2008 Impreza 2.0R: turn-in as precise as a surgeon’s blade

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When it comes to the business of reviewing new vehicles, I always like to start with a comparison with the old model. However with the new Subaru Impreza, I was forced to throw out the rule book and start afresh.

Talking about rule books, it seems the Japs have no qualms with throwing theirs out either. Since the launch of the Impreza back in the mid 1990’s it has been a four door saloon, until the 2007 model arrived on the block looking very Mazda hatch-ish.

A brave move no doubt on the styling front. Those raw looking ragged edges will no longer be a trademark Impreza trait…It’s all soft curves and blend-into-the-background features for the new kid on the block.

Now I’m not sure how this will sit with the old faithful of the Impreza Fan Club. Such a car, and more so with the STI version, condured up a cult following all around the world, something few vehicles have managed in the past…and I’m just not sure this Impreza can follow suit.

Subaru Impreza 2.0R

There is method in their madness however, as Subaru’s change came about for rather a clever reason. You see, Subaru are best known in the realm of rallying and more specifically for their success in the World Rally Championship (more info: Subaru Impreza WRC2008).

However in recent times the Subaru World Rally Team have been quite convincingly beaten by the likes of Ford and Citroen in their small hatch-backs.

And so the story goes that back on the drawing boards in Japan it was decided that to rectify the problem they would produce a car just like that of their competitors…

The likeness however is merely skin deep as the new Impreza retains most of the quirks and traits the old faithful found so endearing in the previous models.

Subaru Impreza 2.0R

Subaru’s patented All-Wheel-Drive system is of course standard, as is their renowned four cyclinder boxer engine. They even were so kind as to replicate the rather hack speed job on the interior.

In saying that, the interior is incredibly spacious for a car the size of a Focus. And it’s adequately equipped as well with the usual like climate control, a CD player with iPod connection etc. But there’s nothing new or exciting to write home about.

However to be perfectly honest, I didn’t care what the car looked like or how crumby the interior plastics were once I had driven 100m up the road. This car is a blast to drive.

Subaru Impreza 2.0R

I happen to live next door to possibly the most tight and twisty section of road in the country, found in the Valley of 1000 Hills, and where better to test a car renowned for its handling?

I mean I only had the normally aspirated 2.0l version on the test and so the acceleration is not electric, 0-100km/h in 9.4 seconds. Nor does its top speed of 210km/h have a jaw-dropping effect. But the handling is quite astonishing.

Many journalists have come out saying that the new Impreza is softer than its predecessor, and fair enough, in their effort to become more mainstream they may well have softened the suspension a little. But you sure as hell won’t find any of its competition handling anywhere near as well.

Turn-in is still as precise as a surgeons blade and honestly there are forces far greater than mere gravity keeping the tyres glued to the road. I truly believe my kidneys bumped into each other whilst flying round some corners.

Yes there’s quite a lot of tyre squeel, along with a hint of understeer when approaching the limit…but to get an Impreza to let go of its bear-like grip on the road, you must be clinically insane or have no cognitive recognition of fear.

Put simply there are no rules governing how fast you can enter a corner in the Impreza, it’s all up to how big your cajones are.

Once I had had enough of my tarmac adventure, I moved focus to the Impreza’s home ground, so I tentatively switched off the traction control and hit the first gravel road I could find.

Subaru Impreza 2.0R

Let me be honest here, I’m hardly a brilliant driver, far from it no doubt. But this car can really flatter an ego. Turn hard, hit the throttle and the back steps out ever so easily. Throw on some opposite lock and hold the slide…simple really…and so much fun!

On the other side of all the tyre squeel and hard cornering is a perfectly comfortable family hatch. Cruising on the freeway the car felt smooth and refined, just as it did around town. I was genuinely impressed.

As for the business of price, the 2.0R version I was driving costs R219 000. When compared with the Focus equivalent, the Impreza is R20 000 more. Performace figures are very similar in this range, but I’m convinced the Ford won’t be as much fun to drive.