Overview

Thanks to a high profile in rallying, Subaru is well-renowned for its performance cars – in particular the Impreza. You could spot the previous model a mile off with its huge spoiler and booming exhaust, but the firm has taken a different tack and the 2008 Impreza WRX STi is a very different car compared to what went before. For starters it is a rounded hatchback (rather than a four-door boxy saloon) and the extreme styling has been toned down.

As a result it appears more grown up and less like it’s been fitted with aftermarket extras. Unfortunately the interior looks and feels cheap while the unforgiving ride merely highlights the lack of refinement. It is quick of course and the 300bhp 2.5-litre turbocharged engine propels it to 60mph in a mere 4.8 seconds, but ultimately the Impreza STi feels dated and lacks sophistication.