Brave, Strange Or Just Crazy? - The New Subaru Impreza
Sep 27, 2007
Subaru
The jury is still out. But now that the car has arrived in the UK, judgement day for a model that was only recently the darling of performance car enthusiasts across the country has arrived.
While we were lukewarm about the changes to the Impreza after driving it in Japan, we were hopeful the newcomer might appeal to us more once it hit the UK.
Yet first impressions aren’t good. The shape is far from attractive and lacks a sporty edge, traditionally a trademark of Subaru styling. It’s bloated and ungainly, as well as shorter and wider than the old Sport Wagon. The wheelbase is 95mm longer, though, so at least interior space is generous.
Sadly, the cabin itself is a letdown. Bosses say the new model has a premium feel, but we can’t agree. The design is better looking than the outgoing car’s, yet the cheap and brittle plastics simply aren’t up to scratch.
