When the very first pictures of Subaru’s new flagship Impreza arrived, I can safely say I wasn’t oozing with excitement about seeing one, one motoring journalist said, and I quote, “It’s uglier than a war wound” I wouldn’t go to that extreme, however it certainly was , errm, different. Many believed the car had lost it’s ability to captivate envious 16 year old’s whose goal in life was to own one. When I was a kid I often dreamed of supercars, but the Impreza was right up there with them and seemed a more realistic vision.

I had pretty much lost all hope of discovering anything remotely interesting from the new Impreza. But then I drove the 330s, and my god is it a good car.

The Subaru Impreza was first introduced1993 and ever since then they have been delivering conservative family cars and road going rally cars to boot. However this third generation Impreza seemed to be trying to get away from the modified car image, which was associated with the Impreza, and to pursue a more mainstream, more conservative market. In contrast to its rival the Mitsubishi Evo, the Impreza is increasingly being positioned as a 'practical' performance car.

I had doubts they would ever produce a hard-core Impreza this time round, they had already pulled out of the WRC so was there any point in testing their mechanical capabilities. They introduced the wrx sti, but it still seemed as if it was lacking something. However with the 330s, behind the conservative exterior beats a heart of pure performance.

When you first look at the car it is subtle, as if only a true petrol knows what you have lurking beneath your right foot, I like that. It’s only when you look closer you begin to realize what this cars about. The 330S starts off in life as a WRX STI. Then they add 18-inch wheels, leather Recaros, keyless start and DVD sat-nav. However in the UK we are spoiled with a little more. Once the cars arrive in Britain they are treated by Prodrive, which boosts the power from 300bhp to 325bhp, freer-flowing intercooler piping, performance-friendly catalytic converters and daunting quad exhausts. It looks fabulous.

Upon driving the car what can I say, I love it. The steering is very responsive and the 6-speed short shift manual box is a dream; the clutch is light and the low driving position makes you feel part of the machine, the Recaro seats cradle you nicely behind the controls; however If you are short fat bloke like me and you are not fitted with a Recaro arse, beware. As for the engine, well lets just say it goes, I mean it really goes.

I drove the evo 9 fq 360, and sure the 330s is down on power, but the agile chassis more than make’s up for the EVO’s ballistic pace, and let’s face it, the 330s isn’t exactly slow. The Prodrive kit is what really give’s this car it’s character. But the selling point is that the 330s is 9 grand less than the EVO, 9 grand. Seriously, if you are thinking of having the EVO think twice, buy the 330s and a 2nd hand golf with the change, you know it makes sense.

In this economic crisis you really have to take your hat off to Subaru, they could have quite easily not taken the risk of producing, not just a performance model, but a whole new image for the Impreza, but they did. They had balls and belief that the Subaru faithful would remain and that they could attract a whole new customer. The very car I drove was away within 2 days !!!

What this car is, is a family hatchback which you can take to Asda in perfect comfort and harmony, but also have a good thrash on a Sunday morning. It’s epic, It looks great, it’s more enjoyable to drive than the Evo – and this is from someone who’s always voted Mitsubishi in this great battle, when push comes to shove, it is better equipped and offers excellent value for money. It really is as close to motoring Nirvana as it gets.

Dealer info.

If you are ever looking for a Subaru, new or old, there is only one place you can go. Grieve’s Subaru in Falkirk have a substantial range of models to suit any-one’s needs. They also have the most exclusive of models on show, the 330s and a very rare Richard Burns, one off 2nd Gen WRX, with a very tasty number plate too. Adam and the guys are of the most friendly people I have met, and are more than willing to assist you with all your Subaru needs.

















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