Insurance Group: 40
MPG: 27.4
CO2: 243
0-62 Mph: 5.2 secs
BHP: 296 BHP
Range: 362 miles
PROS: Blistering performance, rally pedigree, hatchback practicality, relatively good value for money
CONS: High running costs, ugly, low-rent interior
The flat-four cylinder 2.5-litre turbo engine offers 296bhp at 6000rpm and 300 lb-ft of torque at 4000rpm. A 0-62 mph time of 5.2 seconds is right up there in supercar territory and the warbling soundtrack of the flat-four engine brings to mind the rallying pedigree of the Impreza’s past.
Considering the car’s low centre of gravity and stiffened suspension setup, the ride is surprisingly supple. The steering is also razor sharp and the car changes direction well thanks to its four-wheel drive system.
The Subaru Impreza 2.5 WRX STI 5dr has an aggressive, thuggish appearance. Its road-hugging stance, bonnet scoop and bulging wheel-arches leave you in no doubt that this car can perform. However its interior is a disappointment. Clearly laid out and practical it may be but it’s far from cutting edge while the materials used for the surfaces and switchgear feel cheap. There’s no lack of equipment though and it includes leather Recaros, climate control, folding mirrors, CD, Bluetooth, MP3 connectivity, cruise control and satellite tracking all as standard. It also comes with alloy wheels, stability control, alarm and immobiliser and front fog lights.
Metallic paint is available as an option (£460).
The car has plenty of rear seat leg-room and headroom for a pair of six-footers. 301-litres of boot space can be turned into 1,216-litres by folding the rear seats flat so there’s little question as to the Impreza’s versatility.
With only a four star Euro NCAP rating, the Subaru trails behind similarly sized competitors but otherwise it comes with plenty of safety kit. Along with driver and passenger airbags the Impreza is fitted with side and curtain airbags, ABS, stability control and traction control.
The Subaru Impreza 2.5 WRX STI 5dr is not cheap at £27,590 but when you consider its performance credentials it could be argued that it's the bargain of the century.
The running costs are high as you would expect from a car like this and you'll struggle to get over 27mpg. CO2 emissions of 243g/km also put the WRX into one of the highest tax bands: L. Group 40 insurance will also be costly.
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