the same 236lb ft, but at 2800rpm instead of 3600rpm. It'll perform the benchmark 0-60mph sprint in 5.4sec (down from 5.9sec), but fuel economy is down from 27.4 to 27.2mpg, which also means CO2 emissions are up from 244 to 246g/km.
Power is put to the wheels via a five speed manual gearbox, and a centre diff (as on all new Imprezas), but the old WRX's rear viscous limited-slip diff has been swapped for a lighter mechanical one.
Interior space should be much-improved over the old car, thanks to a longer wheelbase. Refinement should also be better; Subaru says it's targeting mainstream rivals such as the Honda Civic, Mazda 3 and VW Golf
The 100bhp Impreza:
At the other end of the range from the WRX is the 1.5 litre 106bhp 1.5R, which starts at £12,495. As with all new Imprezas, it's got all-wheel drive, including a low-range transfer 'box, plus standard equipment that includes alloy wheels, climate control, a CD player, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, foglamps, and driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags. Gearboxes are five-speed manuals or four-speed autos.
It's not quick, at 13.7sec to 60mph and 109mph flat out, but we're expecting it to have the same excellent dynamics as its predecessor. It manages a reasonable 37.7mpg combined. There's also an automatic version for £13,495, which is even slower, at 14.8sec and 104mph, but manages the same economy.
Splash out £14,995 for the 2.0R (£15,995 for the auto) and you get 148bhp and 145lb ft, which lowers the 0-60mph time to 9.2sec (11.3 auto) and the economy to 33.6mpg (34.4). You also get 16-inch alloys (up from 15), xenon lights and heated mirrors.
More upmarket is the 2.0 RX, which comes with front and rear spoilers, side skirts, a chrome exhaust end-cap, a rear bumper diffuser and 17-inch alloys. Inside there's sat-nav, cruise-control and a 10-speaker CD system for £17,495 (£18,495 for the auto).
Grey model is the entry level 1.5R followed by 2.0R in red and Impreza RX is in silver