Like other Subarus, the Impreza is conservatively styled and little different in style compared with the previous-generation car. The cabin is very traditional, tasteful and assembled from attractive components. Comfortable seats and good legroom ally to welcome a quartet or adults. The Impreza’s dashboard is stocked with clear gauges and straightforward controls. The direct-injected 2L flat-four is rated at 152 horsepower. Power reaches all four wheels via either a five-speed manual transmission or a CVT. Driven briefly by the APA, the Impreza’s 2L four is quick enough and acceptably refined in normal driving, but does get quite raucous when pushed. The steering is quick and nicely weighted, but vague. The Impreza delivers a cosseting ride and crisp handling that reflect a lot of careful development on the part of Subaru.

The EyeSight active safety suite is standard (and exclusive to) on all Impreza’s equipped with a CVT. The CVT is priced from $1800 (Touring and Convenience) to $2400 (Sport) but also includes the EyeSight safety suite. Moving up from the Convenience trim to the Touring adds auto climate control, alloy wheels, heated fronts seats and steering wheel, a rear-centre armrest, two additional speakers and a windshield-base defroster under the windshield wiper, at a reasonable price. The Sport trim, which adds a sunroof, adaptive L.E.D. headlamps, a power driver’s seat, alloy foot pedals and upgrated fabrics, is very good value. With leather seating, navigations, a Harmon-Kardon audio system and dual-zone climate control, the Sport-tech trim is priced to reflect the value of its additional content. Though the Impreza is considerably cheaper than the Crosstrek that is derived from the Impreza bodyshell, the Crosstrek outsells the Impreza five-to-one.

Predicted reliability is average to above average for the first five years. Subaru engines have historically lacked durability so an extended powertrain warranty is recommended if you plan to keep the car past the five year/100,000 km powertrain warranty. Subaru has supposedly fixed the issues with the engine but the jury is out. Expensive servicing is beyond what owners expect for a car in this class.